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| I began my presentation by entertaining them with humor and small tricks. I made objects appear, disappear, and change places. They were amazed as I made coins appear from their bodies, and made a small cascade of coins pour out of the leader's hand into a bucket. They were dumbfounded as I made a small rodent appear wearing an outfit that had been chosen by a guard. I performed many more amazing feats that shocked and stunned them as well. Finally, I began my final illusion. I stood before my ship and said, �Now for a demonstration of our ship�s abilities. You think that you scanned my ship�s technology, but you only saw what we wanted you to see. Now watch as I demonstrate.� Upon my signal, curtains were raised before the audience. A few seconds later, the curtains lowered, and I stood alone. The ship was gone. I walked around the ship�s former position to show that it was really gone. Then I said, �Now you see that we can teleport ships, even through a force field. A tractor beam would not stop us. We can teleport many ships to one location, making your fleet helpless. Your sensors can be fooled, and your fleet can be quickly outnumbered in any particular area.� I signaled again, and the curtains raised again. A few seconds later, the curtains lowered again, and the ship was back in its former position. I said, �We are only here because we allowed you to bring us here. We wished to talk, and this was the easiest way to find you. We wish to explore and colonize this sector of the galaxy. We could destroy you, but we prefer to settle matters peacefully. You have seen a demonstration of our ships' teleportation. Do you want a demonstration of our weapon systems as well?� The Vorklans� leader stood up, and replied, �We will consider what you have told us. I am only the commander of this expedition. I will discuss this with High Command.� The Vorklans then left the hangar. A few hours later, the leader arrived again and said, �I have spoken with High Command. We do not wish conflict with you. You are free to leave, and we will leave this sector. Now I will evacuate my mission.� There was a large amount of cheering and celebration as we left. I grabbed Captain L�Mann and pulled him away from the party, as he protested. After we were alone, I told him, �You know that we are not out of the Dead Zone yet.� He asked, �What do you mean? We are heroes.� I replied, �Governor Giovanni will lose too much if we survive. He planned for us to die. If we return, he will kill us, probably making it look like an accident. If we do not return, we lose your ship, and my friend.� Connell then said, �It sounds like we are trapped. I can�t think of a way out of this.� I replied, �I have an idea, but I will need the help of your communications officer.� The communications officer arrived shortly afterward, and I told him, "I need you to contact the Emperor's Temporal Council." He replied, "The Emperor would never speak with us, especially if we contact the Temporal Council. This has nothing to do with time travel." I replied, "It is true that this mission has nothing to do with time travel, but I have dealt with the Council before, and this would be the most efficient way for me to contact him." Then we sent a message to the emperor, which included a holographic recording of the events in unknown space. * * * We arrived at planet New Vegas, and were immediately escorted to the Governor�s mansion. Servants bathed us, and dressed us in formal clothing. We then entered a large, extravagant room with many people, including Amanda, Governor Giovanni, and Emperor Campbell. Amanda excitedly gave me a hug. Emperor Campbell said, �It appears that I must thank you once again, Dr. Gantz.. Your resourcefulness has saved my explorations and colonizations, not to mention the human race. I will be more than happy to return your property to you, and give you an additional reward. I replied, �You are very generous, your excellency, but I do not wish for my property to be returned. I have learned that I prefer the excitement of the traveling adventurer�s life, rather than the sedentary doctor�s life.� Emperor Campbell replied, �Then that is what you will have. I will give you a ship, or upgrade and outfit your friend�s ship, if you prefer. If you wish, you can also be a special imperial agent.� This was an offer that I definitely could not refuse. I accepted. Later that night, Connell asked me, �How were you able to get the Emperor to come? He doesn�t speak to everybody.� I replied, �I guess I never told you. I saved his life.� THE END |
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