THE PEACE KEEPERS

by Tom Tryst

  Closing the door behind them, he turns to face his wife. “You never told me you were going to appoint an all-women council,” he flatly states.

  She just shrugs, knowing that the issue would come up. “You said it was my choice,” she responds. “I felt it was about time that women had a say in government.”

  “But ALL women?” he counters. “This is apt to upset some men!”

  “It’s only temporary,” she argues. “If the people want men on the Council, they can make their nominations, and vote for them. The final Council structure will be established by vote. Besides, in the few matters that will be decided by the Council, women have more awareness.”

  “Such as?”

  “For one, schooling,” she quickly cites. “We need more training for those teaching. Only two hold teaching credentials on the outside. Plus a better curriculum; more teaching and less testing.”

  He hadn’t yet moved from the door. “Just the same, you should have coordinated with me.”

  She glares at him, instantly angry, but takes a deep breath before answering. “You listen to me, Mr. Davies. You are not going to micro-manage the mayor’s office. It’s bad enough that we have to have the military’s approval of everything we do. We are going to take action as we see the need; we don’t need your approval. You can either endorse it or not; it will be Gen. Wright’s decision - more likely Victor’s. And Tabitha will undoubtedly influence him in his decisions - just as I would expect you to support me.”

  “Sweet Jesus!” Daniel utters, “I think we’ve created a monster!”

  She ignores his comment. “I’ve read the orders thoroughly. The matters relating to the township are covered by the Mayor’s office. We were given a standard charter that we - meaning the City Council - will modify to cover our particular situation. It is the Pentagon who will endorse it . . . or make changes. As Director, your responsibilities are those relating to the operation of the Research Center. You should be glad that you don’t have the added responsibility.” Then she reminds him, “A responsibility you said you didn’t want!”

  He is far from glad, for he even resented the take over by the Army. He used to run the entire operation. Now security and law enforcement was by military; township matters by the Council. His only responsibility now was management of the espionage program, keeping The Pentagon happy.

  She knows how he is feeling. “Honey, don’t look at this as a demotion. You know the only reason we are here is to spy on other governments. If your program goes away, so does the entire Compound. You can now put all your efforts into the program. It’s your baby! I promise you, as long as I’m Mayor, I’ll confer with you. I’ll consider any advice you may have . . . but final decisions are up to the Council. And they’ll only relate to city functions. - unimportant things you won’t have to worry about.”

  “You mentioned Tabitha,” he says. “She works for me. Are you saying she’s on your side now?”

  Sherry just smiles. “She’s a woman,” but then quickly adds, “You know she is an extremely intelligent woman. She’ll do what she thinks is right. Let’s not put her in the middle of any disagreements you and I might have.”

  “Are we going to have disagreements?” he pointedly asks.

  “I really don’t think so. Really! But don’t be surprised if you see a woman’s touch dressing up this little town.”

  It is through their espionage efforts that Daniel gets hints of impending military action in the Middle East. Iran, supported by Russia, is sending troops into Iraq. Like many of the countries in the region, a majority of their previous population had been transported by the Peace Keepers, leaving Iraq struggling to feed those remaining. They have no military; the advancing Iranians are taking over city after city without firing a shot, winning over the hungry people by bringing food for them.

  Efforts at re-establishing the United Nations are going no where.

  While breaking transcriptions is a time-consuming job, there is growing evidence of a plot where Iran will continue their peaceful conquest by taking over Syria , Jordan, Israel and Lebanon, giving them access to the Mediterranean Sea, while Russia will take over Turkey and other former USSR countries, also giving them access to the Mediterranean. The United States had pledged to protect Israel, but the military powers are reluctant to start being the S.W.A.T team of the world again. NATO is no longer around to fulfill its promise to protect Turkey and Greece, the probable next targets for the Russians.

  So far, there are no reports of combat, probably due to the aliens transporting every person with a criminal or violent background, as well as the destruction of most weapons of war. As to Russia, it would have taken more time to reestablish a fighting military and its weaponry. But they would have had time to build up their agriculture to create an export of surplus of foods to bribe countries to join them. Iran would have less land, so was probably providing most of the troops.

  But Daniel and his staff have a much clearer picture of their own government. The current token Congress has no desire to get into a war, especially in the old quagmire of the Middle East. Their solution for saving Israel is to simply bring all the Jews to the United States. There is even a proposed bill - now in limbo - that would turn Oahu, Hawaii over to be the New Israel. Under the present system, they have absolutely no input as to the activities of The Pentagon; only out of courtesy are they even kept advised what they are planning.

  A new word is becoming popular in The Pentagon: Isolationism. The United States is energy self-sufficient. It is agriculturally self-sufficient. They could close the borders and do just fine, many thought. Canada would certainly join them in such an effort. Not everybody agrees to make the same offer to Mexico or the Carribean island nations. Most efforts remain those that strengthen the defenses of the nation.

