"No, I'm fine and so is all the rest of the team. There're some major decisions we need to make and I really need to discuss them with you. What say you to come back to London soonest?"
"I can do that very quickly. I think I'll leave Liz with JB as she could use the experience. They've discovered a few more artifacts that would indicate the site is confirmed at being the lost continent of Atlantis. That spy fishing boat is gone. We're alone out here. I'll have the speed boat take me in and fly out tonight."
He told her about dinner with Jerry that night and some of the suggestions that were put on the table. He knew she would take a hard look at each idea and have some input later. "Hard Body, take care and see you tonight when you arrive. Barry and I will pick you up. Call me or text me your ETA. Love you."
Gwen put her phone in her pocket and cast her eyes around the sea taking in the clear spring day. A breeze was blowing making the water a little choppy, but not blowing hard enough to indicate a storm coming. Gwen felt best when on a water site loving the salt smell and clean air. She wondered if the Scio Planet had oceans such as we have on earth."
++++++
After Jerry left, Matt called his lawyers; or as they're named here in the UK, solicitors. He briefed Geoff telling him Jerry's solicitors would be in contact soon about forming a foundation.
With that taken care of he turned his attention to the contractor who might be taking the representatives to the moon. Matt wasn't comfortable with using either government or private industry to shuttle them to the moon. Governments were notorious for having agendas not designed for the job at hand. Private companies weren’t much better. What scared Matt was a private company cutting costs wherever possible. Safety was tantamount for success upon showing earth's capability for space flight. Regardless, a choice would have to be made.
With Russia and the USA as a joint effort of the space station, it might be worth looking in that direction. Matt had his bankers run a financial check on Blake Aviation. A special delivery by messenger was hand delivered to him. On the surface, it appeared Blake Aviation was sound. But as his banker pointed out, Sir Edward Blake, majority stock holder and CEO, mentioned that the company was walking a tight rope with its creditors. He also told him that if Blake was chosen as the space transporter the future would be secure for that company.
Barry asked Matt to join Zig and the website designer Robbie Malcom, for a go or no go on a website. Matt listened attentively to Robbie and then said, "Look guys, you know better than me. Barry you make the decision and now we need a name for a foundation. I'd like it related to Atlantis in some way. Good luck. Gwen is flying in late tonight. Barry I'll need you to drive me to the airport. I'll let you know what time."
Matt left and Zig said, "He seems a little uptight Barry. The pressure must be staggering for him and Gwen. Robbie, let's make this website and foundation really something special."
"I'm on top of it Zig. I've got some clip art and space images to merge together. With your help and some other guys we can make this website rock," said Robbie.
"I've got to contact Alice so if you'll excuse me, Zig and Robbie, I'll see you tomorrow or whenever. Keep in touch," said Barry.
++++++
A meeting was taking place on Planet Scio between descendants of Atlantis and the Council of Scio. Assembled were six Atlantis men and women and the three High Council members of Scio.
"Lucas, as you're the senior of your people you will be the leader of the expedition to Earth's moon. Are you prepared to leave at anytime the earthlings land on the moon," asked one of the council members.
"Yes we are High Council," Lucas said while performing a neck bow. "We've memorized your instructions and answer to their questions. We are excited to meet some of our ancestors from earth.
"You are forbidden to describe what we look like as they would not understand what you're saying. Let that be a learning experience when they come to Scio."
"To satisfy their curiosity we'll describe Scio beings appear much as we humans do. That should satisfy the Earth people. With our visual presentation all of their questions should be answered. They fear Scio's intention of contact. They will want to know why you left clues and a method of contact."
"Let me say once again Lucas. Our main reason is to let the Planet Earth heal itself from being ravished for thousands of years. The planet has excellent potential for our people and others to take a holiday. It has most everything one could wish for: mountains full of forests and animals; oceans teaming with a variety of fish; rivers also full of fish; and vast deserts along with tropical rainforests. What more could a human want to experience? However, Earth is on the brink of destruction. It's time for a change."
"But we here have all of those kinds of things very similar to Earths geography and habitat," said Lucas.
"Lucas and the rest of you, it's a new place with the potential to increase our position in the universe," said the High Council.
"Excuse me High Council, but where we would put the billions of earthlings," asked Lucas.
"We have a planet in mind where human kind can reflect on their past. That's all we have to say at the moment. You are dismissed."
++++++
At the Savoy, it appeared Jerry had regained his strength from a long flight. He looked refreshed and full of vigor, thought Matt. They were seated in a small banquet room for privacy. All of the museum staff was there including the wife of Mac. Her name was Shirley looking like a happy person obviously in love with her husband. Both seem to hang onto each other; her especially.
Matt enjoyed meeting her and found Shirley both attractive and intelligent as they discussed the weather and family. Jerry displayed to everyone he was personable and generous. He spoke highly of his wife back home taking care of the everyday business of their foundation.
Jerry said, "Matt have you come to any conclusions about the foundation?"
"My thinking is this Jerry. But before we make any decision I'll wait for my significant one and future wife to present her thoughts. She is flying back tonight from Spain. I like the idea of a foundation including both of us under a new foundation using Atlantis as a backdrop. I'm not sure I know what I'm saying but I'm relying on you for assistance."
