Lost Continent

by Waggoner, Robert C.

  Alice jumped in saying, "Excuse me Kira, but would you have a plan to show us as to how this education would be implemented?"

  ""Yes, we do," said Jovan. Simply put we would begin by having an exchange program installed. It's really a simple matter for us to land a space ship on Earth. Scio did it this way to prevent panic on your planet. Seeing a spaceship land on a site predetermined would cause untold confusion. This way we can present a plan and hopefully all agree to it."

  Matt said, "Lucas, we seem to have gotten off the beaten track a little. Please continue your overview."

  "In actual fact Matt, all of what is asked or responded to is relative." Matt had noticed that when Lucas looked directly at him he would blink every so often as if something was in his eye. He also noticed when the Atlantians looked at one another the same blinking would occur. He was puzzled, but would not say anything at the present time.

  "We travel through space by creating a worm hole that in theory folds space. I don't understand it, but its safe is all we care about. It took us only about ten hours to travel here from Scio. It's safe to say my new friends, the Scio beings are light years ahead of us mere humans. It's also safe to say we have learned and evolved at a much faster rate than if we'd stayed on Earth. I see raised eyebrows and some frowns around the table. Let me assure you Scio is no utopia, but not far from it. For example, a geologist will have a field day with new minerals; a biologist the same idea and on and on for any field imaginable."

  "If it's alright with you Lucas, we need to report to Earth telling them we are safe and sound underground in an Earth type environment. Also I feel extremely tired and would imagine the rest of us feel the same. Would it be acceptable for us to take a few hours rest," asked Matt.

  "My yes Matt. We have rooms for couples or singles. The robots will help you in any way you desire. There're showers with hot water, believe it or not. We don't know how, but who's to argue," Lucas said with a warm smile.

  Zorian said, "When you are rested we can have dinner. Don't worry about having only one choice, you can have what you desire. Rest well fellow humans."

  Lucas said, "Oh by the way Matt. We have a communication system you can use to call your friends on Earth. We try to think of everything. Follow me I'll show you the transmission room.

  Matt was amazed as he entered a room full of electronics. No doubt there were computers here, but all he could see was dark squares lined up every so often with chairs in front waiting for a customer. Lucas showed Matt a room with a communicating system similar to the one of their ship. Matt sat down and called mission control. They answered right away. Matt wondered how they knew the frequency and so on. He shrugged it off and said, "We are fine here on the moon. We are in an underground cavern with breathable oxygen, or I should say, the same conditions we experience on Earth. Our hosts have made us feel welcome. One of us will send a report later as time goes on. For now we are going to rest and then continue our discussions. Moon out."

  "Thanks Lucas," said Matt as he walked back out. Now I'm really tired and need a rest." They walked back to the main area and Matt saw Gwen standing in front of a door with a robot waiting for orders. The door slid open and they entered a spacious room with a large bed. The robot stayed outside. In no time they both went out to experience a dreamless sleep.

  It was like an alarm clock went off. After three hours of good sleep, both Matt and Gwen woke up at the same time. Later they found out all of the team woke up at the same time. Gwen whispered into Matt's ear, "What did we get ourselves into here my Tall Man?"

  "Damn if I know, but let's ride it out for awhile. We've nothing to lose and everything to gain. Science will increase exponentially with this new knowledge. Mankind should profit from this contact. Now let's see what the next meeting brings."

  Gwen took a long look around their room. It was a circle like all things Scio, it would seem. The color was hard to describe, but it appeared bluish silver. It was warm to the touch and when pushed by a finger, it was somewhat soft. The bathroom had a waterless toilet and a round shower with plenty of hot water. After a wash up, they ventured out to meet the Atlantians again. Matt and Gwen both were very hungry.

  It was as if they had never taken a rest. The Atlantians looked exactly the same with the same clothes on. Both teams sat at the table and Lucas said, "I know you're hungry so let's order some dinner. Each of you can tell me what you want and I'll relay it to a robot. Order what you like as the cook is amazing. Laughter erupted. Matt said, "I'll have steak and eggs with toast and strawberry jam please." And so it went around the table.

  True to their word, each had what they ordered. The A team were in awe of what was presented in front of them. Afterwards coffee or tea was served. Gwen asked, "Do you have any ice cream?"

  Lucas said, "We know you're with child Gwen. Yes, what flavor would you like?"

  "I'd like cookies and cream please." The entire A team nodded and Lucas sent the robot to the ice cream store.

  After dessert Lucas said they would adjourn to the communications room for a video of Scio. Very comfortable arm chairs sat in front of a very large screen. Iana used a remote and soon a picture of Scio from space was upon the screen. Alice said, "Now you have my attention. My colleagues would give an arm for this view I'm seeing right now. Christmas comes early to the moon thanks to the Scio folks."

  Similar to Earth, the Planet Scio was blue in color with weather patterns across the planet; only much larger than Earth. The video panned around the planet and here and there cities could be seen on huge land masses. It was totally quiet in the room as Lucas and his team let the earthlings enjoy the video. Lucas noticed the earthlings were watching with a keen eye. He so wanted to spill the truth, but realized he would be punished and banished in a few seconds.