  The Peace Keepers had relocated many millions from their home country to other countries. Once the alien force was eliminated, the United States had closed its borders, allowing neither immigration nor emigration. It remains so today. While the new government made no effort to deport those illegal aliens already in the country, they closed the Mexican border with a vengeance. They would let undocumented aliens leave, but shoot on sight anyone trying to sneak into the country - and not always using the phasers. Deadly force was authorized. Gradually, those who had entered the United States illegally (or stayed beyond their legal time) where realizing that they would be just as well off in their native land. There was a steady, daily flow out of the country.

  With a population already depleted by the aliens, jobs were plentiful - but not always desirable. The standing motto remained: ‘If you don’t work, you don’t eat.’ Unless you were totally unfit for any kind of employment, whether by age, physical ability or mental ability, you were expected to seek employment. It was a crime to remain idle. The government would attempt to assigned employment to fit the individual’s desire and ability, but there were many jobs to be filled in agriculture; few wanted to be a farm worker. Fortunately, agribusiness had converted most manual field labor tasks to machine functions. Still, there was a need for manual labor.

  Those intentionally avoiding work were arrested and, as prisoners, assigned to work gangs, usually involving hard labor. In season, that meant harvesting fruits and vegetables, back breaking work. Most soon learned that they had to develop good work habits.

  Marriage was once again a union between a man and a woman. For either spouse to be granted a divorce when there were dependent children involved - or a pregnancy - both parties had to have made arrangements for remarriage. Once married, a person could not go back to being single unless their spouse had died. The emphasis for allowing a divorce and subsequent remarriage was for the welfare of the children. If either spouse walked away from a marriage, they were committing a crime, punishable by arrest and assignment to hard labor. If dependent children were involved, it was considered more serious. The more children, the greater the crime and subsequent punishment.

  In the turmoil o
f the days following the Peace Keepers sudden departure, many families were broken up. The new laws on marriage gave legally married persons thirty days to rejoin before enforcement would commence. When scoff-laws began to be arrested, the new marriage laws were taken seriously.

  For those who could not work, arrangement were made for their care. The elderly were provided housing and sustenance, most commonly in hotels with restaurants, converted to senior care. Other hotels and motels were converted to care for orphaned children and day care facilities for working parents. Only a mother with a dependant child not of school age could remain unemployed; her job was to rear that child or children. Once a dependent child started attending school, the mother was expected to be employed during school hours.

  More and more, single young men and women were opting to join the military, with the vast majority going to the Army. There was no longer a Navy branch; former personnel and equipment were now part of the Coast Guard. The Marines were also so reassigned to the Army.

  The Army was now charged with keeping the peace within the borders of the United States, its territories and possessions. They had replaced Border Patrol. They also supported local law enforcement agencies. What had been the Air Force was now converted back to being the Army Air Corps, flying in support of local law enforcement agencies and air support for the Coast Guard.

  When a local jurisdiction, whether a township or county, did not establish a law enforcement agency, the Army provided that public service. The army also had a huge mobile force that could be called upon by local law enforcement agencies in the event of an emergency.

  Despite the overall population reduction caused by the aliens, the combined Army and Coast Guard would soon have almost as many military personnel as during pre-alien times.

  For any of this to work successfully depended entirely on the continued functioning of the communal goods distribution system, currently having mixed success.

  All living in the compound are aware of the changes on the outside. They are living in a communal community and living very comfortably, perhaps the reason why they don’t understand why there are those on the outside pushing to reestablish the old monetary system and open the borders to free trade.

  And, one way or another, most are aware that things are not going so smoothly outside their security fences. And there is always the fear, or dread, that the need for their services will go away, leaving their future uncertain. What would await them outside?

  Sherry made good her promise to give the village a woman’s touch. The first, and most noticeable change, was to paint the town. Literally. The dull military olive drabs and greys were replaced by pleasant earth tones, immediately transforming the town into a typical civilian village. Gradually adding to this was the installation of planter boxes with flowers and small ornamental plants and bushes. The transportation vehicles, all olive drab, were repainted a bright yellow. Only those vehicles used by the soldiers retained their military markings - and that would change if the Council had their way.

  All had to admit that the changes were good. And all knew that there would be many more substantial changes in the future. That included Daniel and Victor -now that Gen. Wright had been reassigned leaving Colonel Victor Wells in command of the Camp. They strolled through town on an unofficial inspection of the changes.

  “You’ve got to admit,” states Daniel with a wave of an arm, “the town never looked so good.”

  “Nor as unmilitary,” adds Victor. “This is supposed to be an Army base.”

  Daniel glances at him, asking, “You don’t like it?”

  “Didn’t say that. I guess it’s OK considering the joint effort. I’m just wondering what the brass will say the first time they drop in.”

  “It’s all been approved.” Daniel points out.

  Victor stops to more closely inspect one of the curbside planters. “I was wondering about the flowers. They’re fake. Plastic.”

  “It is winter, you know. Sherry says they’ll be replaced with hothouse flowers by spring.”

  They stroll on.

