THE PEACE KEEPERS

by Tom Tryst

  “What will I be doing as Dad’s assistant?” Debby asks.

  “What ever I say!” David quickly interjects, but his serious expression soon melts into a smile.

  “Each of you will be briefed as to your duties,” Daniel answers. “You’ll break in on the job. Nothing you can’t handle. You’ll soon be up to speed. And the Peace Keeper with the number 37 on his chest has the correct answers to whatever you want to know. Schedules. Procedures. Data. The same with the other two androids in the office. If they don’t answer, it’s either something your clearance doesn’t cover or something the Aliens don’t want us to know - or as they put it - that we, as human beings, wouldn’t understand.”

  Debby frowns at her father, but is addressing Daniel. “Do I have to call him ‘Boss’?” The frown melts to a slight grin.

  “On the job, we’re on a first name basis,” Daniel responds. “With the military, it’s last names only. They only use their rank and last name in formal situations. On details, the one taking the lead is often addressed just by rank.”

  “‘Dad’ will do nicely,” David assures his daughter.

  Daniel nods. “We’re one big happy family!” he exclaims cheerfully, then turns serious. “The job is demanding enough. No sense in making it any harder. We try to have fun when we can. You’ll see; your co-workers will become almost like family.”

  Sherry feels the urge to add, “The same with civic matters. We try to be like one big, happy family here in The Village. Like you were taught in church, the two greatest commandments are to love. Try to love your neighbors - your fellow workers - or at least show them great respect. I know you’ll fit in just fine.”

  Debby just nods, not knowing what to say. She keeps pace with the others, avoiding eye contact, giving her attention to the scenery around them. She feels apprehension about her new role, but will try to fit in, put her past out of mind - as best she can.

  The coolness of the morning is gradually yielding to the clear skies and full sun, even though they are often in the shade of the oak grove that dominates the park, with only the cleared areas for the softball diamond, the playground and the tennis courts getting full sun. The breeze is light, but by afternoon a stiff breeze, keeping temperatures in the mid-seventies.

  To Darrel’s disappointment, lake waters are already too cold for swimming. But the fishing will be great, especially now that the lake is off limits to civilians and the fish population is increasing.

  Having made a full circuit of the park, Daniel motions them to a picnic table near the playground. With a grin, Darrel leaves them to try out the swings.

  “The only thing I can suggest,” Daniel continues the briefing, occasionally watching the teenager swinging, “is to live one day at a time. Chances are, we’ll be here a long time. Maybe even longer than we want. Don’t worry about food or medicine. We’re self-sustaining. Later, I’ll show you the farms. We grow our own vegetables and fruit. Our own dairy. Our own beef. We have over a year supply of canned and frozen goods, plus another year supply of military REMs - Ready to Eat Meals. Even if all supplies are shut off, we could survive for years.”

  David interrupts. “This is now officially an Army camp, isn’t it? Will that change things.”

  Daniel nods in agreement. “Yeah, they run the show, but the very reason for the facility is our work. And it is primarily a Federal Government operation, which it will remain when the military turns full control back to Washington . . . or whatever they’re going to call the Capital in the ‘Brave New World’!’ he hastily adds. “Their role is to maintain security, a plus for us. If things go bad outside, they will keep the hoards at bay.”

  “Any chance they’ll draft us?” David asks, nodding toward Tabitha, who he knows in now a soldier.

  “I joined,” she quickly advises, “to be with Victor.”

  “No reason to,” Daniel assures. “You’re officially on the team. And Tab has been reassigned to my team. When her two-year enlistment is over, she can be discharged; or she can reenlist. Her option. She’ll still by on the team.”

  “That sounds pretty stable to me,” says David.

  “It should be,” agrees Daniel, and he leaves it at that, but he is thinking, ‘As long as there is a government holding everything together.’

  They have time before lunch to tour the perimeter road, visiting the Army camp and the dairy farm.

  It turns out that Debby has impressive computer skills for a teenager, and is temporarily assigned to Tabitha for additional training. Both David and Janet are pressed into the task of converting voice recordings to print, incorporating them into the growing computer files. All this is done by voice recognition computers, turning sound into print. In the basement, other computers translate foreign languages into English. This data is carefully designated as to content and stored on DVDs. For security, everything deemed important is converted to hard copy as a backup in the event of a computer failure.

  The tedious part is monitoring what is pertinent and what is not. With their limited manpower, it is impossible to listen to or read everything they have tapped into. The voice recognition unit is also programed to respond to a series of key words, phrases places or names that would dictate further examination. Such words can be changed or added to, depending on the current government concerns. Keyed transcripts require human evaluation. Everything is encrypted and transmitted to the Pentagon, where every transcript is reviewed. If any item is deemed potentially important, it is passed on for further review. The Brass send to Washington what they feel it needs to know. Currently, that’s very little.

  By the end of their first week, they are all adjusting to both the new environment and their new duties. But things are to abruptly change.

