"I must bring this up my friends. Our research indicates humankind love their privacy and free speech. Here we don't live under those same kinds of laws. If asked, we must enforce the idea that subversion and or civil war is not even thought of here. How do we explain; if required to explain our day to day living here on Scio," said Mia.
"We try to explain that it's very difficult to describe how we pass the time of day. We're so far advanced that explaining how we go about our daily business is almost as difficult to tell how the Scio use worm holes to far exceed the speed of light."
"How about when they want to know how old we are," asked Iana as she tossed back her full head of thick blonde hair.
"We can talk about organ transplants; including the brain: metal parts that replace our bones. They'll love the idea of a disease free society. Back to the age question Iana, the bible has God's people living five hundred years or more. Here we have cell regeneration and other parts that grow after being lost. These are the simple questions we can answer fairly easy. We can't have the humans digging too deep into Scio and its life forms. That could be the undoing of us all," said Lucas.
"What do you think council members," said the senior member.
"We are treading on thin ice, as the humans say," said another member.
"The future looks promising, but we must remember that humans are unpredictable and the future could be altered to so degree. Our chosen team should be adequate with instilling any fear into humankind from Earth. It'll be a rough adjustment period for humans, but time is always on our side fellow High Council members. I've lost track of how many Earth type planets we've taken under our wing. We boast the word: Contentment. It's in how you view the scene in front of you."
If a Scio had been visible to human eyes, a smile might have been seen on its face? A special few of the Earthlings would have the pleasure of meeting the Scio High Council. They would just have to accept that Scio beings were pure energy without physical form.
Lucas entered his living space to join his mate, Abilio. As usual she greeted him with a hug. He said, "Abilio, it's so nice to feel your warm body. I don't know what I'd do without having you close to me. He gave her two quick winks sending a secret meaning.
Over the centuries Atlantians had to devise a method of communicating between each other. Scio beings could hear what anybody said at anytime a voice was used. Humans had to be prudent with what they said between themselves. For analogy, humans could best understand the blinking comparing it to the old Morse code. It took many years before it was perfected for simple conversation. For Atlantians, it was safer to not speak out against anything that happened on the planet.
"How was your day Lucas," asked Abilio still hugging him. She pulled back and Lucas said, with blinking code:
"Fine my dear. We're putting the finishing touches on our trip to Earth's moon. I'd guess we'll depart in a few weeks time."
"Are you excited to meet some of our fellow humans again," she asked. Through code he replied that all were extremely nervous upon meeting humans for the first time. Humans were a curious lot and some pointed questions could not be answered. If they caught on, suspicion would arise. Nobody knew what would happen when they returned empty handed. Scio history of non-compliance resulted in disappearance.
"I've dinner ready Luke. I found some rabbit in the market so I made some rabbit stew. Why don't you wash up first and let's have a glass of wine," she said while moving off to the kitchen. Luke went to the bathroom and turned on the body cleaner after taking off his clothes. It only took a few minutes. He slipped into a suit of leisure made from soft cotton. After combing his full head of silver hair, he went to the kitchen for dinner.
Their living space was comfortable. It was a one bedroom exactly the same as thousands of others. The planet was huge compared to Earth so space was not a premium. For the most part, residential areas were habited by age group. Younger Atlantians dwelt among others who had children. From an early age the young were encouraged to interact with one another. The Scio lower council would observe and according to mental and physical results, education was directed in that particular field. It was deemed that like individuals would better relate to similar traits than atypical ones.
The upshot was the fact that life on Scio was not bad. It was just a matter of getting used to how life is and will be on Planet Scio. Both Lucas and mate Abilio had adjusted well to life on Scio, but this new phenomenon of Earthlings and former Earthlings meeting on the moon was re-emerging old emotions and thoughts long forgotten; or almost forgotten.
Chapter Seventeen
Matt, Gwen and Mac sat in a conference room with Jerry's solicitors. With Matt was his team of solicitors. It was time to do two things: one was to set up a foundation and the other was to contract with a space company for delivery to the moon. Before the foundation business the topic was Blake Aviation, Starlite and China as the short list for transportation to the moon. The first to speak was Jerry:
"I had a visitor last night late. The American Secretary of State Lois Langlois presented a strong argument for using NASA to take the team to the moon. I told her we would meet tomorrow to discuss her offer. I've read the fax Mac sent with the Blake offer. Let's discuss it first and then on to Starlite and finish up with China and the USA.
Here's my thinking ladies and gentlemen. Without a lot pros and cons, I think I like Blake at this point. One very good reason is they speak English as we do. China, even though they have interpreters and people who speak English, the chance for miscommunication is always at the forefront. The USA is way too political and of course arrogant. Let me clarify that please. The NASA folks are really nice, but the folks who reside at the top take orders from the White House. Starlite is in talks with Blake looking to absorb a marginal company.
That leaves in my book, Blake and there offer is certainly reasonable. Certainly they're looking down the road for big bucks to roll in and more power to them. For me and for you I would like a safe trip for you all. Let me add that goes for both coming and going."