  Bernie said, "Can you give us an idea how big Scio is compared to Earth."

  "Indeed yes," said Jovan. "Earth is about 8 thousand miles in diameter. Scio is about 32 thousand miles in diameter."

  "I presume that Scio has an atmosphere similar to Earth," asked James.

  "Once again you're right James. Scio has a very similar atmosphere and about the same gravity also," answered Jovan.

  The video took a side trip around the three moons. Dome like structures could be seen sprawling and dotting the three moons. "I'd guess under all those domes life lives there," asked Chora. As a sociologist, she was very interested in what was considered family/community and culture.

  "Yes, millions live under those domes. Mining is the main industry. Agriculture is second to feed the population," said Zorian. "Also, believe it or not, domestic animals are raised underground for food. Someday we hope you can visit there."

  The video turned back to Scio proper zooming in on a large domed city. Gwen was puzzled why the city was under a complete cover. She asked, "Why the cover or dome over the city. It appears to stretch for miles in all direction with a special high dome in the center."

  Lucas answered, "Scio has a weak ozone layer. UV light, as you know is harmful to all life forms; if left unchecked. Our dome cities are completely UV free with the atmosphere equal to the outside. Yes, the air inside is manufactured by machine; it's virtually no different than outside the domes. I really can't explain it very well Gwen."

  "Let's see the video develop and thanks for the answer Lucas." The video flew over the city and then towards a distant mountain range. Very similar to Earth, the lowlands had rivers running through pasture land. The camera was too high to view much ground detail, but animals could be seen, but not identified. The pastures turned to hill wooded with broadleaf trees and then up the forested mountains. All agreed the view was pristine perfect.

  From the mountains to the ocean that rimmed the capital city of Scioty. Lucas used the word capital to acknowledge where the High Council resided. The ocean was gigantic, James thought. The Pacific Ocean was Earth's largest and by all accounts this water mass would swallow all seven of the oceans on Earth. The video fast forward to a land mas
s coming up. Lucas told them this was a continent opposite from Scioty. Here was almost an equal sized domed city appearing very much like Scioty. The only difference was a gigantic port with domed ships docked next to large domed warehouses or factories.

  The team was told that fishing was their main industry here. Zorian proudly stated that fish from here were sent to other worlds for consumption.

  The video continued circling Scio with the landmass changing very little. On the backside one third of Scio, a barren desert appeared. It really looked like no man's land. Matt asked, "This appears like our African desert and somewhat like where James Tompson comes from."

  "Yes, this region is uninhabited by any living thing. At one time, we're told, this area was fertile until a large meteor hit. You'll see the crater soon," said Lucas.

  James gave a shudder thinking how desolate that region appeared. He was keen to see what minerals made up Scio. Also, how they manufactured that exotic metal he saw pictures of. Lucas said, "Our next stop is a coastal area rich in fish comprising hundred of islands. You could say this area resembles South East Asia."

  "I don't see any domed dwellings Lucas. Are these islands uninhabited," asked Gwen.

  "Yes, for the most part they are left in a pristine natural state. A few of the bigger islands have small cities where fishing is the main industry," said Lucas. It wasn't long before some bigger islands had a few cities cleverly blending into the land. It was noticed by all that even the fishing boats had domes.

