Planet of Peace

by Jerry Belvo

  Jeff remarked. AYou know I’ll be graduating in June. I have my resumes to send out, and I need to find a job. I’ll think about it and let you know.@ A trip to another part of the planet would be great, a chance to see how other people live, and, of course, he would be with Sarina. They never seemed to have enough quiet time together. Their schedules were pretty full, both going to college, and him spending all that time at the Soup Kitchen. He needed more time to think about it, and to discuss it further with Sarina.

  Sarina, who had been quiet through the conversation, spoke up. AWe’re going downtown to hear some jazz. Are you going to be okay Grandpa?@

  AYes, I’ll be fine. I want to thank you for cheering me up. You made my day. It was twenty-five years ago today I lost my wife, Doris, and I was feeling a little melancholy, but that’s life.@ His memory of her death flashed in his mind momentarily, but he managed to suppress it.

  AI’m sorry. Do you want us to stay longer?@ Sarina inquired taking her grandfather=s hand in hers and bending down to kiss him on the cheek.

  ANo, you two run along,@ he replied getting up to show them out. AHave a good time.@

  *

  It was mid week and Jeff hadn’t seen Bobby for a few days. He decided to drop by his home for a chat. Bobby was in his bedroom at the computer when he arrived. AHey, Buddy, how are you doing,@ he announced entering the room?

  Bobby looked up from his computer, AOh hi, I=m learning something new.@

  AWhat is that,@ Jeff inquired?

  AI’m learning how to break into company files. It’s really easy when you know the procedure.@

  AWhy would you want to do that,@ Jeff inquired?

  Bobby inputs a few keystrokes and glances at Jeff. AYou never know when it might come in handy. I like learning everything I can about the computer.@

  AYes, but this is kind of ‘illegal’,@ Jeff said his head cocked to one side.

  AYou worry too much. I’m not going to get caught. I created a firewall to protect my computer. They can’t trace it back to me.@

  AHow did you learn to do this,@ Jeff asked?

  AI learned through a friend. He’s been doing it for years and showed me how.@

  AWell, I still think it would be better if you didn’t do it.@ Sitting down on the bed he continued. ABobby, I know you like living on the edge, but there is a price to pay for doing so. You can easily get caught. It’s like your smoking pot, and drinking. Someday it’s going to get you into trouble.@

  ACome down off your soap box, ‘Professor’. That’s enough lecturing. You are sounding like my old man.@ Bobby remarked abruptly. ALook at this. It’s confidential information within this company. They are not going to meet their estimated earnings this quarter. Now if I had stock in that company I’d sell it before the public finds out. See how handy this hacking can be?@

  AIt still doesn’t make it legal. You know I see the future and it bothers me when my friends are creating problems in their life.@

  ABut it’s my future. I need to live my life, mistakes and all. I don’t want it any other way. Besides, wouldn’t you like to know if the government has any information on you,@ Bobby asked?

  AYes, but not if I have to do something illegal to get it. I have to get going. Today is my day to help out at the Soup Kitchen. Would you like to join me? It would do you good to be giving your time to the poor, and I’d like to have the company. We can ride together,@ he said nodding at Bobby.

  AOkay,@ Bobby said shutting down the computer. AWhen do we need to be there?@

  ACome over to my house in an hour and I’ll drive us.@

  *

  The drive downtown was quiet. Neither said much. Jeff was wondering why Bobby was so interested in hacking, and Bobby was wondering why he let Jeff talk him into going to the Soup Kitchen. Once at the kitchen Jeff introduced him to the person in charge and showed him the facilities. They got their serving assignments, and just before the doors opened the last helper arrived.

  ASorry I=m late. I couldn’t find a place to park,@ she ventured putting her things down in the back of the room.

  Jeff didn’t know her and extended his hand, AHi, I=m Jeff and this is Bobby.@

  AHi, I=m Heidi Bough,@ she said, her eyes shining like early morning dew and a smile that radiated a glow of happiness.