"Whatever you decide Matt is fine with me. I'll help in any way I can. The main issue I see facing you is the traveling to the moon. The American secretary of state wants a meeting with me tomorrow. I'm sure she is using me as a buffer or go-between. Her thinking is that I've influence over you to choose a method or a firm to transport the team to the moon. Using the word 'firm' loosely meant any private or government capable of transporting people to the moon and back again. Once one of those representatives sink their teeth into you it's worse that pit bull trying to pry the jaws open for release. I think I'd rather go with a private firm rather than a government which always comes with strings attached."
"Thanks Jerry. You've been a big help and I'm sure we'll come to rely on you more and more as time goes on. I know little about politics, but have enough experience with business to make a proper judgment. I'll be glad when Gwen returns as she is my devil's advocate with excellent premonitions."
"No pun intended by I'm ready to savor the Savoy's excellent menu. I hear Matt you know your wines. So perhaps you'll be so good to choose our wines?"
"I'd love to Jerry. Let me look over the wine list," said Matt.
Gwen's flight arrived at just after 1 am. A heavy cloud cover trapped the pollution resulting in an unpleasant smell of vehicle emissions of ground transportation and the constant arrival and take off of aircraft at Heathrow.
Gwen didn't have any check in bags so she rushed to the exit grinning at her Tall Man. Soon they were chatting in the back of the van as Barry drove home.
"Start at the beginning father to be. No, not positive, but I never felt like this before," she said while holding his hand. "It would appear I'll be the first expectant mother to fly in space. So, father of our child, what do you think about all t
his change coming at once into our lives?"
"Frankly speaking, my love, I'm in over my head on all accounts; especially the father to be account," he chuckled. "But my dear, I couldn't be happier. Of course I wish my parents were alive to enjoy a grandchild, but such is life. As far as our discovery goes, it would seem a lot has happened since you left. Let's talk about that later, if you can wait. I'd like to digest being a daddy for a little while. Honestly speaking, I know nothing about being a father. However, it's nice I've some time to bone up. Tell me, what do you feel inside you; if anything?"
"I don't think it's a physical thing so much; maybe a little, but I think my chemistry is being affected and in return that feeling stirs up the mental mother side of humans. Simply put, I feel like I'm going to reproduce. It feels good Tall Man. Do we have any ice cream at home," she asked laughing into his big shoulder.
Barry said, "Gladys is way ahead of you Gwen. She's got at least four different kinds of ice cream and a giant jar of pickles." That led to the three of them laughing so hard Barry almost ran a red light; even though no traffic was in sight.
With Liz and JB gone the loft seemed rather quiet. Gladys was up fussing around the kitchen when Barry buzzed the loft. Their security was still in place both downstairs and upstairs. Gladys gave Gwen a hug and took her by the arm to the living area that had recently been stocked with some new sofas. One big one and one smaller sat two. Gwen plopped down in the big sofa and stretched her legs out letting out a big sigh. Matt had taken her back pack to the bedroom and returned to check his mail.
Gwen chose macadamia nut swirl for her ice cream. Matt politely refused and Barry chose the dark chocolate fudge with almonds. Barry wolfed it down like there was no tomorrow while Gwen said, "Hey Barry, you're the one acting PG and not me gulping down ice cream."
"I'm just getting started. I'm going to have some of all we got. Maybe vicariously I'm with you for the experience of a life time," he said.
"Amen to that," said Gladys as she waved good night and left for bed.
Matt came over and sat with Gwen. She handed him her empty bowl and he cocked his head and asked, "You want a refill or are you too lazy to get up and take it to the sink," he said grinning.
"Take it to the sink please and when you return, help me up. I'm bushed and need a few hours sleep."
By the time both Gwen and Matt came out of their bedroom, she was up to date in detail on everything that had transpired since she left. She asked him a few questions about personalities, namely Jerry and Mac wife Shirley, but other than that, a hearty breakfast helped start a productive day, she hoped.
Barry drove to the museum as usual. He reminded Matt that Alice would probably be back in the city later today. Barry parked in a car park near the museum. It was just a short walk just long enough to get the juices flowing for the morning. For a change, a sparkling April day welcomed Gwen back to the fold.
Mac was happy to see Gwen return. Mac realized how much more relaxed Matt was when she was nearby. He wondered if the same was true with his wife Shirley when they were out and about. Once the greetings were out of the way, Mac said, "Jerry would like you and Gwen to meet him at his solicitor's office at ten am. He'd like a sit down with you and Gwen. He told me that you are welcome to bring your own solicitors with you."
"Thanks Mac and we'd like for you to accompany us if you would and have time," said Matt.
"No problem. There's nothing special for me to do right now this am anyway. By the way," as Mac picked up a manila folder, marked urgent and confidential to Matt Holmes, "this arrived early this morning." He handed it to Matt. Gwen peered over his arm to see it was from Blake Aviation.
"Well, let's see what it has to say," as he sat down at the conference table. Gwen and Mac sat across from him. Gwen knew better than to read over someone's shoulder. "It looks straight forward without any attachments to speak of. Here you guys take a look," as he slid the document over to Gwen.
