* * * *
The coffee shop Edward Samuel had selected for their meeting was quiet and deserted. Greg and Sarah entered and were directed by the waitress to a booth in the back. They both assumed that Edward had chosen a seating area that would offer them some privacy, where they would not be overheard. When they reached the booth, Edward looked curiously at them through tired eyes that showed the fatigue and stress of the past several hours.
He rose, and greeted them with a half smile. "You must be Sarah and Greg. I am Edward Samuel." He paused and shook hands. "I'd say that I am glad to meet you, but to be honest, I am not sure yet. This is all so mysterious."
Sarah looked at him warily and said, "As it is to us as well. What we don't understand is how or why you contacted us."
He ignored the question. "Well, please be seated. No sense standing and drawing undue attention. I need to be careful after all the publicity yesterday, with those mysterious flashes of light, and then David's mysterious disappearance. It's a media dream come true."
They were all seated, and a waitress came over to take their orders. After all the formalities were done, Greg leaned forward and looked directly at Edward.
"So, why did you call us, Mr. Samuel?"
Edward cleared his throat and replied. "Let me begin by telling you what has transpired. Apparently David Wright knew or suspected that he might have to leave abruptly, or that he may disappear, through no fault of his own." He removed an envelope from his suit jacket and laid it before them. "David left an envelope with a courier service to be delivered to me in the event of his disappearance." Edward paused a few seconds, and tapped his fingers on the envelope. "It names you both as people that I can turn to for help and to possibly get an explanation as to what the hell has been going on. It doesn't say why you two were selected or give any explanation at all regarding his disappearance."
Sarah and Greg looked at one another and then back to Edward. They were both as surprised as he was at the unexpected move from Leumas.
"Well?" Edward said impatiently. "Look, folks, I'm at a critical moment in this campaign. Without David Wright, I'm lost. He handled a lot of the campaign affairs and dealt with many of my supporters. I haven't got a clue as to what I am going to tell them. How about a little help here?"
::Sarah, what do you think?:: Greg asked in his thoughts, still trying to figure out what kind of game Leumas was playing.
::I don't know how much we can or should tell him. Can we trust him?::
::Well, if we tell him everything, he'll either get up and leave or maybe, just maybe, he'll believe us enough to give us a suggestion on which way to go.::
::I guess we have nothing to lose at this point,:: she said, a hint of skepticism in her voice. ::You tell him,:: she quickly added, as a smile appeared on her face and her hand touched his. ::You have such a way with words.::
::Hmm…:: he thought as he smiled in return.
The impatience on Edward's face increased, and he asked, "Well, is anybody going to say anything?"
"Interesting choice of words, Mr. Samuel," Greg said, smiling at the irony. "But before I begin, let me ask you something."
"Go ahead."
"Mr. Samuel, I would ask that you be open-minded and listen to what I have to say before you comment. When I'm finished, if you get up and walk out of here, I'll understand. Deal?"
"Fair enough," he said, shifting to get more comfortable.
Greg began at the very beginning with the accidents and from there went in order of the events as they occurred. The only exception was that he did not mention anything about their telepathic abilities or about his ability to influence.
Edward was an excellent listener. He sat there expressionless, listening to every word as if he was soaking in each syllable. There was no way to tell if he believed any of it, because his expression was unreadable.
Greg finished the story by mentioning the phone call they received requesting this meeting. Edward still did not say a word. He just sat there looking at them, taking an occasional sip of his coffee.
"Well?" Sarah asked, at the end of her patience.
"That's a very interesting story. Perhaps we should go public with the whole thing," Edward said.
"Do you really think so?" she asked, surprised.
"Oh, sure. No doubt that will help my campaign immensely," he said, the sarcasm dripping in his voice. "I can see the headlines." He waved his hands in the air. "Alien Aid to Samuel." His voice rose in anger, "What kind of fool do you take me for? This is some ploy by one of the other parties to discredit me, isn't it?"
"It's the honest truth, Mr. Samuel!" Sarah said, her voice cracking with frustration. "We have no reason to make it up. We're looking for your help."
"Please, say no more," he said, holding up his hands. "I'd love to stay and hear more about my friends in outer space but I have to get back. Please excuse me."
Edward gathered up his things as an awkward silence hung over the table. He was preparing to rise from his seat when the waitress stepped up to their table with the coffeepot in hand to fill the cups.
"A refill, sir?" the waitress asked Edward in such a manner that made the coffee suddenly appear irresistible to him. He stopped getting his things together and slid his cup toward the edge of the table as if he had been mesmerized by the voice of the waitress.
"Yes, I would love some," he said, as his eyes moved from his cup toward the waitress.
As the waitress poured the coffee, she continued to talk. "Isn't it a wonderful…
Greg noticed it first; her voice was changing, somehow. It was becoming deeper, almost like a man's voice. Then suddenly, her image became fuzzy and unfocussed. All eyes turned toward this mysterious change occurring before them.
Although Sarah and Greg soon realized what was happening because of their previous experience, Edward didn't have a clue. The image of this person became suddenly clear as Edward watched with his mouth gaping wide open.
