by Tom Tryst
“We will eliminate most of the world’s problems. They’ll like that. They’ll get used to the changes. Eventually, the world will stabilize. Most already like the changes in their living conditions. Remember this, when we leave you, the world will be stabilized both physically and socially. You will be back in control of your own destiny. We will establish a procedure for you to call upon us for advice, but we will not intervene a second time. If you again chose a path to ruin, you will be on your own.”
“I think we get the message,” Baker advises, “But I still don’t know what you expect from me.”
“You already have a good idea. Your immediate chore is to select those ten who will serve with you. We will provide the requirements they must meet. It will be a national campaign.”
“And you will help me select the board.”
“We will provide you with the names of those who meet the requirements as well as have the proper motives - something hard for you to do. You will have many from whom you can make your final choices. All will be capable of serving. Appoint those who you think can work harmoniously with the others - and with you. You’re invitation for qualified applicants will be on prime time news tonight, repeated in the different media until we feel we have enough coverage.”
“I already have some in mind,” Baker says.
“No one who has been serving in either the federal government or state government will be considered. They are of the wrong mind-set. Our first inclination was to soon replace you, but your past performances as an elected official show that you have the welfare of the citizens as your primary concern. That, and your exceptional intelligence coupled with common sense.”
He starts to make a sarcastic response, then thinks better. “I guess I’d better get cracking on the speech.”
“It’s already prepared. It’s on your desk. It’s short. Less than two minutes. Try to memorize it so it looks natural.”
“Yes, Master,” Baker replies. “Will that be all?”
Humanoid 99 doesn’t respond, and moves to the door, where he stands in silence. The conversation is obviously over.
“Nice talking to you,” Baker mumbles going to his desk, and begins reading his script.
Most of the people living in the confines of The Compound are supporting the work of the Global Warming Advisory Group, while not active in the actual work of the corporation. They are content to stay where they are, for nothing much has changed for them since the Peace Keepers took over. They have their easy duties seeing to the needs of those working on the project, for their numbers have been bolstered by those reassigned from the original objective of the group. More are now available to work the farms, the dairy, food service, medical care, laundry and simple maintenance.
What might be awaiting them outside is an unknown. Most feel that they are better off where they are, at least for the time being. Not that they could leave if they wanted; the Compound is sealed. In the first few days, those no longer needed to support the efforts of the compound were allowed to leave, assigned to new jobs as close as possible to their friends and family. The few who were assigned but refused to serve were transported. What being ‘transported’ meant is still unknown. The general explanation that they were being transported for reassignment isn’t very assuring. The few people who had witnessed someone being transported, reported that at one moment the person was there, the next he wasn’t. No sound. No flash of light. No smoke. They just vanished. Some times outer attire was left behind to fall to the ground in a heap; other times everything disappeared with them.
The result is that no one wants to be transported, regardless of the assurance by the Peace Keepers that they have been programed to be unable to harm or kill a human being. They are content to stay put for now and do whatever the Peace Keepers tells them.
Television and radio are still transmitting much of the usual mindless (although cleaned up) entertainment, but the breaks for advertising are now public information blurbs advising people how to conduct themselves or how to avail themselves of needed services. What news items are released only show peaceful adjustment to the new methods of administrating the functions of mankind. They show that, the world over, mankind is adjusting just as those in the Compound have adjusted.
The citizens are also regularly assured that the process of cleaning up the environment is going well, but it is a slow process, and it will take months before they will begin noticing the change.
And always there is the promise that control of the earth will eventually be returned to earthlings.
Daniel and his crew are working within a loose framework provided by Humanoid 37. As they address each area with what they believe is a workable solution, under the constant input of their hosts, their work is submitted to the aliens for consideration. It has become obvious that every interim government of the world is doing the same thing, and the data submitted is being compared and incorporated into a document that will be acceptable to all societies of the world, as well as to the Universal Council. Apparently, everything will eventually be incorporated into an international version of how to rule the world - an international constitution with international statutes. The world will eventually have one currency with its value and use closely controlled by the government.
The Compound’s duties are now to determine how to limit the release of emissions that pollute the atmosphere, the oceans, fresh water and the ground. It addresses industry, transportation, farming and the everyday activities of humans. They are to determine what ordinances will be needed to assure compliance to the necessary changes to which the human race must adjust. Even as they endeavor to complete the task, some wonder why they are wasting their time; surely, the Universal Council already has their own plan.
Other similar groups around the globe are addressing the multitude of other issues.
Daniel insisted that they be allowed a full hour break for lunch. It would give the people a time to relax and have a leisurely meal, for their tasks are stressful and mentally demanding. So the daily procedure is four hours in the morning, with a midmorning break of fifteen minutes, an hour lunch break, four hours in the afternoon, with a mid-afternoon break of fifteen minutes. Their workday is 0800 to 1700 hours, Monday through Saturday. The Peace Keepers have accepted the schedule.
