THE PEACE KEEPERS

by Tom Tryst

  As they enter the office, Daniel addresses the android, “37, join us. We have some questions.”

  Only then does 37 move, turning to face them. “Good morning, Daniel. Good morning, Sherry.” It follows them in.

  They move to the small conference area consisting of three long sofas set U-shaped, with a low, glass-top table in the center. Daniel and Sherry take seats on one side. Daniel motions for 37 to sit across from them, so that they are at the same ‘eye’ level, for looking up at the robot is uncomfortable for him.

  “I have a few questions for you,” Daniel begins, getting right to the meat of the matter, for social niceties are unnecessary with 37. “You may not be able to answer, so I am directing my questions to the Universal Council, asking you to forward them.”

  Peace Keeper 37 doesn’t reply, waiting for the questions.

  “Some of us would like to know if we can request to immigrate to a world suitable for homo sapiens life. And if so, what our living conditions would be.” He had been sitting forward, but having broached the question, he sits back, waiting for 37's response. When it doesn’t come right away, he knows from past experience that 37 is relaying the question to the Universal Council, or whoever - or whatever - controls it.

  Sherry looks questioningly at Daniel, who answers quietly, “This may take a minute.”

  It takes two minutes before 37 answers, although they soon realize that the information is being relayed through it. “Yes, we do allow immigration under certain circumstances. We consider who is making the request and why they are making it. It also depends on our needs and the qualifications of the humans to meet those needs. Do you desire to make such a request?”

  “We are considering it,” replies Daniel, a little awed that he is possibly speaking to an alien. “We would need to know what the conditions would be for such approval.”

  “Understood,” 37s voice acknowledges. “Let me first correct some of the misgivings your people have about us; and here I am speaking on behalf of all the planets forming the Universal Council. Those we have ‘transported’ in order to ease the overcrowding of Earth have not been terminated, with a few necessary exceptions, and then when only all alternatives have been exhausted. We had to remove those who were so evil, you, yourselves, could not deal with them. They were what we considered as hopelessly defective.

  “For you must realize by now, Daniel and Sherry, that we cherish life. Those we transported were those least likely to constructively serve in a revitalized Earth - or even survive. The elderly were rehabilitated. The needy children are being raised with love. Unfortunately, some of you were defective - beyond our ability to correct; they have been mercifully terminated.”

  To Sherry, it was almost as if they had been listening in on their conversation last night - then realized that could have been doing just that.

  The android continued speaking. “We do not make slaves of any race. We certainly do not eat people. One most member worlds, we do not eat any living being. We do not make workers - what you would call slaves - of any race, even an inferior race such as yours. I’m sorry if the truth hurts, but you, as a race, are not that many generations removed from savagery. Many of you, still today, tend to act as savages.

  “What we are telling you today has been told to every world leader on Earth. Why they haven’t told their people - well, you will have to ask them. But, then, you two have a better understanding what is going on than most. We know that you - and some others in your closed community - realize that what we are doing for Earth is through universal love. The fact that you are considering immigration indicates you have some degree of trust in us.”

  Sherry reaches over and grasps Daniel’s hand, glancing at him, her face beaming.

  “That said, you want to know what conditions you can expect if you decide to become a citizen of the Universe. We already have a world selected where we would send you. Many of you humans have already transported and are inhabiting that world; they have named it ‘Paradise.’ As to physical comfort, it is ‘Earth-like’, being a little smaller with a little less gravity than you are used to. It has a breathable atmosphere, with a slightly higher oxygen content than you are used to. It is much older than your Earth, long since stable. Three-quarters of the planet is land, mostly arable, with the remaining relatively shallow oceans. There are many fresh water lakes, rivers and streams. You would consider it a lush planet, with a continually semitropical to temperate climate.

  “It is an agriculture-based world with a rather primitive lifestyle compared to your industrialized world. We have long learned what is import in order to live happy, healthy, peaceful and contented lives. Your diet would not include animal flesh; some of your scientists have come to realize you were not created to consume and digest flesh. The animals native to the planet are harmless to humans and serve as part of the order of the planet, making it self-sufficient for eternity.

  “It is a communal society. Your would build your own shelter, simple abodes. You would raise your own food to supplement what the planet offers. You would live in small communities, much like you have become used to in your Glen Haven. On occasion, you would be able to visit other worlds - on what you call ‘holiday’ or ‘vacation’ - and you would have trade with the rest of the universe.”

  The voice spoke almost as if reading from a script, without any lengthy pauses. Here it pauses, then asks, “does that answer your questions?”

  It is Sherry who immediately speaks, “You used the word ‘created.’ Do you believe in God, in a Grand Creator?”

  The voice immediately responds. “As advanced as universal society has become, we have yet to find an explanation as to how this vast universe came to be. Some unidentifiable force is at work, call it a God if you wish. On virtually every planet in the known universe, the inhabitants have the inborn urge to worship a god or gods. And all look upon their deities as benevolent and loving. So do we, praising the ‘Grand Creator’ by living in love and harmony with all peoples.”

  “That all sounds too good to be true,” Daniel interjects, “What’s the catch? What are the less pleasant aspects.”

  “That you will still be human beings, what you call ‘homo sapiens.’ It will take time for you to adjust your thinking. If you are deeply religious, the transition will be easier, for the theme of many of your religions is love, love for your god and love for your neighbors. You will still grow old and die, although your new lifestyle will substantially extend life expectancy. It is not the paradise some of your religions promise, along with everlasting life. You will still have some illnesses, quickly treatable, and there are no fatal diseases. Childbirth will still be painful. As can be some social interactions. In short, your life would be as happy and content as you make it.”

  “Do you have requirements we would have to meet?” Sherry asks.

