THE PEACE KEEPERS

by Tom Tryst

  With only a brief pause, the humanoid continues speaking, but it quickly becomes evident he is speaking as itself. “We are ‘Ninety-nine’, the last two digits of this unit’s serial number in your language. We are machines. We have no emotions nor personal needs. We need no down time. Consider this unit your guide. We can answer any questions you have, for we are constantly in communication with the command units in orbit and every other humanoid. You can also communicate with your people through us and their guide. And don’t be concerned by flashing random thoughts. All of you earthlings have some bizarre thought patterns; we ignore those that are impertinent to the situation. We center in on deliberate thoughts and emotions.”

  Reading Baker’s mind, the numbers ‘99' gradually appears on its chest and back, like large tattoos. “All can address this unit as ‘Ninety-nine.’ Every other humanoid now have their own numbers. Don’t worry about confusion with other number ‘99s’, as we will always be at your side. And no, we will not be watching you sleep. We will go into what you call ‘sleep mode’ on your computers until you awaken.”

  Baker hadn’t spoken a word since he entered the room, as his every mental inquiry received an answer. Perhaps not as complete as he wanted, but an answer. Now he spoke up, “It’s rather unnerving to have you reading my mind. I’d much rather you let me voice my questions rather to responding to random thoughts. Our human minds can wander.”

  “As you wish,” 99 responds. “We will intercede only when necessary.”

  “Thank you. By the way, if you want to get my attention, just call me ‘Baker.’ None of that Mr. Vice-President crap.”

  “Mr. President,” 99 corrects.

  “Oh, right. So how long will I be covering for President Walden?”

  “We don’t know yet. Possibly indefinitely. We know the procedure for the permanent change of command. He, and those two agents, have been transported for evaluation. If they can accept the program, they will be reinstated.”

  Baker had been avoiding looking into the lifeless eyes, but now he stares at him. “And what will happen to them if they don’t - accept the program?”

  “We can’t say.”

  “You mean, you won’t say.”

  “No. We can’t say.”

  Baker drops it. He is concerned about the two agents; one had become a close friend, having for a while served as one of his bodyguards. As for Walden, he never liked the man, and only ran with him on the ballot at the urging of the party. The guy is a self-centered, money-grubbing asshole as far as he is concerned. He hopes he never comes back. Not because he would be President, but because the people deserve better. Right now, he is dreading his sudden interjection into the role as the acting president.

  He changes the subject. “So this has been happening to every nation in the world?”

  “At the start of the business day at every capital. In eighteen more hours, all will be briefed.”

  “You mean, taken over.”

  “They’ve already been ‘taken over’. They will be briefed.”

  “OK. So, what do we do now?” Baker wants to know.

  “We know the world is in turmoil caused by our sudden arrival.” 99 answers. “Most have abandoned their normal routines. They will be encouraged to return to their normal routines. Work, play, school. When the people get used to our presence, which we know will involve dealing with groups determined to try to fight us, we will start training the people in peaceful ways. Those refusing to cooperate will be dealt with. But even as we speak, the process for returning the atmosphere to its normal chemical condition has started. This is being done from the command ships in orbit. You won’t see anything, but gradually you’ll have blue skies again and clean air to breathe. The heat will slowly get back to normal.

  “We, the Peace Keepers on earth, will take steps to eliminate the most serious causes of pollution, the first being changing habits of all peoples so they can live more harmoniously with nature, the second being the cessation of the burning of what you call fossil fuels - coal, petroleum and natural gas. We will provide alternatives, solutions your scientists have not yet discovered.”

  “And what about the problem of over population?” Baker queries. “Do you have a solution for that?”

  “That is one of the first issues we’ll address. Part of the solution will be birth control. Another will be population redistribution. We’ll cover that soon enough. For now, I want to address your Congress. I assume all have returned or are returning to D.C.”

  “And when should I schedule that?”

  “Tonight. 9:00 PM. Or 2100 hours. And we want national coverage. That means people on the west coast will hear it at 6:00 PM. The Universal Council will address the people of the United States through me, preceded by words of comfort from you, assuring them of our peaceful intent.”

  “I suppose you’ll tell me what to say.”

  “You have your speech writers for that.”

  “Then you’ll edit it, I suppose.”

  “We don’t think we’ll have to, but if you want help, that’s what we are here for.”

  “They would be more comforted if it was President Walden speaking,” Baker stresses.

  There was a brief pause, as if 99 was communicating with the Council. “We don’t think that will be possible. The press is being advised that he has been removed from office on the charge of corruption.”

  “Hell! The whole world knows he’s corrupt. They accept that as normal for politicians.”

  “But we don’t, and we know you don’t. But that won’t be an issue we will bring it up tonight.”

  “Whatever you say. It’s not like us backwoods earthlings have any choice.”

  “We sincerely hope your attitude toward us will change with time,” 99 comments. “It is important that you set an example for your people.”

  It sounded like a warning to Baker.

  Chapter Four

  The Peace Keepers didn’t ignore the Compound. One group appeared at the Army encampment; another in front of the Operations building. Only those few civilians who happened to be outside witnessed their abrupt appearance, or heard the sporadic volleys of gunfire coming from the camp a mile away.