As summer approaches, the days are getting longer. Concerned that his people weren’t getting enough exercise, he tries to get his crew interested in playing softball several evenings each week. They like it. Soon they have established four leagues: ‘The Hackers,’ Daniel’s group; ‘The Soilers,’ the farmers; ‘The Beaters,’ food service,’ and; ‘The Fixers,’ maintenance. The best players turn out to be the soldiers the teams recruited, as they are in the best condition. They are all now civilians.
This evening The Hackers are playing The fixers. It is a practice game, as many are still learning how to play. The new baseball field, adjacent the park, even has dugouts for the two teams playing.
“I hate to tell you this Coach,” Charles addresses Daniel during one of the practice games, “but we really stink!”
Daniel just chuckles. “Yeah, I know. Most of their guys and gals work for a living. We should have kept ourselves in better shape.”
“How about starting a poker tournament instead? Good old Texas Hold ‘Em.”
“Hang in there, Chuck. The idea is to get some fresh air and exercise. It doesn’t matter who wins or loses.”
“I think the umpire is on the take, if you ask me,” chimes in Wendell.
In fact, they had the perfect umpire. One of the Peace keepers crouches behind the catcher, calling the pitches with absolute accuracy. Peace Keepers also fill the other umpire positions. No one knew the rules better than the Peace Keepers. Any one of them could be asked to umpire, and they can comply.
“The ump is 37,” Sherry points out. “If anything, it should be on our side.”
“In a way,” Tabitha adds, “they are on our side. They’re using little league rules to
give both teams a chance to play.”
“Come on guys,” Daniel urges, “Just enjoy the game. We aren’t even keeping score.”
“I am,” grumbled Charles. “It’s umpteen to nothing.”
“Hang in there. This is the last inning. I’m buying at The Tavern.”
It is the custom for the teams to mingle after a game, to get to know each other better. They are doing just that, except for Tabitha and Donna, who are at the bar talking to two young men.
“Looks like our girls are making friends,” Sherry comments with a knowing grin.
“How about that!” declares Daniel. “I was beginning to think they might be gay, them spending so much off time together.”
“Probably are,” grunts Wendell, obviously annoyed at Tabitha paying attention to a younger guy - and a handsome one at that.
“Hardly,” Sherry scolds, knowing the man has a crush on Tabitha. “They just want to be with people their own age. They’re both at least ten years younger than us.”
“Well, I like to see them having a good time,” says Charles. “Things around here are just getting too damn serious. Ask one of our farmers: make hay while the sun shines.
Now that the soldiers are mixed in with us, the younger single women can really get picky.”
During this time, his wife Carol has been watching the girls, a slight smile on her face. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we don’t have some weddings in the future,” she says, then looks at Daniel. “You think they will allow that?” referring to the Peace Keepers.
“I don’t know why not,” he responds. “They have to be aware of all the hanky-panky going on.”
Sherry laughs. “I was wondering if you were aware of that!”
“And you wouldn’t tell me if I wasn’t?”
“None of my business.”
“Well, it is my business,” Daniel advises, “and I do know what’s going on. Since the soldiers mixed in with us, there’s been a run on condoms.”
“Well, I’m glad to hear that,” Sherry comments with a smile, “I mean about the condoms. We don’t need our girls getting pregnant. Things are complicated enough as it is.”
“They’re being discrete. That’s all I care about.” Then he adds, “And that it doesn’t affect their performance.”
“Oh, I’m sure they’re performing just fine!”
“You know what I mean,” Daniel snaps.
“Boy,” she responds, leaning over and kissing him on the cheek, “you really have to work on your sense of humor.”
“Yeah,” adds Carol, “if we can’t find something to laugh about in this situation, all we can do is cry.”
Daniel stands up, preparing to leave. “OK, people. Enough idle gossip. And enough boozing. The evening’s still young.” He addresses Charles. “Chuck, you mentioned something about poker. What say we see if any games are going on at the rec hall?”
They leave as a group - except for Tabitha and Donna. They will leave later- with their two ex-soldiers.
Both the Capitol building and the White house are almost deserted. With Congress disbanded, the only government business is being conducted by the new President and his gradually growing Board. All government functions are being conducted by the hundred of thousands of Peace Keepers spread around the world.
The situation is the same in all other countries. Only those actually performing the tasks involved in maintaining society remain at their jobs, overseen by one of more Peace Keepers. Gradually, the populations of cities are being reduced. Reports are beginning to come back from people who have been relocated to other parts of the country. The stories are similar. They are instructed to gather their immediate family, along with personal items. The Peace Keepers decide what they can take with them. They step into one of the black ships, no sooner settle in, then step out into another part of the country. Each are assigned living quarters, more often a fully furnished house than an apartment, and their personal belongings are soon delivered to them. Duties are assigned. Everything they need is provided; there is no longer a monetary exchange, having gradually been eliminated. And as to goods, ‘need’ is the key rather than ‘want’. If they don’t really need something for their comfortable survival, they will not receive it.
