THE PEACE KEEPERS

by Tom Tryst

  “The Universal Council will give us a start in growing up, to becoming responsible, unselfish, nonviolent adults. After cleaning up our mess, they will teach us how to keep it clean. Once they have accomplished their mission of humanity, they will leave us in peace. They also promise us that if we keep living with love for our neighbor, we will eventually be invited to become citizens of the universe!”

  He finishes his speech by urging all to adjust to any changes the Peace Keepers make, always keeping in mind that, while they are just robots - very sophisticated robots - they are carrying out the wishes of the people of the universe. In conversing with a humanoid Peace Keeper, they are speaking to the living citizens of the universe who are directing them. By the mixed applause, he can tell that some are jubilant at the interdiction, while others resent the interference. Typical of how they reacted to the reports of global warming and climate change, Baker knows that some will accept the news and be willing to do what they can to cooperate, while others will reject it as hype, believing instead that the aliens have a hidden, evil agenda.

  He cuts the applause short, for he knows what the people want to hear is what the aliens themselves have to say. Reading his mind, Humanoid 99 moves up to his side.

  “This is one of the Peace Keepers. In my introducing him, do not applaud, for it is just a machine. It does what it has been instructed. This one has been assigned to be my guide, which means that I will be given directions through it by the Universal Council. So what he speaks from this point on, consider that it is the Universal Council speaking to you.” He steps aside and 99 moves to the podium.

  “Greetings from the Universal Council. We represent 123 civilized worlds, all joined for the purpose of extending intelligent life throughout a peaceful universe. We have sent our emissaries, the Peace Keepers, to you in peace, hoping their reception would be peaceful. All contacts considered, there have been few conflicts, all resolved quickly and peacefully. Your President has well described your dire situation. Only a foolish person would deny earth is in serious trouble.

  ”Because we have the ability to quickly take control and resolve your problems, we chose that course of action to minimize the disruption of our contact. After the initial shock of our appearance, we urge all to continue their lives in their usual patterns. Your governments are still functioning. Your national boundaries are respected. Business will continue as before.

  “To each individual human and family, not much should change for a while. If you are retired, your benefits will still be forthcoming. If you are working, your jobs will still be there or will be changed in nature. If you are a student, your schools will still be functioning. If you are ill or injured, health care will be available. If you are unemployed, we will soon find suitable employment for you.

  “We are implementing price controls worldwide to deter those who would take advantage of the situation by exercising what you call ‘price gouging.’ All prices, wholesale and retail will, for the time being, be frozen at last Mondays level. Existing prices, both wholesale and retail, will be examined; excess profit taking will be eliminated, so you can expect prices for commodities to drop, many significantly. Take your food markets as an example: the price of every item is known by the Peace Keepers. One of them can simply walk through a store and detect if a single price has been changed. Those making illegal price changes will be dealt with severely. Also be assured that the flow of merchandise will continue uninterrupted. There is no need for panic buying; those hoarding foods will also be dealt with severely. Within a few days, existing prices will be modified to eliminate any excess profit making. Do your normal shopping and you will be pleased at how much further your assets go.

  “The only difference in your life styles for a while will be the presence of the Peace Keepers, each with an assignment. We assure you they are no threat to you; unless they have business with you, they will leave you alone. They are simply highly sophisticated robots built in human form, hoping that would make them more acceptable. Since then, we realize that their appearance is still disturbing to some; we hope you will get use to them. For some of you in positions of leadership, a Peace Keeper will be assigned to be your guide. What they ask you to do may be different from your normal operations, but they are coordinated worldwide. Do as they say, for they will aid in making the changes that will alter the way you treat the planet, the first step in reducing harmful polluting. In many cases, they will provide expertise, materials and equipment that will allow you to better perform your duties.

  “If you refuse to comply and conform, they will simply reassign you to other duties and put someone else in your place. So you don’t have to obey every command, but it will be easier on you if you do.

  “They are also enforcers. They are armed, but they are programed to be incapable of seriously harming or killing a human being. Violence against them will result in the perpetrators being immediately transported to one of our ships for evaluation and reassigning. What you will see in such a confrontation is the violator simply and instantly disappearing. We assure you, that person has not been terminated. For your own safety, keep back from a Peace Keeper, for each has a force field to protect it from damage. By that we mean just far enough away so you won’t accidently brush against one . If you touch one, unconsciousness will result. You will recover in about a minute without aftereffects. However, they can touch you without harm, by simply adjusting the power. Consider them as you would one of your own law enforcement officers; call on one if you need help. If one wants to speak with you, it will address you by your name; they can read your mind. If you find yourself sick or injured, they have the skills of the best of your medics; they will help you.

  “Do not attack any peace keeper or even attempt to harm one. First of all, only a very powerful weapon will defeat the force field. And then, that would only disable a machine. It would be immediately replaced. As you no longer need lethal weapons, all will be confiscated world-wide. Anyone brandishing a weapon will be transported. Don’t even touch a weapon; the Peace Keepers will gather them.

