Planet of Peace

by Jerry Belvo

  The phone rang. It was Jeff. He was back from his business trip and wanted to know if Sarina was going to spend the weekend with him.

  *

  Later that evening on the ten o=clock news a reporter covering the Middle

  East announced that officials had discovered a group, meeting in secret and branded them terrorists. They were arrested and charged with crimes against the State. During the newscast it was implied that clerics had claimed they worshiped a false God, and were afraid their ideology would interfere with the state approved religion. Extra security was in place less an attempt was made by sympathizers to rescue them. Sarina knew instinctively these people were star children, not terrorists.

  When Jeff found out about the arrests he immediately published it on the star child website asking for information to see if there was any way they could be rescued and taken to Australia. He brought it up to the group the following Tuesday asking for suggestions. They determined that no one had a fix on these prisoners. To be able to rescue them they needed to have either the source energy of one of the prisoners or the energy of the prison itself to be able to teleport to the exact location. Someone needed to come forward with that ability.

  The following morning the news announced that a bomb had completely destroyed a building next to the prison killing everyone in the immediate area. Jeff instinctively knew the star children were gone.

  The news of the arrests and the stigma placed upon star children believing in a false God played well in the southern United States. Bible belt religious fanatics declared star children atheists. They wanted them prosecuted and an amendment passed denying them first amendment rights. They called them alien devils, and should be sent back to their home planet before they contaminate the earth. Demonstrations by these hardcore fanatics were held in several cities in the south and eventually moved west. When they arrived in Denver in late October permits to parade in public were denied. But they did stand on street corners waving placards at passing motorists.

  Jeff was relieved when the commotion died down as his group felt uncomfortable by these events, fearing for themselves and their children.

  *

  In November Jeff received hate e-mail. It read, AGo back to Dos you devil worshiping freak, or some dark night I=m going to separate your head from your body.@ The tone of the e-mail unnerved him and he showed it to Sarina.

  AWhat are you going to do,@ she asked?

  AWhat can I do? Some night I might wake up with an intruder in my room with a long sharp knife.@

  AWhy don=t you call Homeland Security. Maybe they know who’s doing it or can trace it,@ she replied.

  When he called he got a recording asking him to leave his name, number, and the reason for the call. He hung up, not wanting to leave his name anywhere.

  He brought it up to his boss the following day, who immediately called Leslie Storm.

  A few days later at work Storm called Jeff. AI reported your problem to the FBI,@ she said. AAnd, they are looking into it. They are calling this person a cyber-terrorist. They threaten people over the web, but it’s usually extortion, something like blackmail. Have they asked you for money or something else of value?@

  ANo, they just wanted to separate my head from my body,@ Jeff answered.

  Storm had always liked his sense of humor, but she knew this was serious. ACyber-threats on individuals weren’t commonplace. The FBI thought it was being generated from the star child web site. I was told they had set up a separate division for the purpose of weeding them out, and would notify you when they made an arrest so that you could testify. In the meantime they said for you to continue to pursue your goals, and they would place a tracer on your computer. If the terrorist tries to contact you again they will trace the e-mail back to him.@

  ADo you mean I have to watch who I contact,@ Jeff asked?

  AOh, this is nothing new, Jeff. They have been able to do this for years. It’s just that they will directly monitor your e-mail address until this person is caught, but if you stop using your computer the FBI may never be able to catch him.@

  AI understand. Thanks for your concern.@

  ABy the way, I’m running for congress next year. Will you help me in my campaign?@

  AI would be happy to Mrs. Storm. I will tell my friends and maybe they can help also.@

  AThanks. I appreciate your support.@

  *

  Jones received word from Washington that their Denver office was to be closed. Now that the parameters of the job had changed, the office was no longer needed. The Washington agency wanted to transfer them back to D.C.

  When Cleaver arrived for work he told her the news. He had already made up his mind that he would quit the agency and stay in Denver. He definitely didn’t want to go back to a boring desk job in the East.

