Disclaimer: I do not own Danny Phantom
AN: Dear readers, I apologize for the long delay since my last posting of this drabble series but it is actually good news. I now have a Beta so hopefully there will be an improvement in my writing. I am extremely grateful for her generous help.
As I said before, my Danny-Muse has hijacked this story. Apparently there were issues he wanted to address. (and you thought Vlad was crazy).
Part 5: History Lessons
"A potential for what?" the President asked.
Danny gave a shaky laugh, "The stable portal to the Ghost Zone is possibly most important discovery every made. Like Columbus discovering America. Except it's not just a continent, but a whole world…Actually, it's more like a lot of unknown worlds with amazing opportunities that we can't even begin to guess at.
There was a pause as the President considered what Danny had said.
"We hold the key to all this in our hands; grasp it and you will be known as one of the greatest world leaders of all time," Danny urged.
.
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The President's careful tones were edged with awe as he replied, "This could do more for America than Jefferson's Louisiana Purchase or Manifest Destiny."
"Manifest…?" Danny choked, "Whoa …that's not what I meant!"
"There are unlimited lands just waiting for us with the resources we need to solve the world's problems," he said hopefully.
In his distress, Danny forgot whom he was talking to. "Weren't you listening when I explained that it's impossible to move in and colonize?"
Choosing to overlook the breach in manners, the President replied, "I have every confidence that American ingenuity will overcome these technical difficulties."
.
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"There are other issues," Danny protested.
"What other issues?" the middle-aged man asked.
"I told you, these worlds are not empty," Danny reminded him, "and neither is the Ghost Zone."
"We'll deal with them," the President reassured him.
Danny's heart pounded in his chest. He hadn't slept through every history class.
"History is not going to repeat itself. It's not going to work like Europeans moving into lands decimated by disease believing they had the right to take it by force," Danny said.
"Who are you to give me a history lesson?"
"I thought you knew, Sir; I'm Danny Phantom."
.
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"Your decision could be a turning point in history," Danny told him.
"The opportunity must be weighed against the risk," the President said with deep tones.
"People have always benefited from trade and exchanging ideas with other cultures," Danny pointed out, "at least when we stopped trying to kill each other."
"Still it never hurts to negotiate from a position of strength. We've beaten them before, we can do it again," the man asserted, confidently.
Danny wondered what the GIW were putting into their reports.
"The idea is to find common ground, not to start a war," Danny reminded him.
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"I can't just permit inter-dimensional invaders to terrorize American citizens," the President said.
"Of course not," Danny agreed, "That's why I capture them and send them back into the Ghost Zone."
"I appreciate that you protect Amity Park, but this needs to be handled by the proper authorities, not vigilantes," he answered.
Danny let out a breath, "Begging your pardon, sir, but this isn't something law enforcement is equipped to deal with."
"Not to insult your parents, but if Amity Park is really the gateway to universes, maybe what we need is a military presence," said the Commander in Chief.
.
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"You can't put the Goons-in-White in charge!" Danny gasped. "They can't think beyond their own fear of the unknown. They will shoot first and destroy what could possibly end up being the greatest opportunity humanity has ever had!" In his agitation, Danny didn't realize that his voice was rising.
The President's voice hardened, "While we are grateful for what you have done, Danny Phantom, that does not mean you can dictate American policy."
"I can't allow the Guys in White to just open fire on lost tourists," Danny said while grabbing his hair in frustration. "That's not policy; it's madness!"
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The President modified his voice to a gentler tone. "Son, it's not up to you to decide what you will and won't allow. You've carried a great burden on your shoulders for too long; now it's time to let the authorities take care of things."
"Your so-called 'authorities' think they can play Dr. Mengele just because ghosts aren't human," Danny said bitterly.
The President bristled at the accusation. "Most ghosts seem bent on taking over the world. Some say you only saved the world because you wanted it for yourself."
Danny felt sweat prickle his skin. "I'm not Vlad Plasmius."