  APleased to meet you.@ Bobby responded his eyes lighting up. Maybe this helping out wasn’t such a bad idea after all.

  The woman in charge suggested they take their places, and once at their posts she opened the doors. A steady stream of hungry people filed through the kitchen non-stop for the next hour and a half. Finally the last person was served and they started cleaning up.

  Jeff left his post and went into the dining room to talk and listen to those still eating. Occasionally he blessed one and laid his hands on them. They were appreciative of his attention, and gathered around him telling their stories of woe. He patiently listened. They departed smiling, thinking that someone cared.

  Heidi and Bobby chatted casually as they cleaned the utensils until every last pan was washed and put away. When it was time to leave Bobby smiled at her and whispered, AI’ll call you,@ then said, “Good-bye.”

  On the way home both boys were in a good mood. Bobby looked over to Jeff and said, AI have a date with Heidi,@ barely able to contain his joy. He wanted to break out laughing.

  Jeff sensed his heightened energy. AGood for you. I wish you the best.@ They discussed their impressions of her as they headed up the turnpike. All of a sudden Jeff’s mood turned ominous as he noticed a black Ford tailing them in and out of traffic.

  AI think we are being followed,@ He remarked to Bobby.

  AWhy, who would want to tail us?@

  AI have the feeling it’s the people I dodged at the Homeless Rally a week ago. There are two people in the car, one looks like a woman. I’m going to the shopping center at the next exit and we’ll see if they follow us.@ He made a last minute exit and sure enough they followed. Jeff wove his way through the lot unable to shake them. ALet’s park the car and go into the mall to see if we can get rid of them. I don’t think they will do anything with a lot of people around.@

  AWhat do you think we should do?@ Bobby said breathing heavily, hoping Jeff had a plan.

  When they were followed into the mall Jeff handed him the car keys. AHere, I think they want me, not you. I’m going to distract them so you can get away. Take the car and go home. I’ll pick it up later.@

  ABut what are you going to do?@

  ADon’t worry about me. I’ll think of something.@ They took the escalator to the second floor where Jeff went one direction and shoved Bobby the other. AQuick, take the steps and go back to the car.@ Jeff continued down the hall looking back over his shoulder to see them following. He entered the men=s room.

  The agents waited patiently outside the men=s room, but after ten minutes agent Jones entered only to find the stalls empty. Rushing out he motioned to Cora to come with him as he headed back to the car. Jeff=s car was missing from the lot.

  AWe have been given the slip again, Cleaver,@ Jones remarked. AThis proves my suspicions. Let’s keep an eye on the Soup Kitchen. Sooner or later he will show up there. Next time we’ll get him.@ He had been a cop for fifteen years before going to work for the AIA task force, and he never had anyone give him the slip like this. His job as a cop was easy compared to locating and keeping track of ‘aliens’.

  AI hope you’re right. This is getting a bit too spooky for me. I want to know more about these, ‘aliens’, but I don’t know if I can handle them disappearing right in front of me,@ Cleaver replied. They got in their car and headed back downtown.

  Chapter 4

  Wednesday after class Sarina and Jeff met at the campus library. They studied together for a while before deciding to get a bite to eat at a local restaurant. She remarked. AWhen we
were at my Grandpa’s house Sunday you knew what he was talking about. I could tell. He knows your spirit is from another planet and that you are a star child. He’s been waiting for you to fill in the missing gaps in his mind, confirming things he’s wanted to hear all his life. He was giving you an opportunity to let your true self be known.@

  Jeff sat quietly his elbows on the table and hands on his chin while she spoke. Then slowly he began forming his words as if weighing each one. AWhen I was young Mom and Dad told me to never talk about my gifts. They said it would one day get me into trouble. Now that I am older and beginning to see what lies in my future, I don’t like what I see, but the dye has been cast. I must follow through with it wherever it takes me. What alternative do I have?”