  After hearing the news Cleaver agreed. There’s no way she wanted any part of the hectic pace of Washington life again. She was happy in Denver. Maybe she might just retire and move in with her relatives. Having made some really good friends and establishing her roots out west, going back east just didn’t excite her in the least. However, she would have to think it over.

  AWe’ll have to give notice,@ Jones commented.

  AWhen are we to be shut down?@

  AThe end of the month,@ he replied.

  AI’ll give you my answer by then.@

  Jones was hoping she’d stay. He’d grown fond of her, and didn’t want her to leave. He finally worked up the nerve to say something. AIf it’s any consolation Cora, I want you to stay.@ There, it was out. He had wanted to say something for a long time but couldn’t get up the nerve. He had finally done it and was embarrassed.

  AWhy, Mr. Jones,@ she smiled. AThat’s the nicest thing you have ever said to me. I’ll think it over.@ She didn’t want to appear too eager, but she too had grown used to him, his gruff manner, and she had learned to look beyond it to see the man he really was. AYes, I’ll think it over.@

  He smiled. AGood, let’s get to work.@

  Cleaver could hardly keep from smiling as she sat at her desk downloading their daily mail from the home office when the words cyber-terrorist caught her attention. ALook Jones, here’s a notice to us from Washington. Jeff Martin has registered a complaint with the FBI. It says he’s being threatened. Someone on the web has threatened to decapitate him.@

  ALet me see that?@ He took the notice out of her hand. This is addressed to a different department. Why did they give us a copy?@

  AMaybe it is because we worked with Jeff in the past and they want us to keep an eye on him.@

  AThat must be the reason,@ he replied. It had been quiet in their office lately. No excitement since they were told to change their tactics. All of a sudden enthusiasm surged through his veins in anticipation of action. He finally had a mission, something worthy of his ability. He took his revolver out of the desk drawer and strapped it on.

  ALet=s stop by his office, Cora. I don’t think the Foundation will mind if we talk to him for a few minutes.@

  AAre you going to start calling me Cora now?@

  AJust a slip of the tongue, Cleaver,@ he replied winking at her.

  *

  AJeff, there is a couple in the lobby wanting to see you.@ The receptionist spoke softly as she stuck her head through the office door.

  AWhat do they want,@ he asked?

  AI don=t know, but the man has a revolver under his jacket. I saw it when he leaned over to talk to me. Are you going to disappear? Can I watch?@ Her eyes were wide open in anticipation of some comic book action. Apparently word had gotten out among the staff that Jeff was a star child, and although he didn’t mind anyone knowing, it was the way she said it that caused Jeff to break out laughing.

  ANo, Melanie. I think I know who they are. I’ll be right out.@

  Expecting excitement she
felt let down as she returned to the lobby. AMr. Martin will be with you in a moment.@

  Momentarily Jeff entered the lobby and ushered them into the conference room. He was curious as to their boldness. They had never been so formal, now they seemed to be human beings just like everyone else. Kind of nice, he thought.

  ATo what do I owe this visit?@ Jeff asked after they were seated comfortably around the oval table.

  AWe have received word that you’ve been threatened over the web and are concerned for you,@ Jones replied. AIt’s not our assignment to pursue this matter, but we want you to know we will keep an eye out for this person.@

  AI appreciate it,@ Jeff replied. AWhat are you planning to do?@

  Cleaver spoke out. AWe’ll stay in the shadows and let the guy make his move. The FBI is handling the internet portion of this threat, but they don’t have anyone physically on the case. We thought it would be added security if we just kept an eye out for anything unusual. If you sense anything, don’t hesitate to give us a call.@

  ABy the way Jeff, Cleaver and I will be leaving the department at the end of the month. Our jobs are being phased out here in Denver,@ Jones remarked. ASo our surveillance will only last till then.@

  AI understand. At least I’ll keep my head for the rest of the month.@ They did not know how to react to his remark until he laughed, then they relaxed and enjoyed the moment. As horrible as it sounded, Jeff wasn’t going to let the thought of being decapitated get him down. Yet the agents took the threat seriously and agreed to remain close by should anything drastic happen.