  “Second, if you demonstrate aggression, either by intent or action, you will be transported for adjustments, and dealt with accordingly. If you plan to commit any violation of your laws, or hostility against us, a Peace Keeper will read your intent and take action. And please do not worry about your random thoughts; we realize the human mind can often be chaotic. We only react when the thought is ongoing and accompanied by willful intent; in such cases, a Peace Keeper will react before you can put that intent in motion.

  “Finally, you have our promise that we will help you make your world right, then leave you on your own, but with the means to contact us if you have future problems beyond your control.

  “We are informed that many wonder why we are doing this, taking the time and expense to clean up your planet. In a word: love. It is something you humans have not learned to do. Oh, yes, you have the ones you love; your immediate family and friends. But you have not yet learned to love your fellow humans. You are still killing. You are still warring. You are still allowing others to suffer. Some of you are directly causing that suffering, other indirectly. We have love and respect for all intelligent life-forms - and there are so many differing species just in our small section of the vast, limitless universe. That love and respect extends to you humans. We consider it a privilege to help you help yourself.

  “For most of those whom you refer to as ‘the average citizen’, there will be little change other than life will be better. For some, especially those who have a conscious role in the deterioration of your planet, the change will be drastic - but still for the better. People you know may suddenly disappear without a trace. These will be the ones relocated by necessity. Your habit of grouping into huge population centers has to be reversed. Your population has to be spread out across the globe more evenly to ease the stress on the environment. Others will have to be relocated for employment. Immediate families will not be separated unless by their choice.<
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  “But we plead with you, neither to fear the Peace Keepers nor try to resist what they are doing. And always remember, they are machines. They have no personality, so do not waste your time trying to befriend them, arguing with them, or trying to bribe them. They will deal with you just as they are programed and instructed. You cannot modify their actions. And they will not intentionally harm you.

  “There is one last, but very important matter, which we have saved for last. Religion. Of all our collected worlds, you have an amazing number of paths of worship and religious belief. We have no problem with that, as long as what your faith teaches you does not conflict with our recovery program. Conflicts caused by your often conflicting religious beliefs will be dealt with just as swiftly as with any others. We will point out that almost all of your varied sects preach love, but few truly exhibit such love. We wish you love. This will be the only contact directly from the Council. From this point on, necessary communication will be through a Peace Keeper.”

  Humanoid 99 abruptly turns and leaves the raised podium. There is a spatter of polite applause, but most are so overwhelmed by the flood of information they begin mumbling among themselves. Baker really has nothing more to advise, but returns to the podium. He has one more dictated task.

  “I want to get a feel of how you think the government should proceed. By a show of hands, who wants to try to defy the Peace Keepers and ignore their directions.” He knows it is a loaded question. He also knows the Peace Keepers present probably already know who they are going to have to replace.

  Several dozen hands immediately shoot up, but most pause, looking around to see how the others are reacting. He sees a poor show of hands, for only a few more are raised. Baker looks around, scanning the members of Congress and the other elected officials present, absently nodding as he tries to identify those who would defy the aliens.

  He continues, “Again by a show of hands, who feel that we should cooperate with the Universal Council?” Again, the response is slow and unenthusiastic, but almost all hands are raised.

  “I am calling both the House and the Senate to formal session tomorrow. I’m sure you plan to anyway. You can discuss the matter and come up with some consensus. But be advised that I intend to co-operate with the aliens; it’s quite obvious that we have no other choice. You can voice all the bravado you wish in front of your colleagues, but you damn well better forget party lines and come to a decision. People, we have no options! The world has been conquered. All we can do is hope and pray they are sincere in what they are telling us and that they have no hidden agenda. May God bless mankind and see us through this tribulation.”

  Baker leaves the same way he came in, rather than pass through the audience, being in no mood to answer inquiries. He finds 99 falling in beside him, matching his pace.

  “Satisfied?” Baker snaps at him.

  “You did well.”

  “So tell me, do you have a hidden agenda?”

  The answer came immediately. A simple “no”.

  They start to return to the White House on foot, but the Secret Service agents intercede, for a crowd has gathered in front of the building. They will be shuttled back in caravan, with a police escort. The ride is brief, but Baker notes that 99, seated beside him, pays no attention to the scenery, staring straight ahead.

  He is tired and wants to go to his own residence and crash, but he is advised he is now staying in the Presidential suite. Agents have already moved all his personal belongings. In his new residence, with 99 still at his side, he heads for the bedroom, pauses at the door and looks back at 99. “Are you really going to stand in my bedroom while I am trying to sleep?”

  Humanoid 99 steps past him into the room and looks around. The only other door is to the bathroom. There is a balcony, but they are on the second floor. He turns to address Baker. “We will be stationed just outside your door. Call if you need anything. We will know when you awaken. Rest well, for we have a busy day tomorrow.”