  She sensed sadness in his voice. ADon’t worry, Jeff. Surely your future can’t be that bad.@ Sarina wondered what might be in his future that could be so terrible but said nothing further.

  After a moment of silence he lightened up. AYou have special talents too. Will you keep them secret or will you use them?@

  Sarina hadn’t thought about that, being more concerned for him. Yes, she had psychic ability, was logical, well organized, and knew what others were thinking. But she had never thought of herself as having special gifts. AYou’re right. I do have talents, but I=m not afraid to express myself, and I’ll use them when I need to.@

  AWell, when you do, be careful where you use them. Try not to use them in public. People may look at you weirdly, and think you are a basket case. People fear what they don’t understand.@ Just then their food came and the subject was dropped.

  *

  The following evening Jeff went to the Soup Kitchen. It was his night to work. Half way through the dinner hour the man whom he had touched, the one who had scabies entered with a cameraman and a reporter. He pushed his way through the line and pointed directly at Jeff. “That’s the man. He’s the one that cured me.@ He pulled up his shirt exposing his waist. ASee. My blemishes are gone. Even the scars are gone. Thank you so very much,@ he said to Jeff tearfully.

  The reporter was skeptical thinking this man just wanted attention but a woman spoke up softly. AYes, he cured my hip. I could barely stand up. Now I can walk without any pain.@

  Another spoke, AI=m not cross-eyed any more. He straightened my eyes.@ The mood in the cafeteria changed, everyone started talking. Jeff didn’t know what to do. They were standing around with mixed emotions, some joyful and some fearful not knowing what to expect next. No one seemed hungry. Finally handing his service spoon to another helper Jeff left the line and walked over to the reporter.

  AI’m just a helper here. I serve the food and talk to the people offering them encouragement. If that’s healing, anyone can do it. I don’t see it as newsworthy, do you?@

  Apparently she did. She asked him lots of questions, how he got started helping the poor, and what his plans were for the future. Jeff told her he was a student in college, and when he graduated he was hoping to get a job, maybe working with the less fortunate. But he certainly didn’t look upon himself as a healer.

  Eventually the commotion died down, the reporter and cameraman left. By then the food had been served and cleanup was under way. A group of well wishers gathered around Jeff, all wanting to talk and congratulating him for making the news. He thanked them for their kindness. When he left an older woman stopped him at the kitchen door. ACan you help me, sonny,@ she asked her hands shaking from palsy? I=m lost. I don’t know where to go. I can’t find the shelter.@

  AI’ll walk you there, Mabel.@ He was aware of her frailty having taken her to the shelter on several occasions. He liked being on a first name basis with people. He never knew when he would be called to help someone. Together they walked slowly up the street to the shelter in the next block. He hadn’t noticed the black Ford with two silhouetted figures in the front seat as they passed.

  AThey’ll take care of you now,@ Jeff said as they entered the shelter. AYou be good.@ He waited for the person in charge to finish what she was doing before speaking. AIs there somewhere that we can place Mabel so she won’t be getting lost, a nursing home or some facility for her to go to?@

  ANo, they are filled up at this time. She’s on the waiting list, with several ahead of her. There’s little more we can do.@

  AWell, would you just give them a call to see if her name can be moved up on the list, or call around to see if anyone else is taking in charity cases?@

  AI’ll try, but I can’t promise anything.@

  AThank you,@ Jeff said, and left, teleporting himself to his car. On the way home he didn’t know whether to go about his life as though nothing happened or leave the country. Life was beginning to get complicated. Once word got out he was afraid he would be swamped with more people wanting to be healed. He guessed he would have to get used to it or change his name. What a dilemma. He was on the schedule to work again on Saturday. Hopefully by that time the excitement will have died down.

  His parents met him at the door when he got home. ACongratulations, you made the news,@ they said in unison. AWe are so proud of you.@

  AAll these years we kept your abilities a secret. Now the secret is out and you have come into your own. We have to let you go. Our boy has grown up,@ his mother said.