Derelict structures are being removed, no longer eyesores. Entire slum neighborhoods are being leveled, with newly trained workers building new homes. Commercial buildings are being re-purposed in accordance to the needs of the new system of things.
Most aircraft have been grounded for the time being. The aliens have their own means for transporting goods and people. Trains are now only for local rapid transit, leaving freight yards filled with rail cars. Long distance buses now serve only community-to-community travel. The cab fleets are growing, most simply a passenger car and driver who will take a person wherever he or she needs to go. Again, there has to be a valid need to be somewhere, not just a want to go.
After a brief lull, industry is again manufacturing needed items; needed items. Almost all are under new management. All are nonprofit. All property belongs to the world. Managers, supervisors and workers are unpaid; they are provided with all they need for comfortable living. They don’t really need paper money or credit cards.
Only those who had been living excessive, luxurious lifestyles would be unhappy, but they are nowhere to be found. Financial institutions have ceased to exist, their structures being converted to other needs. Money was recycled for other uses. There will eventually be a common, worldwide currency, but not yet.
But the biggest changes go unseen except for the workers involved; building the new plants that will provide the worlds needs for electrical power. At first, prefabricated units were transported down from the ships above and assembled to create huge nitrogen powered electricity generators, chosen because of the 78% of the atmosphere that is nitrogen gas. As each plant is completed and put on line, it replaces the coal-burning and petroleum-burning power plants. Then the energy is utilized to operated the new manufacturing plants that begin building the many more needed generators, large and small.
Most residential housing is being gradually taken off the old electrical grids, their electrical needs provided by a small nitrogen generator backed up by an eight-by-ten solar panel that generates electricity even on a cloudy day, storing what is needed for nighttime.
Cellular communication is gradually replacing the need for utility poles and wires, becoming part of a single, worldwide network. Every person will have a communication devise that performs an amazing number of related services.
At the White House, Baker has completed his assigned contribution toward the forming of the world government. It is being implemented in stages. Humanoid 99 advises him of a new need in the adjustment of society: There are still too many people for the world to support them at the present time.
“As your ranchers put it,” advises 99. “We have to start thinning the herd.”
“Meaning?” Baker inquires, a sick feeling growing within him tells him what he has been expecting all along.
“There are too many people for your world to support at this time. We must severely restrict childbirth. We must transport millions of people.”
“Putting them in other parts of the world won’t lessen the demand,” Baker protests.
“We have other worlds with earth-like climates for carbon-based life forms. Worlds where the excess humans can thrive. We will transport a part of your population to those wolds.”
“How many people are you talking about?”
“Your earth can comfortably support a population of about six billion people; possibly more. We can’t be certain yet.”
“My God!” Baker exclaims, “Your talking about some FOUR BILLION people!”
“Actually, only closer to two billion. The earth’s present population, by our estimates, is about eight billion. The exact number has not been determined. Probably never will. We will leave you with a population that the earth can support in comfort. As you increase
your ability to provide, that will provide for future population growth, but only if you implement a means of controlling pregnancies and childbirth, short of aborting fetuses.”
“And I assume we have no choice in this?”
“You assume right. It is necessary.”
“The people won’t like it.”
“On the contrary, as their living conditions improve, they will like it.”
“How about the people being transported to other worlds,” Baker demands. “Will they have a choice?”
“Some will volunteer. For others . . . no, there will be no choice. But we assure you, their changes will be better than they had here on Earth.”
“Damn!” he breathes, taking in the enormity of what he was being informed. After some thought, he asks, “These other worlds. Do they have a population?”
“Yes.”
“Like us?”
“Similar.”
“And will our people be welcome?”
“Most certainly.”
Again, it is a while before Baker speaks again. “I hope you’re not asking us to make the decision of who goes.”
“No. That has already been determined. In fact, the process has already begun.” Before he could ask how, it continues, “Most of the military combat forces have already been transported. They are undesirable for peaceful civilian life. As have most convicted felons. And all of those your society had caged for the rest of their lives. And, out of necessity, those who became violent toward us. All to other selected worlds. And all have been what you would call - rehabilitated. A simple process for our scientists.”
“As bad as our world has gotten, that won’t come to your four billion quota.”
“Correct. We are now dealing with those who have demonstrated their pattern of life is living off others, from petty thieves to what you call white collar criminals. Those whose activities harm others. They are being held pending rehabilitation.”
“Then what?” He knows there will be more.
It continues. “Everyone who cannot contribute to the functioning of the world. The severely handicapped; the incurably ill; those unwilling to work; those too old to work. These will be transported. Further, those with disease or genetic defects who should not be allowed to produce defective babies. That, according to our computations, should come close to leaving a viable population. If more are necessary, we will transport excessive children, mostly with their single mothers, so that future generations will have the sam ratio of male-to-female, as well as a workable age ratio.”