  Baker takes a hot shower, hoping it will relax him. Ready for bed, he picks up the phone. An agent immediately answers. Baker gives a simple order: bring him something to help him sleep.

  It was almost 9:00 PM in Texas when the historic broadcast was over, leaving the various news pundits to tell the people what they just heard, as if nobody had been listening, each trying to put a personal spin on what both the Acting President and the Universal Council had said. Daniel had the session taped; they would watch it again and again, trying to detect anything that might make them not believe what the aliens were saying. The rest of the world could do the same thing, for many stations, especially cable channels, were replaying the session over and over.

  Humanoid 37 had been standing off to the side throughout the broadcast; apparently they have no need to sit. While Daniel’s staff is clustered around him, discussing the issue and how it is going to affect them, 37 approaches. “Excuse me, Daniel Davies, we have been informed that further instructions will be given to you tomorrow morning.”

  Daniel is a little surprised at the politeness of 37, but acknowledges the information.

  “The military has been relieved of duty,” 37 further advises. “We have taken over security for you. For now, no one can leave the grounds without permission. Please instruct them to stay in the village. The civilians can return to their homes. For now, they are to continue their normal duties. That includes the farmers. They must continue to care for the livestock and the crops.”

  “Our office hours are nine-to-five,” Daniel responds. “All those taking the lead will meet you at 0930 hours in the conference room. Does that suit you?”

  “That is acceptable.”

  “But right now, we would like to have a private discussion with the managers and supervisors.”

  “My orders are to stay with you all the time.”

  “Oh, just bitchin!” Daniel cries out in exasperation. “Are you going to tuck me into bed, too?”

  “We advise you to work on your attitude - again. We know the situation is difficult for you. We’ll try to make the adjustment as easy as possible.”

  Daniel bristles at the counsel, but controls himself. “And may I ask just what that ‘adjustment’ will be?”

  “That’s what we will discuss in the morning. And no, we will not tuck you in. We will be stationed in the hall outside your rooms, able to know if you need anything.”

  “Yeah, the mind reading. That will help me sleep more soundly.”

  His wife, Sherry, whispers in his ear. “Honey! Cool it!”

  He just looks at her, then at 37, and back at her. “You know he can hear you,” she reminds him, then sighs. “How about a nightcap? It’ll help you get to sleep.”

  Daniel turned to 37. “Is that OK with you?” he says with heavy sarcasm.

  “Yes.”

  “Thank you! Would you care to join us?”

  The Peace Keeper didn’t respond.

  “Oh, that’s right,” Daniel continues. “You would anyway.”

  “Damn it, Daniel!” Sherry exclaims, not trying to hold down her voice. “Get a grip! You’re supposed to set an example. You’re talking to a programmed machine. Quit trying to pick a fight with him!”

  He just stares at her for a moment, frowning. Then his face begins to relax and he nods. “You’re right. This whole thing is getting to me. Our new President is telling us to cooperate, so I’ll cooperate.” He turns to look at 37. “Sorry, 37.”

  It didn’t respond.

  “It’s a machine. You don’t have to apologize,” she reminds him again.

  “Right. Sorry, honey.”

  She kisses him on the cheek. “Let’s go have that nightcap and go to bed.”

  “Right.” He turns to face the others and gets their attention. “Everybody, back here at nine sharp!”

  As they cross to the tavern, with 99 right behind them, he can see three of the Peace Keepers standing at attention at various parts of the village. He wonders how many of them there are in the co
mpound.

  Chapter Five

  Tabitha awakens from a disturbing dream, leaving her feeling a little disorientated. She quickly realizes she is in her new apartment, and that they are captives of the aliens. All she can recall of the nightmare was that, to her surprise, it didn’t involve the invasion.

  She knows she will not be able to go back to sleep. The digital bedside clock-radio reads a red 0535. The drapes had been left open; she sees it is still dark outside. She rises, slipping on a robe, for she knows it will be cool outside. She needs to step out into the night and hopes that her newly beloved view will calm her.

  It won’t be long before dawn, but even now she can see scattered houselights on the opposite side of the lake. They seemed to be always on, possible porch or yard lights. Or people, who like her, can’t sleep. She had become used to the omnipresent haze that hung over the city of Washington, D.C., often becoming stifling smog. While there was a light haze this morning, the air was fresh and sweet in comparison.

  Rather than sit, she stands at the railing, taking slow, deep breaths as she looks down at the blackness she knows to be the lake waters. Beach park lamps, their light dim and warm, shows the path that leads down to the gate accessing the beach area. At the gate stands a Peace Keeper, absolutely motionless, facing up the path; she knows it is there to keep anyone from leaving the compound. She longs to be down by the lakeshore, something she had not yet been able to do, but she knows the humanoid will not allow her to pass. But she has to get out, perhaps walk down to the main park. Maybe they would allow that.