  His dad broke in, AI should have known when the time came you would enter with a bang. I want you to be happy, but I’m deeply concerned with what this notoriety is going to do. Watch your step, and take one day at a time. The most important thing is to finish college.@

  AI agree, Dad. I was afraid you would be angry with me.@

  AHow could I be angry with you? You are my son and you have healed some people of their afflictions.@ He said with a smile he couldn’t contain. AI just want you to know we are here for you. I’m happy and sad, happy that you are my son, and sad that now you belong to the world.@

  That night both his brother Kevin and sister Melissa called to congratulate him. They had heard the news. It made national television, and Jeff was concerned about what was going to happen at school the next day.

  *

  The next day in a government office in Denver, the Alien Intelligence Agency (AIA) met to discuss last night’s newscast on healing. Among those in attendance were Traynor Jones, Cora Cleaver, Alex Binder, in charge of the office, and Jim Brown, an official from Washington.

  Brown spoke first. AI flew in this morning to find out what’s going on. I read your report, Jones, and when I heard the name Jeff Martin on television last night I felt it necessary to speak to you in person. We agree, of course, my being here must be kept confidential. It’s not to go outside of this office. The people we investigate are a mutant human threat, believed to be of alien origin. We must weed them out. One of them may assist us in finding out what their capabilities are so we will be ready when the time comes to act. Maybe this Jeff Martin will help us. Is there anything new you want to add to your report?@

  Jones spoke up. ASir, Cleaver and I have been tailing this man for several weeks because of suspicious activity. He has given us the slip several times and he wears sunglasses everywhere he goes. We think it is to hide his alien eyes.@

  ADo you have any proof?@ Brown asserted.

  ANo, we’ve tried to detain him, but he disappears on us,@ Jones ventured.

  AWe can=t arrest him now that he=s a celebrity,” remarked Binder. After last night maybe, because of his elevated status, he would grant us, say, an interview. We could set up a sting and bring him in.@

  AGood idea, Boss. I think it’ll work.@ Cleaver spoke up, a smile cracking her lips.

  AI agree,@ Jones grunted. The others nodded in agreement.

  AGood work,@ Brown asserted. AI knew we could count on you. This meeting is adjourned. I have two other supposed star children to interview, one in Tennessee and another in Oregon. When you have something further to report, contact me at once.@ He
looked at Jones. “Set up the sting. I’ll be waiting for a full report.”

  Cleaver looked at Brown and asked. ASir, do you think these people are really aliens?@ She was excited and yet fearful that she might be abducted.

  ALet’s just say we are keeping an eye on them in case they do something abnormal or something,@ Brown paused clearing his throat, Aun-American.@

  AYes sir.@ The conversation was over. As they left the office Jones suggested to Cleaver they continue to stake out the Soup Kitchen, since Jeff helped out there regularly.

  *

  School for Jeff the next day was a total waste. He kept thinking about the previous evening. When it was over he met Sarina for coffee. AWhat a day!@ He exclaimed putting his books on the table and breathing a sigh of relief.

  AI have been thinking of you all day,@ she said kissing him on the cheek. AI saw you on television last night. Are you alright?@

  AYes, just a bit shaken, but today went better than I thought it would. A few people made fun of me, but most accepted my explanation. I’m just glad the day is over. When I graduate I’m going to work where no one will notice me.@

  AYes, I can see you now, becoming a hermit. That’s exactly what you were sent here to do,@ Sarina said in a straight forward manner. AYou are a gift to mankind and you are going to hide where no one will find you? Fat chance, big guy!@

  AWell, it sounds good. I’ll just have to take one day at a time.@ They finished their refreshment, hugged, and departed.

  *

  When Jeff got home there was a message for him on the answering machine. It was from Leslie Storm, the Coalition Head for the Homeless. AJeff, you got some good publicity yesterday. We are proud of you and want you to help us plan a march for the homeless. The press is sure to give us the publicity, but we’ll have to act quickly before the excitement is gone. Please call me as soon as you get this message.@