  For the last twenty-three hours, at the top of each hour, every broadcast around the globe has been interrupted with a brief message: At 1200 hours Eastern Standard time in the United States, the Universal Council will address Earth.

  Daniel has gathered his team in the Computer Center. The others of the community gather in the dining hall, the conference hall or at their duty stations. All work has stopped in anticipation of the promised - and dreaded - message from the aliens.

  Promptly at the time promised, every radio, television and internet transmission is pre-empted by a static picture of a humanoid figure, totally motionless as the broadcast begins. Presumably, the message is from the figure on the screen, although it remains perfectly immobile.

  “Greetings, Planet Earth. We have watched your progress since you drove the Peace Keepers away, rejecting our assistance with the communal system we had established. We have been monitoring you and have come to the conclusion that you are an imperfect species, incapable of governing yourselves in peace. We took that into consideration, hoping that the elimination of your inborn greed for wealth and power would be negated when every human being’s needs were met. Your suspicion of our intent seriously influenced your thinking, even though you could see we were effectively on course of cleaning the pollution of Earth, eliminating hostile aggression, and providing for the basic needs of every Earthling.

  “Instead of being grateful for saving Earth and mankind, you chose to believe we had an evil agenda. Instead of seeing us as saviors, you saw us as conquerors, even though we repeatedly assured you that we would leave you in peace as soon as your planet was once again stable. We promised you a peaceful Earth that would be considered for membership in the Universal Council. You chose to see us as an invading enemy and attacked us. So we left you.

  “You only had to continue to live in harmony worldwide, but you were determined to go back to your old ways; the path that was leading you to extinction. You chose to wage war, to prepare for an alien attack that will never come. We have no further interest in coming to the aid of a society intent on suicide. We know there are those of you who will not believe this message; you will continue to expend resources that should be directed toward peaceful endeavors. You will go back to the philosophies that
led to aggression and the destruction of your environment: greed and lust for riches and power.

  “Nevertheless, we would be guilty of failing to act in international love if we did not try to convince you that we will never return to Earth, neither in peace nor in aggression. We assure you, if it was our intent to return, nothing you could do would deter us. We urge you to direct your time and resources to peaceful paths. You were alone in the universe, worshiping your collection of Gods - or more often worshiping riches - when we intervened;. You are once again alone.

  “It is the fervent hope of the Universal Council that you will come to your senses and strive to become one race of people, worldwide, living in peace and harmony, both with your fellow man and with the beautiful planet you inhabit. However, you are already beginning to pollute the planet once more. Your own environment scientists will confirm that. But you didn’t listen to them before, so we doubt that you’ll listen to them this time

  “We have quarantined your planet. The rest of the universe will give you wide berth. You will not be contacted again. Our hearts are sad for you.”

  The static image and the voice is abruptly replaced by the regular broadcast, the same newscasters who led up to the expected alien communication; they are in stunned silence, as is Daniel and his people.

  It is he who breaks the silence, speaking more to himself than to his crew. “My God,” he mutters, ”What have we done?”

  Victor quickly answers, “We’ve gained our freedom, that’s what we’ve done.”

  Daniel can only stare at him in disbelief, not commenting.

  It is Sherry who hotly responds, “So you war mongers can once again pitch the World into continual conflict!”

  That broke the spell, leading to a heated argument, with Tabitha coming to Victor’s defense. “He was drafted! He had no choice!”

  Others are voicing their opinions, each trying to talk over the others, venting their emotions. Not all hostility was directed at the Colonel.

  Victor says nothing more. In the midst of the heated debate, he stiffly rises and strides out of the room.

  Tabitha stands and stares from person to person. “You bastards!” she spits angrily, and hurries out after her husband.

  That brings an end to the debate. Daniel quickly changes the subject. “I think we may be out of a job.”

  Victor is heading toward the tavern when Tabitha catches up with him, grabbing an arm and walking briskly to keep up with him. “Honey,” she pleads, “she didn’t mean anything personal. We were all shocked at the turn of events. I know you haven’t agreed with a lot of what we’re doing.”

  He just nods without slowing his pace. His destination is obvious. “I need a drink,” is all he says, but he pats the arm clinging to him.

  “You’re not going to get drunk, are you?”

  “Not a bad idea,” he responds, looking down at her with a tight grin. “Care to join me?”

  “You tend to get a little mean when you get drunk.”

  “Who told you that?” he demands, stopping and pulling her around to face him. “You’ve never seen me drunk.”

  “Some of the guys talked. When we were on patrol.”

  “I don’t drink like that anymore. You know that.”

  “We haven’t been written off as hopeless before, either,” she says softly, not wanting to upset him any more than he is.

  He takes her into his arms, her head against his chest. They stand quietly for some time, each holding the other tightly. Then he kisses the top of her head.

  “Not to worry, Cupcake. Just a couple of beers to relax.”

  “I could use a little relaxing myself. Just do me a favor. Let’s not talk about this . . . situation . . . not tonight.”

  “Deal.”