"Hello, Edward. It's good to see you again," Leumas said jovially. "Mind if I join you?" he asked, as he sat. Edward, his pale complexion slowly returning to its natural color, was still confused, but he seemed pleased to see his campaign manager.
Never losing his grin, Leumas still held the coffeepot in his hand from his initial waitress appearance and gestured to fill the cups of those who desired more. He received no response from his offer, but he went ahead and topped off all the cups, including his own, and returned the pot to the edge of the table.
"Well, here we are, all together once again," he stated jovially.
"What are you doing here, Leumas? I thought we had a deal," Greg said, the annoyance and impatience showing clearly on his face and in his voice.
Leumas became serious and said, "There have been some rather interesting developments that have warranted my return."
"Such as?" Sarah asked skeptically.
Before Leumas could answer, Edward woke up from his shock and exclaimed, "It's true, then!"
"Every last word," Greg answered grimly.
"So, you're an alien, David, or whoever you are." Edward began slowly, looking at Leumas. "And, uh, this 'Council' is a real organization?"
Edward looked around the table at the serious faces in front of him. He put his hands on either side of his head, which was shaking in confusion. At first, he was glad to see David or, uh, Leumas. His first thoughts were thinking about getting the campaign back on track. Then he thought how he had always suspected that life existed on other planets, but to finally hear that it was true, and from an alien, was a little too much to take in all at once.
"The Council was a real organization might be a better term for the moment," Leumas said in a grim voice.
"Why the past tense?" Sarah asked.
Leumas closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and stated sadly, "Copolla killed the entire Council, including himself. He knew that the information I had gained possession of would end his time as Leader of the Council and his future plans. I never thoug
ht he would do such a terrible, drastic thing, though."
"All the members…killed?" Sarah asked in horror, her voice quavering.
"Along with the continent's three million inhabitants," Leumas replied, pain showing in his eyes.
"So all that I have been told is no longer?" Edward interjected, finally coming to grip with the situation. "This great organization has been destroyed? What happens now? Is that it? Finished?"
"The principle of the organization shall always remain," Leumas stated strongly. "The organization must be rebuilt. The Council represents many things, but mostly it serves as a reminder to most races not to travel down the terrible path that our ancestors did so many millennia ago. War to the brink of destruction."
"An amicable purpose," Edward agreed. "At times I fear that this planet will also travel that path and destroy itself. We've given it a good try on numerous occasions."
"How do you intend to rebuild the Council, Leumas?" Greg asked, still trying to piece these latest events together in his mind.
"That will be the tricky part," Leumas responded, exhaling.
"Why is that?" Sarah asked, confused. "The members can be replaced. The hall can be rebuilt. What stands in the way?"
Leumas said slowly, "The chance of it happening all over again. Copolla's conspiracy, members murdered, Council chambers destroyed. It has produced tremendous skepticism in the other worlds if it can work."
"That is understandable," Edward said, his political mind working. "After such a traumatic event, you will need a new beginning with the premise that you will avoid something like this happening again. Precautions and policies will have to be instituted. A new Council in a new environment with stringent controls."
::Sarah, I don't like where this conversation is going,:: Greg suddenly thought to her.
::Why? What's wrong?::
::Because I think Leumas is maneuvering this conversation.::
::To what end?:: she thought, looking at Leumas’s face.
::To the end that he wants,:: Greg thought to her.
"I couldn't agree with you more, Edward," Leumas said as he smiled. "As always, we think a lot alike. I think that is why we got along so well. Which leads me to my proposal."
"Proposal?" Greg asked cynically. "Or ultimatum? I would like to know exactly where we stand before we go any further."
Leumas held up his hands. "A proposal, of course. A mutually agreed upon proposal that helps us both."
"Go ahead, Leumas, we're listening," Sarah said skeptically.
"We have two problems as I see it," he began, holding two fingers up. "Problem one: I need to find a new home for the Council to call its own. Secondly, you Earthlings have concerns about your planet's advancement into space yet you do not want the alien influence. Is this correct so far?" He asked sounding like a used car salesman presenting a pitch to a potential buyer.
They all nodded half-heartedly, waiting to hear more. Edward, having quite a bit of experience in the art of negotiating, was observing how carefully Leumas was choosing his words. He could tell that Leumas wanted his proposal to be phrased just perfectly to sell his idea. He had himself used the same art on many occasions with his constituents. Most of which usually meant that it was something that was very risky, very innovative or that the chance of failure was very high.
"Good," Leumas replied to their unspoken consent. "Let's move on. I think I have a plan that will help both of us. I propose that the United Council for Developing Worlds find its new home here, on Earth."
Blank stares came from all three of Leumas’ audience, then shock at such a suggestion registered, which quickly turned to disbelief, followed by anger.
Greg spoke first. "You've got to be kidding me, Leumas. This planet has barely been exposed to space travel, and you want to plop a bunch of aliens on this planet and think it will be okay? Get real, my friend!" His anger was apparent. "What ever happened to gradual introduction and indoctrination? You, based upon your experience, would be the last person, excuse me, last alien that I could imagine throwing something like this out!"
Sarah quickly followed. "The people of this planet would never accept the thought of superior alien races here on Earth. The overwhelming thought of planet takeover would always be at the forefront of their minds."