Nobody said a word. The solicitors were looking at copies of Blake's offer as if the decision had already been made. Matt cleared his throat and said, "I'd or we'd like a few minutes alone with our lawyers to discuss this situation that Jerry brought to the table."
Sitting in a much smaller conference room Matt, Gwen and Mac sat with their two lawyers. Matt looked at Gwen and said, "What do you think my love?"
"I don't like any of them, frankly speaking. However, we've gone too far now to turn back. I'll go with the flow Tall Man."
Matt looked at Mac and Mac said, "Let's go with Blake. At least we know most everything about him and his company. If nothing else, he's worked the hardest to obtain this contract. I'm getting tired of seeing his spies hanging around all the time,'' as they all broke up laughing taking the edge off a stressful meeting.
"Okay, we go with Blake and now let's get the foundation ironed out," said Matt standing up ready to put an end to a part of this business he could do without. He'd rather be on the yacht with Gwen scuba diving, eating and making love.
Back in the main conference room Jerry had the solicitors laughing at his humor. Few could say he was unlikeable and after making a ton of money, was very liberal with his foundation. One thing Matt found out was even though his foundation was generous; it also demanded written documentation to justify the grant. No scammers had ever taken advantage of his foundation to date. Jerry employed security and onsite inspections were common place for prospective applicants.
For the next hour or so, all parties came to an agreement just at lunch time. It appeared everybody was happy. Barry, waiting patiently for the foundations name, finally heard its new name: The Atlantis Foundation. It was simple but defined a solved mystery that had been tossed around for thousands of years. Gwen thought it would pay homage to a lost civilization.
After lunch they returned to the museum for an afternoon of peace and quiet; or so they thought. Liz had left
a message to contact her ASAP. Gwen's first thought was somebody was badly hurt or died. Liz was ecstatic when Gwen called her cell phone. She said, "We hit the jackpot Gwen. We're bringing up so much stuff it's not funny. We've got jewelry, pots, coins, and tons of other stuff."
"My god Liz. I'm flabbergasted and at the same time so happy. I just knew there were more artifacts down there. Let's get some tight security on your discovery. Talk to Sid he'll know what to do. In the meantime, I'll tell the others and get back to you very soon. Good job Liz," said a pleased Gwen.
Gwen related what Liz told her about some of the different artifacts found. Mac was interested in any writing that might have been discovered on stone or any other place. Matt he just sat back with a grin on his face telling all that indeed they had a winner here. The jewelry piqued Gwen's curiosity wondering what, if anything was special about the jewelry.
Nevertheless, this news would be welcomed across the world. Now more than ever humans would want to make contact with the Scio civilization. The most curious would want to meet and talk to Atlantians who had ancestors living on Atlantis 12, 000 years ago. Surely they would have kept a written record of the initial beginning living on Scio. Tracing ones genealogy back that far would be educational and of much interest to visualizing a family tree so vast it would take a wall to show all of the branches.
While sitting there discussing the new discovery, Mac was alerted to a phone call by Lisa. Nobody paid much attention to his call until he walked back and said, "That was Sir Blake CEO of Blake Aviation. He'd like to take us all to dinner tonight if we want to go."
Everyone looked at each other and finally Gwen said, "I think we should pass on the first meeting having a dinner. Tell him if he would like to meet us, tomorrow at 9:00 am would be good."
"I agree," said Matt. "We need to prepare ourselves and have Jerry here with us when he arrives. Also our attorneys should participate as well."
Mac said, "Let me call him back and tell him what we just talked about."
Matt watched Mac talk to Sir Blake and in a few short seconds, return to the table with a nod. With the 9 am meeting set for the next day, they sat discussing what to do about security and the protection of the new artifacts of Atlantis. It was decided that Barry would fly down there and take charge of the artifacts. Also he would need to meet with the Spanish antiquities people notifying them of the recent discovery. Matt suggested Barry contact their Spanish attorneys to make sure nothing went awry.
Barry was inwardly excited about going to Spain and to actually visit an archeological site. He also thought seeing Liz away from the loft or museum might light a fire in their stagnant relationship. He hoped it wasn't just wishful thinking on his part.
The 'A' team had pizza sent in for dinner. Mac had an announcement to make and to tell the team his wife Shirley was coming to join in their pizza frenzy. It was Gwen's idea as she was craving cheese due to her expectancy.
Shirley arrived at the same time as the pizza. Lisa and Diane had cans of coke set out along with glasses with ice. Gwen told everyone she had to have a coke in a glass with ice. Matt almost fell to the floor laughing so hard. An outsider would think that all of people in that room were really enjoying life to the fullest. Under different circumstances, without an alien life form directly involved in an historic discovery, the good time would continue to roll on. However, as Gwen felt in her bones, a foreboding happening on the moon. She felt a cold chill thinking about it.
After pizza, Mac said, "My wife and I have decided to take Matt and Gwen's offer of joining their foundation. I talked to my director and he told me that they would put a hold on my position here for a year to see how all worked out. Both Shirley and I have been looking for a change and we think this is a good opportunity to join a fine bunch of people."
