President Smith looked past the bright lights with the ease of long experience and watched for his cue. He took a deep breath, and when he went live, his expression carried the right amount of gravitas, with just enough warmth leaking through his professional dignity.

"My fellow Americans.

"The past few days have literally opened new worlds to us. Our Visitors, from five different species across the galaxy, each bring new ideas, perspectives, and technology. In the coming months and years we will have many perils to avoid, but also many treasures to reap. It is both natural and fitting to react both with fear and with hope.

"Captain Telnik generously gave us a warning: do not rush. Slower is better. We must remember who we are, as we choose who we will become. And we have better choices now than ever before.

"The Visitors have already shared important basic knowledge with us. Our scientists and mathematicians are hard at work learning and deciphering the wealth of information. We will understand ourselves better, now that we have five other examples of peoples and societies for comparison. The Ooafans have gifted us everything they have—every bit of knowledge that they have rescued from their world's disaster. It will not be wasted.

"Our linguists have new languages to explore, and those will provide new insights. It is difficult to discuss an important idea when you do not have a word for it. The Ooafans have given us all of their words, and that is no small gift. The Arrurrans, Goldaskians, Fazzabs, Coognas, and Vzzbyz all have things to teach us about what it means to be human.

"Our knowledge of mathematics promises to develop by leaps and bounds. Statisticians already are reporting important new ideas to improve our ability to predict and evaluate options. The field of economics will likely be completely rewritten—but we will apply those new principles slowly, and cautiously.

"The knowledge we receive will eventually destroy entire industries, so we must be cautious. But, it will also create new industries, and millions of new jobs, as we build the foundation and infrastructure for a brighter future.

"Alien technology has its dangers, but alien knowledge will enable us to build our own advanced technology. We will have spacecraft, new medical devices, and advanced computers designed and built by humans. We will accept some technology immediately—including tools to help us solve the major problems facing our world: climate change, the energy crisis, and more. But we will be slower to take the rest. It is better to wait for human ingenuity."

Time for the stick.

"Nicholas Tomsun is an American, and he remembers where he came from. The United States will be receiving some preferential treatment, but not entirely. We cannot ignore the great gifts that the Visitors offer. But we have a responsibility to use them well, and with appropriate caution. We could use these gifts for aggression, but we choose to use them for defense. We still desire peace with other nations around the globe.

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And now the carrot.

"Nor will the United States monopolize the alien technology. Any gifts of knowledge given exclusively to America will, in time, be shared with all other nations. The entire world should prosper as we do. We will do our best to ensure that that happens."

"Doctor Sana Vickall has several cures for human diseases already. With the help of some humans, she is setting up a Foundation, Cure This World, which will hold the patents to medicines, for the sole purpose of enabling all nations to access them for free. I have a list of some of the offerings here.

"First, the chemical formulas for two new broad-spectrum antibiotics that no germ on Earth has ever seen. That alone will save millions of lives around the world.

"Second, two universal antiviral treatments. A cure for AIDS, COVID, and more, all in one." The President paused for effect, tempted to shake his head in amazement but refraining.

"Third, a cure for arteriosclerosis—tiny machines that will reside in arteries and slowly remove blockages, while preventing new ones from forming.

"Fourth, a possible cure for diabetes, which will require further testing.

"Those are the medical treasures Dr. Vickall has for us so far."

Smith paused to read ahead on the teleprompter for a moment, wanting to get this right.

"The aliens also offer us fusion reactors. For safety's sake, the aliens will not share the full design with us. Instead, we will receive a critical component made with alien technology, while we build the rest of the reactors ourselves. Nicholas Tomsun has obtained for us 105 cores for reactors that will produce ninety megawatts of electricity each."

And now the bombshell.

"He will also be presenting ten cores for much larger fusion reactors, that will generate approximately five hundred gigawatts each. For comparison, six of those larger reactors can supply the electrical needs of the entire planet. When these reactors come online, the energy crisis will be well and truly over."

Smith could see eyes widening and staff struggling not to make any sound as they reacted to this.

And now to brag.

"I have convinced Mr. Tomsun to give the United States two of these reactors, with the other eight to be distributed around the world. America's energy needs will be met for at least a generation."

And all I will owe him is a long string of favors. Cheap at twice the price.

"This is a large upheaval, but as promised, we will phase the reactors in slowly, one at a time, giving industries plenty of time to adjust to the new economic realities. These reactors will require years for their construction.

I could keep listing items for ages, but those at least are already promised.

"America, and the world, are at a crossroads. We will be building a new future together, a brighter future than most of us had dared to dream. Yes, there are dangers, but the healthy course is cautious optimism. We will not reach blindly for everything offered, but neither will we deny the American people the enormous, world-changing benefits to serve us all and improve our lives for centuries to come.

"We will not allow those of us less fortunate to fall by the wayside. We have the strength now, and the wealth, to leave no one behind as we reach for the stars and for a better future. We can afford to be generous. We can afford to be kind.

"America can and will live up to the ideals that made this country great.

"Thank you, and God Bless America."

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