QBLH
by
Qblh had a lot more on his mind than either woman could suspect. He felt himself being drawn into a future that had much more at stake than he could presently imagine. Ever present on this time traveler's mind was the resurrection of Christ. He had the power. Why did he feel that he had the responsibility? He had been warned of the flood by a power beyond his own. He was aware of a power that Isis dare not challenge, but did anyway. She had lost her civilization on Earth and her power on Earth, or had she? Qblh knew better than to underestimate his sister. He knew her better than anyone.
Qblh had a hunch that he should stay ever resourceful and use ultimate tact concerning his involvement with Earth's affairs. Keeping his identity concealed would be a necessity.
"Antiope, Helen is getting a little long winded. Don't you think you should conclude the festivities and send everyone home, so that we can have our night on the town."
"You're right as always Jim. I'll arrange for the banquet to end. Excuse me while I tend to the concluding affairs."
Antiope rose, encountered her various representatives, and sent out her instructions. Within minutes Helen received the signal to end her speech.
"In conclusion, ladies and gentlemen. You are about to enter into a new era. There is ample power available at your fingertips to make energy inexpensive and plentiful to all. Antiope Industries shall guarantee the abundance of power to all. Don't stand in our way, for we shall crush any opposition. Stand forewarned. We are also going global with our energy distribution system and will not impose trade restrictions with any nation, unless they fail to abide by our distribution terms. Qblh has the final word concerning interruption of power distribution services."
"Who is this Qblh again?" inquired a member of the audience, "and what gives him the right to override our laws?"
"It is his equipment which will be generating the power being distributed by Antiope Industries. You can make your own power using your current antique methods and pollute yourselves into nonexistence, if you choose not to deal with us."
"It sounds like you are giving us an ultimatum. Deal with us under our terms, or else... I don't know if I can give you the support of my constituents."
"Suit yourself. We only came to offer help. We are not going to force you to comply."
"Yet you say we must comply with this Kublah's terms. For all we know this guy is Kublah Kahn and could be worse than his beautiful mistress."
"I am also his mistress. You also haven't heard his terms yet, and even Isis must comply with Qblh's decisions. In her eyes, his law will override any human law, and only his law prevents her from already dominating this planet. You really have no choice with regard to the matter anyway."
"So we must accept nuclear power or perish."
"That is a pretty good way of putting it. Yet we are certain that we have buyers. The United States has done a very poor job with respect to its nuclear containment policy. By suppressing the spread of nuclear power generation with excessive legislative roadblocks and fear of terrorism, a healthy development of the industry is crushed. In addition your people then have an excessive dependence on oil as a fuel source.
Oil is so vital to your economy that nations are willing to go to war to secure their oil supply. The wealth from the oil revenue is not used as constructively as it should. Antiope Industries will take a tremendous bite out of the money earned by those who would sell oil, because it will no longer be used as fuel. The owners of Antiope Industries will receive some of this money as stock dividends, the users of the energy will get the rest as savings."
"There may be some very strong interest groups that may not take kindly to you."
"We can easily absorb any attack that they may pursue."
"How do you know?"
"Don't buy any of our stock if you believe we may fail. I could care less what you personally fear or feel in your puny brain and body. You strike me as a gutless wonder, and if I were one of your constituents, I would be looking for another representative."
The rest of the audience laughed as Helen ridiculed the doubting Thomas. Embarrassed he seated himself. Antiope grabbed the opportunity to take the podium.
Antiope smiled. "Thank you, Helen. Power! Ladies and Gentlemen! Power is the way to the stars. Power is the way to grow a healthy thriving community. Power is true wealth. Power gives us the energy to achieve what we wish without having to do the work with our own bodies. Access to power and control of power can be bought, sold, bartered, given, stolen and exchanged in many manners. Yet it can also be used to enslave the masses. Jim, Helen, and myself have already risked our lives to bring you freedom. The power is our gift to you, but we must control the resources that we use to generate until you can understand the principles yourselves and build your own machinery. I see that many of you have been involved making relevant investments during this meeting. I see that you gentlemen have made a substantial influence. Antiope Industries shares closed up close to 23 points today."
She could hear certain exclamations of joy emanating from the audience. She also saw some rather green faces.
"I still advise no one to sell short. Antiope Industries plans to control most of Earth's aerospace projects. No one shall beat us to the stars, because we are from the stars. To the future, ladies and gentlemen, and I thank you for your time."
Antiope gestured to Jim to meet her in her office. She then left the room brushing off any following, indicating that she wished to be left alone. Helen circulated through the hall reminding all that the party was ending and the building needed to be secured. The employees wanted to go home. Helen selected a few men to accompany her for the evening.
John had to go "elsewhere" and spend time with Aphrodite. His mission had been accomplished, or so he said. "Well, son. You are refueled and I see you are about to go on a very great adventure. Your mother and I will try to keep an eye on you, and we'll be there if you need us. Excuse me, I have to go."
John headed for the men's room. He never came out.
"Can we still link to John, Genie?"
"From this time frame we can. We won't be able to from Artemis or the past."
"Why not?"
"Because I haven't been instructed to do so."
"Establish a hyperspace communication channel with his hyperspatial unit and maintain a lock. Inform me if you have any problems. O.K. Idiot?"
"O.K. Jim."
"What time is tomorrow's launch?"
"Any time after 11:47 P.M. CST."
"What are your current power limitations.?"
"I am currently in a quasi-stable mode. I have normal communication ability and have full electromagnetic emission/absorption ability. My navigational systems are fully operational. I can project a shielding effect of invisibility around you and can transport the Dutchman back to Hawaii now, if you wish, but I am not yet up to interstellar or time travel. Concerning your night journey through the streets of Chicago, your optimal path is to keep me in a powered down state and use as little of me as possible. This will minimize any power drain, and will guarantee one or two very nice punches if needed. I will find a way to suggest a minimal energy expenditure solution for you to use, but I still am obliged to honor any of your commands."
"Understood, Idiot. Antiope is expecting a ride. "
"I have just rented you a van, and I can call a taxi to take you there when you wish to go. I may have limited power, Jim, but I have access to Antiope's bank accounts. Using the phone circuits and my voice simulator, I can make just about any transaction that you may need."