~~~~~~
"Well boys," said Sir Blake. "It appears we're in the driver's seat, or pilot's seat, no pun intended, for the transportation to the moon. I've a meeting with them in the morning. If need be we can sweeten the pot a little. I realize we haven't actually landed anyone on the moon and returned, but that is a mere formality I think."
He stopped to take a sip of expensive wine. They were at his stuffy men's club having dinner. James and his brother thought the place reeked of old men's smell and cigars. The wine captain was rail thin and was missing a hand. He'd lost the hand in the Second World War Now he had hook sticking out of his white shirt cuff. He was a master of using his hook to take out the wine cork. It was specially designed with a tight curl on the end. When he first used it to remove a cork, it was entirely unique and the phenomenon was on Sunday news item complete with picture decades ago. Now it was old hat; but occasionally a member brought a guest who was duly impressed.
"Uncle, I'm sure you're aware that this generous offer to fly the team to the moon and back is very expensive. Can we really afford to do it so cheap," asked James.
"I'm glad you asked that James. I talked to our primary banker today and he felt confident that the board would agree to the additional funds we'll need. The upside is the potential for the future in space travel. I can see a moon base and more space stations being constructed as time goes on. Yes, the downside is the additional debt load. Also the takeover of Starlite will weigh us down for awhile. We must think positive and act according to the times. Blake Aviation will be the front runner in space travel," replied Sir Blake.
Dinner came along with the flapping of cloth napkins. Silence with all eyes on the fine looking plate of Scottish Salmon, with asparagus spears alongside tiny baby potatoes.
Sir Blake said a silent prayer and with manners fitting his title delicately attacked the dish.
~~~~~
The meeting took place at the museum in a conference room at precisely 9 am. On one side of the table sat the A team with two solicitors and across sat Sir Blake, his two nephews, Jack and James and two of their solicitors. Mac was the facilitator of record.
Introduction around, Jack Blake looked at his twin with the common wave length noting what a beauty Gwen Sharlott was. They'd seen photos but only from a distance. Up close she was striking with long blonde hair. Not only that, but her piercing eyes denoted intelligence. Both thought that the biggest hurdle for Blake would be her.
Mac said, "Sir Blake, let's hear your argument for Blake Aviation being the choice to transfer the team to the moon?"
"First, let me thank you for this opportunity to present our program. I'll not beat around the bush, but tell you why we want this opportunity. One is for Blake being the pioneer space transportation agency for both scientific and business reasons. The other is that during these bleak economic times we can provide a boast in employment lighting the fires of a new region of opportunity."
"Matt do you have any questions with the opening statement," said Mac.
"Sir Blake, our mission is pure scientific in nature. We need a reliable system to transport us to the moon and back again safely. We don't begrudge you for seeking revenue, or for making a profit. We agree that the world economy would receive a kick start with the advent of space exploration. I see by your contract that you're prepared to transport us for gratis. Are we clear on that part of the agreement?"
"Yes, Matt, we are prepared to make our service without any charge. We'd like to reserve the right to exploit the preparations and the training that will be needed before liftoff. We'd like to do some advertising, but limit the personal interviews to a minimum," said Sir Blake.
Matt saw Gwen needing to say something. He nodded to her. "We know your company has placed satellites in orbit around the planet. What can you say to assure us you have the ability to land on the moon and then lift off again," Gwen asked.
"We've had in reserve a lunar module capable of landing eight astronauts on the moon. That technology, Gwen, is almost a half century old. We're confident of our success to deliver you and your team to the moon and back again safely," said Sir Blake.
"How much training do we need before liftoff," as
ked Gwen?
"We think thirty days would be enough for fit people like you," said Sir Blake.
"At this point Sir Blake, Gwen and I are the only ones set to go. It was asked of us that a worldwide lotto be instituted for the remaining four people. Of course some parameters need instituting before being offered. Our lawyers are working on that as we meet today. Mac, do you have any questions?"
"As our team will be underground what will the pilot and co-pilot be doing?"
"They will remain in the shuttle," said Sir Blake.
"Okay gentlemen, let's call it a good meeting and take with us what was presented today. I'm sure we'll have some additional questions so please be available in the near future," said Matt standing up to end the meeting.
After handshakes around, Blake and Co. left happy, it appeared to Gwen. They sat back down to talk about what was discussed. Lisa and Diane brought some coffee and biscuits to munch on. Gwen said, "I think Sir Blake is a little slimy, but presents a good case. His two nephews would probably be better to negotiate with than their uncle. I don't know Tall Man, what do you think?"
"Jerry told me before the meeting for us not to make a decision until we heard from the American secretary of state. They'll be here at 11 am. That's thirty minutes from now."
"Mac, said Matt. "What do you have to say about the meeting?"
"I’m with Gwen. We're about to hear the political side after the private business proposal. Politics and I don't mix well. Let's see what happens very soon," said Mac.
At 11 am Jerry and the American Secretary of State Lois Langlois entered the conference room. Gwen hardly recognized her from pictures on the TV or internet. She was much shorter and looked much younger in real life. Even though she was bumping 60 she walked with purpose standing straight. Her hair was her best asset. It was salt and pepper, short and neatly styled. A good cut for wash and wear, Gwen thought.
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