  “The place reminds me of a resort town I once visited. In Colorado. I think I can get used to the change,” Victor comments.

  “Well, keep in mind that almost all who live and work here are civilians. The less military the decor, the better they’ll feel about the situation. That’s why I keep Sherry on a long leash. As long as she and her girls don’t get too carried away, I’m going to let them do their thing. She is asking me for advice.”

  “Just keep them away from the camp. We like drab. Matches our uniforms.”

  “You got it. Although that Jeep you drive would look great a fire-engine red.”

  “Very funny,” Victor replies as they approach the Operations building. “Let’s see what they’ve done in there.”

  As soon as they pass through the revolving doors, Victor mutters, “Oh, Lord!”

  The reception area is painted a bright peach. The wall behind the receptionist bears a hand-painted mural of brightly colored flowers. Both men stare at it in disbelief.

  It is Daniel who speaks first. “This is the first I saw it! Honest!”

  Victor can only shake his head. “This is your jurisdiction. You’ll have to deal with it. I don’t think the Pentagon will like it.”

  “I’ll talk to Sherry,” he promises, all the while wondering what she has done with the rest of the building, especially his office. He is relieved as they continue down the central corridor, the paneling untouched. So is his office. They pass out the rear door and walk to the Computer Center.

  Sherry meets them as they enter, immediately knowing by the way her husband looks at her that he is upset. “You saw Operations reception,” she assumes.

  He simply nods, but before he can say anything more, she quickly adds. “They got a little carried away. I already told them the mural is too much. And to tone down the peach.”

  “Get them under control,” he orders. “Make them clear all changes with you. And I hope you’ll clear things with me. This is a government facility, you know.”

  “Sorry, Boss,” she replies, immediately realizing that her comment could be taken as sarcasm. “Really. Consider it covered. I’ll have them repaint it this evening, after office hours.”

  He surveys the open office space, sprinkled with computer consoles, looking for changes. Seeing nothing obvious, he asks, “What do you have planned for here?”

  “Nothing in the mill. At most, the painted top half of the walls maybe a light beige.”

  He considers that for a moment, visualizing the change. “That would be a nice touch. But leave it at that.”

  “How about flowers at the desks?” she aks, with an impish grin.

  “Don’t push it,” he replies, then turns to Victor. “I’ve got our monthly supplies request ready. You want to go over it?”

  “Yeah. Let me say ‘hi’ to the wife first,” and he heads back to Tabitha’s alcove.

  Sherry waits until Victor is out of hearing before she eagerly presses her husband, “So what did he think about the changes downtown?”

  “He actually liked them, but he’s not sure how the brass will see it. I suggest you leave it as is for now. It looks good enough.”

  “They want to repaint the apartment units,” she advises. “Similar earth tones like the town center.”

  “That’s a lot of work. You think you can get enough volunteers to do the job?”

  “If you can get the paint, we’ll get the workers.” Then she adds, “They want to do a little landscaping, too.”

  “Wouldn’t hurt. See what the farmers have. We’ll have to do with what we already have. Maybe they can start growing some landscape plants.”

  “Thank you, Dear,” she replies and gives him a peck on the cheek.

  “We’ll be going over the supply list,” he advises. “Don’t disturb us for about an hour. Then we’ll take you girls to lunch.”

  Life within the Compound was becoming as normal as the situation
allowed.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Two months after the town mayor and council were appointed, formal elections were held. Probably due to the citizens approval of the changes brightening their town, making it look like anything but a military facility, Sherry was elected to serve a four-year term as Mayor and her girls were elected to serve two-year terms as council persons.

  On the national level, the military coup was beginning to return some control to the newly-appointed government established through the efforts of Chairman Baker and Chairman Birch, Co-Chairmen of the Executive Branch. The local and national elections currently being organized would allow the people to fill the elective posts. The newly elected President would make the permanent appointments. In the meantime, a group of senior military officers would retain control of all military and law enforcement personnel, still part of the Armed Forces. The newly formed national government would once again have control of the country, but the military would have the power to enforce - or not enforce - the laws of the land.

  Due to the warmer global temperatures, now considered to be permanent, but at least not increasing more, spring was coming earlier in the year. This was good for the farmers, as they were under increasing demand to provide the food stuffs America needed, now that the government had closed the borders. Nothing was being exported nor imported. The State of Hawaii was under pressure to provide the tropical fruits and vegetables normally imported from other countries. Alaska was increasing their fishing fleets. The government established a number of canning and freezing facilities for the processing of foods for the winter months. People were learning to do without many products that they formerly took for granted, but very soon realized they really didn’t need.

  The government was also getting a handle on the food distribution system, but there were growing complaints from the farmers and ranchers that they were getting the ‘short stick’ of the exchange. There was also pressure from those involved with industry to return to a monetary exchange, mostly from those driven by the desire for wealth and prestige. Those who considered themselves to be above the others, those of the ‘upper income bracket’ and the few of the ‘privileged class’ that remained, felt they should have a greater share in the countries resources.