  We’ll be on the lookout for this terrorist. Just go about your business as though nothing is wrong,@ Jones remarked as he and Cleaver left the building.

  On the way back to headquarters the two agents discussed the situation. Jones spoke. ABeheadings don’t happen in the United States. That is middle eastern and a religious form of execution.@

  AHere they just shoot them in a crowd to make more of an impact on society,@ Cleaver interjected.

  AYou’re right. If Jeff goes into a crowd we will need to be near. We know his routine pretty well after all this time. It shouldn’t be too difficult to tail him.@

  Cleaver had an idea. AJones, it may not be a terrorist we’re looking for. It could be any fanatic who wants to make a statement. We need to find out if Jeff made any enemies lately.@

  AGood idea.@

  *

  Meanwhile at the FBI in Washington an agent takes her findings to her superior. ALook at this trace that just came in on the cyber-threat in Denver. Look where it was sent from.@

  Her superior glanced at the paper. AYou’re right. We have a problem. Don’t tell anyone. This is just between the two of us. Keep an eye out for another one. Let’s see if we can pinpoint which computer it’s coming from.@

  AOkay, I’ll get to work on it.@

  AGood, let me know when something else comes up.@

  Chapter 19

  There it was again, another e-mail, another threat, short and to the point. >You ain=t got long to live. Make your peace now, >cause I=m sending you back to hell.= Jeff hoped that the FBI had tapped his computer and gotten the address of the sender. He hoped they would apprehend the terrorist soon. He called Jones and alerted him to the second e-mail, and was told they would double their surveillance.

  Jeff then invited Jones and Cleaver to Julie=s picnic that weekend so they would be close by in case any unusual activity occurred. His first thought was not to go, but the FBI told him to keep doing his usual routine so as not to alert the terrorist. He had noticed a second car tailing him on occasion, thinking it might be the FBI, but still didn’t feel safe.

  When Sarina called he relayed the latest warning, and it upset her. He didn’t want to destroy their relationship even though he wanted her as far away from any danger as possible.

  Julie had organized a picnic in Cheesman Park the Sunday before Thanksgiving. The group had been meeting for some time, and she felt it was time to celebrate before winter finally set in. Besides she and her husband were back together. She had invited many of her friends and suggested the other star children do likewise. Jeff and Sarina had also invited several people and a crowd soon formed. When Jones and Cleaver showed up Sarina immediately sensed danger, but she kept it to herself. At least there was security present.

  Julie and Sarina were sitting together in folding chairs watching the children play. Julie remarked pointing towards the kids. AMy children can make themselves invisible, but they haven’t learned to teleport themselves. Notice when they all focused their minds on the same ball no one could predict which direction it will end up going, let alone trying to catch it before it changes directions. Age isn’t a determining factor in who wins.@

  She wondered how her children would turn out if she and Jeff got married.

  The adults watched the kids playing Dossian style. When Travis and his family arrived their kids lost no time joining in the fun.

  A couple in tattered clothes, looking much like drifters were strolling past the picnic area when the woman recognized Jeff. She turned to her friend in conversation and in short order they came over to him. The man asked if he would heal the sores on his wife=s face and Jeff performed his ritual. It only took a moment or two and they departed.

  A burly unshaved man appearing homeless stood by the side of the road watching the festivities for quite a while. He watched Jeff laying his hands on the woman’s face. Julie saw him standing there and approached him to see if he wanted to join the group, but he declined, preferring to just observe.