  A corporal just returning from patrolling the perimeter road pulls up in front of their Headquarters, and is just alighting from his jeep, his rifle in hand. There was no one around when he pulled in, now he sees a movement and looks behind him, at what appears to be six naked people standing in a loose group.

  He spins around, automatically cranking a round into the chamber, and calls out, “FREEZE!” He levels the rifle at the group, demanding they identify themselves. By now he realizes they are not human, at least not any kind of human he has ever seen. The pale white bodies remind him of troops in snow gear. Beginning to panic, he yells as loud as he can, trying to get the attention of those inside. He briefly considers reaching inside the jeep for the radio, but dares not take his eyes off the strange intruders.

  One of the Peace Keepers starts to approach him, its arms outstretched, palms open to show he is unarmed.

  The Corporal orders him to stop, and fires a round into the air. In seconds, other soldiers are bursting out the Operations and an adjacent barracks, all with their rifles. The alien continues to slowly approach and begins to speak, “We come in peace . . . “ when another shot rings out. The alien points a finger at the Corporal - and he disappears, leaving clothing and weapon to fall to the ground. That is quickly followed by a barrage of gunfire, from three of the soldiers thinking that their comrade has been hit and is down. Each who fires his weapon also disappears. The others flee.

  An officer appears in the doorway, quickly taking in the scene. He knows they are the Peace Keepers he has been warned about, and simply raises his hands in surrender. As one approaches, the officer sees the piles of clothing and rifles.

  The officer bellows out a command, “Hold your fire! Stop shooting,” but the gunfire had already ceased. To the alien, he pleads, “Please, don�
��t shoot my men. They’re only following orders! We’re here to guard against intruders.”

  The alien speaks without emotion. “We come in peace, but we will meet violence with violence. Those four have been transported. Tell your men to disarm. No harm will come to them.”

  The officer speaks urgently into a portable radio, then addresses the alien, “I am Captain Stafford, United States Army, assigned to security for this government compound. I know who you are; I have orders not to resist. My men must have panicked and felt their lives in danger. I’m sorry!”

  “Then you must know that we have taken over all the world governments and their activity; you and your men are officially relieved of duty. You are no longer needed here; your charges are now under our protection. Gather all your men into that building. Wait for additional instructions.”

  From where he is standing he can only see three of the four piles of uniforms and gear. “Can I ask what happened to my men?”

  “They have been transported.”

  “I know what you said,” the Captain replies, “but just what does ‘transported mean?”

  “They are no longer your concern. All military branches are no longer active. You are now a civilian, you and all your men. There is no Army. You will all soon be evaluated and given new jobs. Be warned. Any acts of violence against us or any earthlings will be dealt with swiftly.” The Peace Keeper did not answer the Captain’s question.

  “We know why you say you’re here,” the Captain advises. “Some just don’t believe you have peaceful intentions,” then adds with a wave of his arm toward the piles of uniforms, “especially when you kill people.”

  “We kill no one. Those resisting are instantaneously transport to one of the ships above for evaluation. Now, gather your troops. We will wait.”

  Back in the village, the six aliens appearing there have given orders that all are to report to the auditorium for further instructions. One of humanoids, bearing a large black number ‘37' on his chest and back, walks directly up to Daniel, who has his wife at his side.

  “As you are their leader,” Humanoid 37 advises him, “You will be responsible for the safety of your people. Any violence directed toward us will be dealt with instantaneously.”

  Daniel nods. “We know why you are here and what you claim your peaceful purpose is. Some doubt you, but I do not. I can’t imagine what benefits you could gain from us that would justify such an operation. It took great resources to get your Peace Keepers here. Unless I learn otherwise, I will believe that you Peace Keepers are here to save an ailing planet.”

  “Good. We sense your feeling. Now as to this project you are working on,” 37 continues. “We would like to discuss it with you - in your office. Have your co-worker, Charles Durwood, stay with the people until we join them.”

  The aliens obviously want to be sure that every person on earth knows who they are and why they have come to earth, disrupting their lives. For the United States, what better way than announcing to all that the President will speak to the nation during prime time regarding the arrival of the Peace Keepers. They will also hear a message from the Universal Council, the central organization for many worlds in other galaxies. For the first time, humans realize they are not alone in the universe.

  Many may have already listened in on a similar contacts with the aliens round the globe. By the time of the broadcast, hardly a sole living is unaware of the alien presence. The Peace Keepers are everywhere, taking control. Any efforts at rebellion are quickly squashed. For the first time in over a hundred years of aviation history, all flights have been grounded worldwide. All human conflicts have ceased. Most all people with non-critical jobs have stayed home, afraid to venture out as they watch video of Peace Keepers in action around the globe, as well as telescopic views of the spaceships in orbit.