  Others had the same idea, for the tavern is crowded. Many had listened to the broadcast at the tavern and there soon is another loud debate as to what it all means. Victor orders four beers and motions for Tabitha to follow him, his hands full. They go back to their apartment and settle in on the balcony, sipping their beer and staring out over the lake, even though it is getting cooler as the sun lowers.

  They retire early.

  The last thing Daniel told his people yesterday was that it would be business as usual; forget the new schedule. Report for duty at 0900 hours. They will discuss what their future might be.

  All are present. At Daniel’s request, Tabitha is there as a part of the original research team. Victor excused her from attending the military briefing, feeling that her talent would be of best use with the research team. He would brief her later. She was to consider herself on temporary duty under Daniel.

  It was 0930 before Daniel leaves his new office in the Computer Center to join the others anxiously awaiting him. When he does address them, his message is simple.

  “Word is: we are still in business,” he begins. “Many still don’t trust the aliens and that they are just trying to get us to discontinue the space defense program so they can take over. Others believe the aliens, but they are a minority. So, the emphasis will now be to try to find out what the other major nations are planning. What they say publically might not be what they really intend to do. The fight to assure their fair share of resources has already begun, as normal distribution is being disrupted. So do your magic and intercept without their being aware. Try to find out what is really going on, for I don’t even trust what our own government is publically saying.” He pauses, then adds, “And so, unofficially, I also want to know what our own government is planning. I don’t trust that bunch that are serving until the elections. And I certainly don’t trust the Pentagon. Most don’t know what the hell they’re doing. Tabitha will lead the effort. She’s already taught many of you some tricks of the espionage trade.” He paused, as if mentally assuring he has covered everything, then adds, “So, let’s get to work, people.”

  The fact that he doesn’t ask for opinions or input bothers no one, for they had all discussed the issues at length. They know what is at stake.

  It had already started, long before the aliens formally abandoned Earth. With the Peace Keepers no longer enforcing the extremely complicated worldwide distribution system for every kind of goods, hastily formed governments began trying to take control of their countries. For many, the first act was to destroy everything created by the aliens; unfortunately, that meant the computer control of trade. Their efforts to maintain the flow of vital goods had minimal success, for there was no way they could even comprehend the complexities of the program, much less keep it in operation. Try as they might, cross-border exchanges were increasingly failing, with trade values increasingly coming into play.

  Most of the suppliers of the life-giving products continued to ship their goods as before, but it was some of those involved in the distribution who began holding out for some monetary payment for their services, no longer content with their equal share. The military was quick to intervene as food deliveries were being held up, but they were soon overwhelmed by the number of distributers who were doing the same thing. Where they could take over, they relied on the existing computer program to keep things running smoothly. The usual response was for the military to execute the manager who was responsible, turning over the operation to the second in command. They hoped fear would keep the new manager in line. Sometimes it worked.

  Where the computers had been destroyed, distribution was haphazard. People were beginning to starve. People were beginning to die for lack of medication. People, in desperation, were becoming increasingly violent, venting their anger toward the military and local peace officers. This limited their ability to try to keep a steady, dependable flow of goods. And as much of the goods they produced were to be sent to other countries in exchange for the goods they needed, exports dwindled, as did the needed imports.

  Now that most believed the aliens would not return, with a few notable exceptions, the military redirected their efforts at peace keeping. In the United States, the military completed their ta
ke-over of the national government, putting on hold what the civilians had accomplished so far. Wisely, their first action was to assure the continuation of food distribution just as the alien program dictated. When exports were not honored with exchanged goods, those countries were cut off. The aliens had made every nation a self-sufficient as possible, limiting the need for exports and imports. Because of its size and variety of climate, the United States could survive with closed borders as long as the communal program was kept in operation.

  From the start, the military took a hard stand: any interference with the communal system of trade was a capital offense. Only after a number of resisters were shot and killed, with their deaths widely broadcast for all to see, was the military seen as serious - deadly serious. While all military and civilian police had the new phasers, they also had the conventional handguns. In most instances, deadly force was the rule when faced with violent lawlessness. There would be no repeat offenders. When a civil disturbance, or riot, ensued, identified instigators were shot and killed by snipers; those refusing to disburse were given painful charges from phasers as a warning. Those still resisting were shot.

  The earthling keepers of the peace were becoming as ruthless as the alien Peace Keepers - even more so in the eyes of those who believed that those transported by the aliens were never killed.

  At the same time Daniel was briefing his team as to their new duties, Colonel Victor Wells was doing the same to his troops.

  “Until further notice, we are on twelve hour shifts. You will work six days on with one day off. Shift changes are staggered, with some details being relieved every four hours around the clock. Checked the board for your hours. Our sole duty now is the security of the Compound. That means perimeter patrol for many. Civilians have been assigned the task of keeping two hundred-yard swath outside and inside the fence cropped close, around the entire Compound. New signs are being posted outside the security fencing, warning people not to enter this cleared area; violators will be shot. It is a no man’s land. It should give us some warning of impending breach of the fence, as well as eliminate cover for those who might snipe patrols.”