  Finally they came full circle back to the main city where the video ended. Lucas said, "We've more but for now we can relax and answer some of your questions, if we can. Please remember, we don't know everything. The High Council tell us what we need to know is my belief."

  ~~~~~

  The High Council was viewing the moon base along with what was occurring. One member said, "At this point in time, I see nothing out of the ordinary occurring. It appears we are advancing according to schedule."

  "Yes, I concur. All is well so far. Now, Lucas will broach the subject of transportation to our worlds."

  The third member said, "In my opinion these earthlings are not stupid. I see six fine examples just waiting for us to fill up their brains with new ideas."

  "We must be cautious and not underestimate the earthlings. The last thing we need is a rebellion on our hands. Let's see what develops. I think the member who is with child will go back to Earth with her mate."

  "Be that as it may, we've billions to work with without those two. However, they are recent celebrities and people will seek their advice."

  +++++

  On the moon, James said, while they were taking a break after the video, "I've been taking notes Matt. I'd like for you to review my notes to see if I've left anything important out. I'll send this back to Australia for all to see and read. Our country is excited I'm one of the chosen few."

  Matt took the notebook and read the first page. "Make sure no one can see this writing. Cover it the best you can without being obvious. I think I've figured out the eye blinking of the Atlantians. My father was a ham radio nut. I grew up listening to voices and Morse code from around the world. The Atlantians are blinking to us in Morse code. They say we are being watched and listened to at all time. There is little danger, but they want humans from Earth to populate some of their other worlds in the Andromeda system. Earth is headed for environmental disaster if it continues on its present course. Scio beings want to empty the planet of mankind to let nature reclaim the abused planet."

  Matt said, "James, this will do very well. You stated it very succinctly giving a nice overview of what we saw and heard today. I'd like a copy to send to the media in America." Matt closed the notebook and slowly passed it to Gwen. His heart was in his throat. What he'd really like to do was take a walk around the block to think about what lay in front of them. At first he saw few options to the plight of humankind on Earth. He wondered what would be the lesser of the two evils? He was interrupted by Gwen.

  "I think this is really good James. I'd like to see more of the fishing industry and how it's managed. I'd guess they'd have fantastic accountability on sustained yields from ocean fish farming. Unlike our fishing management where by individual countries set their own standards. Look at whaling, trawler netting and big ships dragging huge nets behind them literally netting any and all species. All I can see is a gross waste of a precious resource."

  Chora jumped in saying, "Look at our rainforests in South America. Thousand of hectares are lost every year due to mankind's ways. I tell you it's unacceptable. Earth's primary source of oxygen comes from the rainforests. Soon we'll be in even more trouble than we already are."

  "I don’t think now is the time to discuss our dirty underwear, but point well taken," said Matt.

  Lucas came in and said, "Are you guys ready for some lunch?"

  Once again it was your wish is my command kind of thing. If nothing else, they knew how to deliver fine hospitality. All shook their heads when made aware that ordering roast beef on rye was being served on the moon……..

  While they ate lunch together, James slowly acknowledged to Lucas that he'd picked up on the blinking code.

  Matt said, "We need to send a message to mission control to ease their minds about our well being. Lucas, may we once again use your communication room?"

  "Certainly can. After that if you want we can show you another video of our scientific labs."

  "We'd like that," said Alice. "Also it appears I made a mistake thinking Scio had only two moons instead of three."

  Mission control was happy to receive a report. Matt spent twenty minutes sending items of interest. Lucas had told him that if they wanted, he could send the video for all of the people to view around the world. Matt could see no harm and readily agreed.

  The next video was audio in English. The narrator had a distinct British accent that was most curious to the A team. The female voice said, "What you see here is our scientists working on improving our fish species. We try to keep it as natural as possible for maximum taste, but a little tickle here or there with their DNA doesn't seem to affect the taste. Over the years we've improved the net weight gain of 25%."

  The camera swung around to a glass enclosed area where researchers dressed in protective suits huddled around a center table viewing a screen imbedded in a semi-circle table. "Here we have scientists cross breeding similar species of fish. In all we have over a thousand scientists working here. We'd like to expand," the voice said.

  Lucas said, "We'd like to invite many of Earth's scientists to our multitude of laboratories. A lot can be learned by any and all who venture forth to seek answers to hidden questions. We've learned from Scio beings that knowledge or learning never ends. There's always room for improvement no matter the subject area. Scio is a vast training ground for literally millions of students. I hope some of you on Planet Earth will take the opportunity offered."

  The video continued without anyone from the A team to respond to what was just said by Lucas. Lucas said, "Now the video will leave Scio to visit a nearby planet where minerals are mined." The same voice resumed saying, "Here a specific iron ore is mined for any and all metal fabrication. This planet has an abundant supply of what is known as Ferrum. The steel tube and box you discovered on Earth is made from this mineral."

  The video showed well lighted tunnels with smooth flooring. Bubble cars were transporting people back and forth. The camera continued from such a car as it entered an area where robots were operating strange looking machinery removing the ore. Only a few humans were seen. The voice said, "The mining operation is supervised by geologists. A rotation system is in place whereby each geologist spends one-third of year on three different planets overseeing quality control. Future exploration of other planets is always on going for any who would like some adventure."

  James noticed the ore removal was unique in it was transported by conveyor above the bubble cars. He noted the fact there was no dust anywhere. He made
a note to ask someone about that phenomenon.

  A pause in the video with Lucas saying, "Let's take a break for refreshments with a question and answer period."

  Matt looked around the table as robots fetched some snacks and drinks. All gave him the nod to speak and ask the question all were curious about. That question pertained to the 'why' contact was made and 'what' specifically did they want of earthlings. Matt said, "Lucas, forgive us earthlings for being blunt and to the point, but 'what' really are you suggesting here and of course 'why' needs to be addressed?"

  Lucas realized exactly what Matt was asking. It was time to speak up and reveal what the High Council had to say. "Matt and to all of you, let me say this, Scio wants millions if not billions of earth people to move to Scio and other planets within their system. The main reason is, human kind on Earth has almost destroyed a very livable planet. If left to human devices, Earth will be unfit for habitation in less than one hundred years. Time is running out for mankind. You know this very well as educated scientists. The exploitation of the planets resources will soon expire and then what? Scio is offering an alternative. People of your world had better give this some serious thought."

  Chora said, "Let me get this straight if I may interrupt here. You're saying Scio beings will transport almost seven billion people off our world to one of Scio's worlds?"

  "Essentially that is about right Chora," said Mia. "Scio has spaceships of enormous size. Facilities have already been put in place to accept the inflow of people. It would take about two years to transport all to Scio's system of planets."

  "If I'm reading this correctly," said Bernie. "We have no choice in the matter."

  "Zorian said, "Of course you have a choice. Those that chose to stay will not be forced to leave. However, we think most will see the benefits in relocation. In the beginning only the well educated and trained professionals will leave. Once the outflow of the planets leaders so to speak, others will follow."