  Acting President Baker has spent much of the afternoon with the presidential speech writers, with Peace Keeper 99 at his side for advice. He is to speak to the people first speak, then introduce Peace Keeper 99 as the path through which the Universal Council will speak to mankind. The purpose of the two talks is to make every person in the world know that the Peace Keepers are here to save the people on earth from extinction, to return the earth to its past beauty, and to leave mankind on a kinder, more gentle and loving path. They will have the hope of future trade and interactions with other worlds. People are urged to continue their everyday living activities without fearing the presence of the humanoid Peace Keepers. Those who have suddenly lost jobs - as well as those without employment - will be provided livelihoods. The wealth of the world will be evenly redistributed, with all receiving an equal benefit of the bounties of earth.

  By 6:00 PM, Washington, D.C. time, Baker is sure he is ready to make the presentation, backed up with Teleprompters to bolster his confidence. He knows he should have a light meal before he goes on the air, but all he really craves is a stiff drink to calm his nerves. Like all the other world leaders pressed to make such speeches, he thinks this is the most important speech he will ever make. He settles for a BLT and a beer.

  Every TV station and news channel will broadcast the speech live, breaking into any and all scheduled programing. It will also be broadcast by radio stations. The internet will fully cover the speech. And it will be recorded for frequent re-airing.

  Acting President Baker is introduced to all those in the Chamber by the Sergeant-of-arms, as well as to watching world. He is greeted by subdued applause. This is a sober situation, made even more so when it is Baker introduced rather than President Weldon. Undaunted, the Acting President begins his speech with the obvious:

  “First of all, I will assume that all are aware that Earth has been taken over by an alien race. I use the term ‘taken over’ rather than invaded because their purpose is peaceful. They have come to save the earth from extinction. They have come in peace. They will resolve our most serious problems. And they will leave in peace. This they have assured me and every other world leader, and I have no reason to doubt them. They identify themselves as the Universal Council, who represent a group of other civilized worlds in nearby galaxies, all living in harmony, without conflict.

  “When you look at the more than two hundred large spaceships in high orbits around the earth, the thousands of small vessels that have landed all over the earth, and the many thousands of humanoid robots they call Peace Keepers, we must know that they are a more advanced group of races than us. They have not made that great voyage to conquer and exploit Earth; in fact, we have little of interest to them. It is a humanitarian mission. They are here to save us from ourselves. They have confirmed what our own scientists have been trying to tell us for almost fifty years! But we haven’t listened! Now it’s too late. We are on an irreversible path to making our planet uninhabitable. We are on a path of extinction. Mankind is doomed, for we have altered the chemistry of our protective atmosphere so seriously that soon it will no longer support life. And it is too late for mankind to make the necessary changes.

  “But the Universal Council tells us that they can save the earth. They have the knowledge, the technology and ability to return earth to its pristine state. In fact, they claim that those many huge spaceships now in orbit around the earth have begun the process of doing just that. But they could do that without sending the Peace Keepers down to earth to take over the governing of ourselves - which, you have to admit, we are not doing a very good job. If they did just that, our lifestyles would only once again pollute the world.

  “Thus they are going to address the very core of the problem: the people of earth. Simply put, the pollution that is killing our planet is a people problem. The population of the earth is now estimated to be around ten billion, and will increase another billion in eight more years, then another billion in just seven more years. It is increasing exponentially, and it is more than the earth can support the way we are currently living. We are burning fossil fuels to feed, clothe, shelter and transport those billions. We are deforesting the worl
d for building materials and fuel. We are belching gases and chemicals into the atmosphere. We are washing toxic chemicals into our waterways and oceans. Approximately half of our oxygen comes from healthy oceans; the other half comes from trees and vegetation. We’re killing the oceans. We’re cutting down the trees. Trees help clear the air by removing carbon dioxide we exhale, as well as giving off the oxygen we breathe.

  “Last year, according to the World Health Organization, an estimated 200 million people died of air pollution, mostly the very young, the elderly, and the weak. The Universal Council states that the correct number is double that - almost 400 million. That’s up from 3.3 million ten years ago! Global warming is killing people by the tens of thousands every day, mostly people without means of filtering the air they breathe. Mostly people in crowded urban areas.

  “My fellow Americans, the Earth is dying! And nothing we have done to date is slowing the rate of death! But the Universal Council has been watching! And they have come to our rescue. They will clean our atmosphere. They will give us alternate ways for producing needed electricity, better ways of heating, better ways for transportation. Better ways of feeding ourselves! And they are doing this in universal love! Good Lord, people, the whole universe is living in harmony and we can’t even get along with ourselves or our neighbors! They promise to show us how to live in peace and harmony, how to love and respect our neighbor - whether they live next door or across the ocean. They also know that if they had approached us with this offer, we would have either rejected the offer out of suspicion of their intent, or more likely. we would have never gotten all world governments to agree to work in unity!

  “Like it or not, in spite our suspicions or any reluctance, they are going to save mankind. Even if we wanted to resist their offer, it would be futile. If they wanted, they have the ability to wipe every living creature from the face of the earth. If they wanted earth, as some suspect, they could simply eliminate us and take over - and do what they want with it. Compared to the rest of the universe, we are a very young society. We are also a very violent society; we have not yet learned how to get along with each other. We are like little children, absorbed with ourselves, our need, our wants. We need to grow up! Perhaps this will be what it takes for us to learn to love. To forget our differences and live in harmony.