  A short time later more homeless people appeared wanting Jeff to help them also. At this point the man stepped into the crowd so he could get closer. When in full view of Jeff, he took a revolver from his jacket raised it aiming directly at Jeff. Jones spotted the gun and jumped in front of Jeff to push him out of the way, but got caught in line of fire. His arms went up and he literally fell on Jeff. He was coughing up blood as Cleaver rushed over to help him. Lying on the ground she cradled his head on her lap and whispered. ADon’t die on me. I don’t want to lose you. Please stay with me. I love you.@ His eyes slowly closed and his heart stopped beating. He went limp in her arms.

  Two men chased after the man, but the man pointed his gun at them causing them to stop in their tracks. Travis called 911 on his cell phone and the other star children encircled Jones. The crowd became quiet, praying for the dead man. Cleaver, tears streaming down her cheeks, was grieving. The rest of the crowd couldn’t see it, but delicate rose-colored energy emanated from the star children and encompassed Jones moving through him and around him.

  What seemed forever was no more than five minutes when Cleaver felt his chest expand, shallow at first, then stronger. AHe=s breathing!@ She shouted, jolting everyone back to reality. AHe’s alive. Thank God.@ She felt his chest. The bullet wound had completely healed over. Not even a trace was seen, like it didn’t even happen. The whole crowd breathed a sigh of relief, dazzled by the display of love and gratitude.

  Jones looked up, his head still in Cleaver=s arms. Did you catch him?

  ANo,@ replied Travis, but we got a good look at him. AHe was a large burly man in his thirties with blond scraggly hair. He appeared homeless, but somehow I couldn’t quite accept that he was.”

  Just then several squad cars pulled up, their sirens blaring, and surrounded the group. The one in charge spoke up. AI hear there was a shooting here. Did anyone get hurt?@

  ASomeone tried to kill Jeff,@ Julie replied.

  AWho is Jeff,@ the captain asked looking around?

  Jeff stepped forward, AI am sir.@ By this time Jones was on his feet feeling groggy but alive.

  ACan I speak to you in private?@ Jones asked the policeman flashing his credentials.

  ASure.@ They stepped aside, away from the others. Cleaver joined them. She didn’t want to be excluded f
rom what he was going to say.

  AI think I know who the attacker is.@ He told the captain about Jeff=s email threats. Then he told them how he and Cleaver had stepped up their surveillance on Jeff trying to catch the perpetrator. He gave the captain a description of the man and where he might be found.

  AIf you want me to come down to headquarters I’ll be happy to file a full report.@ The captain agreed and told his men to clear out. One by one they turned off their flashers and left the scene.

  Jeff turned to Jones and said. AYou laid down your life for me. You don’t know how good I feel about what you’ve done. I owe you a debt of gratitude.@

  AI only did what I was trained to do,@ Jones replied. Protect the public. Besides, you are my friend.@

  AYes, you did it for me. I’m honored.@

  Cleaver wiped away some dried flakes of blood from Jones=s chest with a wet towel. He waved her off smiling at Jeff. AI think I have found me a mate.@

  AYou sure have,@ Jeff responded.

  *

  The following evening Jones and Cleaver appeared at Jeff=s apartment. When they were seated in the living room, Jones apologized to Jeff. AI should have known who your attacker was. I went to the station and made a full report. They put out an arrest warrant for him for cyber-terrorism and attempted murder. He should be apprehended soon.@

  AI hope so. Your jobs with the AIA end this month and I can’t afford to pay you,@ Jeff remarked.

  ADon’t worry about it. It’s been our pleasure.@

  AHow’d you know who he was,@ Jeff asked?

  Cleaver spoke up. AThe cyber-threats were sent from our office. I knew it wasn’t Jones. He doesn’t know how to use a computer, and it certainly wasn’t me, so it had to be one of the others.@

  AWas it . . . ?@ Jeff paused not wanting to mention any names.

  AYes,@ she replied.

  Jeff was still upset about what he had done to Dukes and felt badly about putting him through it, but he’d apologized and everyone had to face up to their own monsters, he thought. AI’m just glad to have it behind me. Now I can concentrate on the holidays.@