After reading the cover letter she passed it on to Mac. After quickly scanning about ten pages, she looked up at Matt and shrugged her shoulders. He smiled at her and said, "That's why we pay the lawyers big bucks my love."
They drank some coffee; Barry had talked to Zig and Robbie. He said "They were working hard on the website and to please hurry with the name of the foundation."
.Matt and Gwen were barely listening. Earlier they had discussed faster than light travel. Gwen said, while Mac listened, "I can't imagine the Scio people are waiting for us on the moon. That would mean after we sent a message, they would travel 2.5 million light years to the moon to see us?"
Mac looked at Matt. Matt nodded. "This is pure science fiction to assume we send a message and shortly thereafter, here comes the welcoming party. The first time I read about it was in the Dune series written by Frank Herbert. In his book they folded space, much like some scientists are saying with worm holes, to travel vast distances in a blink of an eye. We can talk about it all day long but in the end --- 'seeing is believing'. Matt what do you think of Blake Aviation's proposal?"
"What I see would be like asking a body shop for an estimate on damages from an auto wreck. Insurance companies want three estimates of cost. Can this policy be applied to space travel?"
Gwen said, "I guess we need to listen and learn. I'd also guess that in a few hours we'll know more than we do now. I've a feeling some powerful people are set to try and exploit or benefit from our discovery. If this gets to the point of affecting my or our health, then forget it. To tell you the truth, I've a bad feeling about this whole Scio/Atlantis thing. Why would the Scio beings be interested in this planet or its people?
Look guys, Lucy, discovered by Johansen in Africa, is our oldest known hominid at around 3.5 million years old. We'd have to assume there were others as she just didn't pop out of a tree. As we follow the human record, it took mankind 3 million years to discover the wheel. For another thing, of what practical purpose could we be to the Scio folks? Are we fodder for hungry aliens; are we slaves for their use; are we test subjects for some hidden agenda; and most important, in my mind is why don't they just land on the moon and make arrangements to visit us? Why do we have to go to the moon, find some hidden communication device, and then wait until they show up for a meeting? I'm sorry guys but the more I think about this the less I like it."
"I guess you said your piece my dear," said Matt. "I sure can't argue any of your points and, as you well know, have come to respect your intuition on important matters. Mac, what do you think?"
"All of the points Gwen raised are very real indeed. At first I thought it was pure intellectual and scientific from the beginning of your discoveries. We're dealing with a civilization far beyond our knowledge of advancement. I think it's foolish to speculate why the contact and the methods are being used to communicate. As we sit here reading the newspapers, which are full of speculation, as you well know, guessing the exact second a rain drop will fall on the sidewalk is impossible. Having said that, I guess we have to trust our instincts. Gwen has reservations, me too, for that matter, but we must continue or is it too late to decline. We could foil the code and no one would be the wiser."
"Somebody would find the truth as to what we did. Back in our history, Nixon thought he could snoop into Watergate. If he were alive today, he would think he was ratted out, believing he was totally within the law of the land. No, I think it's too late for us to back out. To each our own thinking. Now I think it's time we met the lawyers," said Matt.
Chapter Sixteen
The six chosen team of Atlantis people were having a meeting discussing the upcoming trip to Earth's moon. On one side of the unique rock conference table sat three women, Mia, Kira and Iana. On the other side were Lucas, Zorian and Jovan. Lucas being senior said, "I sure hope we're ready and set to meet our ancestors on our old moon. It will be up to us to set the humans at ease. If they suspect anything that might be construed as exploitation of either themselves or Earth, we're in big trouble. Our job will be to con
vince humans we mean no harm and in fact that is the truth. If they ask where are they invited to, then once again, the truth: Scio is the destination?"
"Obviously they'll want to know what they'll be doing while visiting Scio," said Mia, Lucas counterpart on the female side of the Council of Contentment. Many generations ago, the Scio High Council, appointed six human members from the Land of Contentment to represent the human race. It wasn't uncommon for a former Earth human to live five hundred Earth years on Scio.
"Yes they will," said Zorian. "Also they'll want to know what we've been doing these last ten thousand years or more. We have the video tape showing our people working and enjoying themselves. However, that is rather mundane, don't you think?"
Kira said, "We need to use the educational side of the equation. Balance work with knowledge. I've no doubt they will bring up the robot issue or cyborg kind of thing. For all intense and purposes, we must not raise the idea of conflict."
"What about religion?" asked Iana. How do we handle that complicated subject? If asked, do we believe in God, what do we say?"
"We can't tell them that we're going to split the Christians from the Muslins. If we say one religious group, the Muslims will live on one planet and the Christians on another, will, as the humans say, rock their boat."
"We have to be smooth and reply something like this; we've found that religion works best if rival beliefs don't live next door to each other. We have so many planets to choose from. Nobody needs to war against another faction," said Lucas.
"You all know that Zorian, in Latin, means happy. I'd like to believe that is true. We have lived well under the Scio parameters. There's no reason Earth's humans can't enjoy the same things we do."
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