Edward was nodding in agreement. "I have to agree with them both David, er…sorry, I mean Leumas. The people of this planet would never accept an organization here. I myself would be receptive to the idea, but I would be in the minority. Some humans would also agree but, as with most things, a majority is needed."
Leumas looked at them and smiled. "I have more to propose yet. I would also suggest that to quell the fears…"
::You've got to be kidding me!:: Greg suddenly said in his mind, sharing the thought with Sarah.
::What's wrong, Greg?::
::Leumas is going to suggest that you and I chair the Council!::
::What?::
Leumas’s voice returned through their thoughts, "…that, to quell the fears of the human populace, Greg and Sarah lead the Council in the new order of dual leadership. They will be of this planet and in charge of all the races that belong to the Council. The other races would be bound to obey them," Leumas stated clearly, as if it was so perfect there would be no need for discussion.
Again, Leumas had managed to render them speechless. He poured himself another cup of coffee.
"Any thoughts?" he asked.
"You can't be serious, Leumas," Sarah said, watching as Leumas stirred his coffee in a meticulous counter clockwise and then clockwise motion.
"I am quite serious, Sarah," he responded quickly. "And it would work, too. Wouldn't it, Greg?" He said as he turned toward Greg. "You know it would, so why be silent?"
"What does he mean, Greg?" Edward asked, his confusion showing.
But Leumas continued before Greg could answer his rhetorical question. "Greg has developed some unique abilities. I don't know about them all, but I believe that, if given a certain situation, he can see what the outcome will be before it happens. Am I right, Greg?"
Hesitantly Greg spoke, "To a certain extent, yes."
"What kind of—" Edward began, but was cut off by Leumas.
"What do you see in this particular instance, Greg?" he asked, staring into Greg's eyes.
"I'm not sure," Greg began warily. "The outcome is not easy to see, and too many variables come into play."
"This is the best way and you know it," Leumas said harshly. "You want a solution that gets this planet moving toward space, but you feel that you're not ready for it. This way I bring space to you. Right here at home on Earth. With you two controlling the Council, you can move at the speed you wish as far as Earth is concerned. It's a win-win situation."
"Why should Greg and Sarah control the Council?" Edward asked.
Leumas, admiring Edward's astuteness, answered. "Well, Edward, for several reasons. Greg and Sarah have developed some powers that make them unique, at least for the moment. No other species has developed what they have. This gives them an advantage in analyzing intricate situations and possibly even foreseeing the outcome. Their existence is a result of an inter-species relationship, a symbol of the unity of the Galaxy, and they have no private interests or affiliations that would affect their decision-making process." Leumas paused, took a sip of coffee and continued. "They know about the Council already, and the precepts under which it operates. Plus, they are already on file with the Council as a species that speaks its mind when it feels it is right. They have the courage of their convictions."
"So that makes them the perfect neutral and unbiased party," Edward said, nodding. "Makes sense, I have to say, right down to the rich symbolism."
"You're agreeing with him?" Greg asked, not sure of his own position anymore.
"I didn't say that. I just said the plan makes sense."
"It's absurd!" Sarah said heatedly. "It'll never work!" She looked to Greg and squeezed his hand under the table. "Right, Greg?"
Greg was momentarily silent as his thoughts slipped away from the conversation. He squeezed Sarah's hand back, and then responded slowly, yet confidently. "As absurd and strange as it may seem, the plan actually has a pretty good chance of working. I assume you have already discussed it with the other Council worlds already, Leumas?"
A grin slowly began to spread across Leumas’ face as he said, "I have mentioned it. I believe that they will agree to it if you will."
"Hypothetically, if they were to agree, all of this will be placed in written context and not interfere with planet politics, I assume?" Edward asked.
"Yes," Leumas responded coolly. "The UCDW would be treated as a neutral and separate country, similar to your Vatican in Rome. Its affairs would be its own, as will be those of Earth."
"Technology and scientific advancements for the Earth's benefit?" Sarah asked, her anger abated as her logic took over.
"Released in a slow and controlled manner, of course, that would enhance your own efforts. Make it appear as if your own people developed them and at their own pace," Leumas responded matter-of-factly.
"So, Greg, what do you say?" Leumas asked, as they all turned toward him to hear his answer.
Chapter Twenty
NO HANGING CHADS HERE!
"Landslide victory never seen before in the history of the United States," the newspaper's headline read. "A clear two-thirds majority has overwhelmingly elected Edward Samuel President. He is the first third party candidate or, as they are more commonly known, 'The Vision Party,' in the history of the United States to be chosen to hold the office."
In his acceptance speech, President Samuel spoke to a record audience both in attendance at the ceremony and those at home viewing him on television. He spoke with confidence and assuredness. "We have many problems that face the people of this country. We have a long hard road to travel to reach our destination. Yet, let us not fool ourselves: our goal is not a perfect country or world. It is a country that provides the opportunity to its inhabitants to live a life free of the impediments of those that would deny us our heritage. We must address the needs of the people and not the special interest groups," he vowed this most vehemently above all other issues.
Alien Deception Page 23