  “We must limit the numbers,” the voice replies, “both because of the efforts involved setting up new societies and, what is more important, that Earth doesn’t loose the people most capable of making the changes required for its continued existence. We will consider each request as an individual.”

  “If we go, we would like to keep our families together,” Sherry says, her voice almost pleading.

  “That would be considered. Due to the unique nature of your isolated community, we would consider all. Peace Keeper 37 will quickly screen those asking it for immigration and will deny those who don’t meet our criteria or are too important to the functioning of Earth. It is acting on our behalf. Contact us when you decide what you would like to do. We wish you love and peace.” It was obviously the end to the communication.

  Sherry reaches over and embraces her husband, holding him tightly.

  “Well, that gives us something to think about,” Daniel says softly, slightly stunned at the revelation. He is still holding her just as tightly when he adds, “Hey, are you crying?”

  “Tears of joy,” she says, stifling a sob.

  “Don’t get carried away.
They said it was conditional.”

  “But there’s a chance!” she insists.

  “You sound like you’ve already made up your mind to try.”

  She nods. “But only if all of us can go.”

  Daniel addresses the android, “37, can you give me a copy of that conversation?”

  “Oral or written?”

  “Both. You’re excused.”

  The android silently rises and leaves the office.

  “We’ll get the family together,” Daniel advises her, both still clinging to each other. “We’ll talk it out.”

  “And some close friends?” Sherry urges.

  Daniel nods.

  “And soon,” she adds.

  Chapter Twenty-four

  It is such a beautiful day that Daniel changes the location for their ‘family and friends’ meeting. They gather in one of the rotundas in the park, one having benches around the perimeter, seating for everybody and shade for all, for it his early afternoon and too warm to sit in the sun. Under the canopy, a slight breeze keeps all comfortable. Present are Daniel and Sherry, his brother David with his wife Janet and their children, Darrel and daughter, now Debby Franklin, her husband Jonathon, the Durwoods, Charles and Carol, Tabitha and her husband Victor Wells, and Tabitha’s best friend, Donna. There are thirteen in all. None have a clue why they were so secretly called together.

  Daniel looks around to assure no one is within hearing range, then opens the meeting with a simple, “I have something to for you to listen to; it is a recording of a conversation that Sherry and I had early this morning with the Universal Council. Let it play through and then we can have a Q and A.” He activates the recorder.

  The recording plays through to the end, leaving stunned silence. But it is soon interrupted by Charles. “I take it you and Sherry are considering immigrating to this . . . Paradise?”

  Sherry quickly responds. “Yes, but with a condition. We want each one of you to join us. And any in your families. And close friends. We would go as a community and stay together on that planet as a community.”

  Daniel is busy giving everyone a printed copy of the communication. “For the time being, I ask you to keep this confidential. Tell no one for now. If we, as a group, decide by majority that we don’t want to apply, we can open it up to the others. The problem is the aliens won’t let the entire village immigrate. We are still needed as part of the communal system. . . .”

  Charles interrupts. “I still don’t trust them. I haven’t forgotten how ruthlessly they dealt with our people. All that . . . crap . . . ,” he waved his paper in the air, “is just too damn perfect to be true. It’s a big con. Who knows why they want more humans? And this time they can pick and choose!”

  “I don’t blame you for being suspicious,” Daniel partially agreed, “I can’t say I trust them 100%. But we would be foolish not to check into it more thoroughly. Who knows, with their instantaneous space travel, maybe we could send a team to check it out and come back to report.”

  At Sherry’s urging, they went back over the transcript, one sentence at a time, discussing it thoroughly before moving on. They pause only when someone passes by close enough to hear. An hour into the discussion, and only halfway through, Victor radios for patrol to bring them something to drink. It continues for another hour and a half.

  By judging from the comments and concerns, Daniel figures seven or eight are interested. Only one outright rejects the offer.

  Getting tired, for he had been standing most of the time, Daniel brings a close to the debate - which is what it turned out to be. “By a show of hands, who is in favor of getting more details on the aliens’ offer?”

  All but one raise a hand, that one being Charles. Even his wife votes to get more details.

  “OK, I’ll check deeper. But first I want each of you to give me the names of others you want to go along, just as if you were moving to another part of the country - not necessarily to another world. People you would ask to move with you. Not just casual friends. With this list of names - if any - add any questions you would like to ask of the aliens. Any concerns you have. I’d like them as soon as possible. Say by supper tomorrow?”

  All nod agreement.

  “One last thing. Secrecy. Say not a word of this to anybody outside this circle. Not even those you want to join. There will be a time for that later. Is that clear?” He is looking at Charles.

  The final list of names, including the original eleven (minus Charles and his wife, Carol), number twenty-eight. Twenty-four are key members of the research group Daniel knows that Charles will be glad to take over the lead of Medina Lake Research Group. Victor has a second-in-command who can take over as chief of police. Sherry knows the City Council will appoint a new mayor from among them, to serve until the people can elect a new major. That left 21 members who must be replaced, most with extensive computer and internet system training. They would be hard to replace.

  As expected, the aliens approved all those named, but insisted that all those in key positions in support of the communal program be replaced with persons equally capable of performing the duties. All ten of the original thirteen could be cleared to go, either having non-critical duties or having qualified replacements. Of the other twenty on the list, only six had non-critical assignments. Five were children. That left nine to be replaced - all on the Distribution Investigation team. All computer and communications experts.

  Daniel had no idea where he could find the replacements.

  Three days later, rumors are circulating throughout The Compound that the aliens are offering immigration to a wonderful earth-like planet. Copies of the transcript 37 had made for Daniel were circulating. The android denied giving any out; as they could not lie, Daniel believed it. He suspects Charles or Carol as the leak.

  Both he and Sherry are besieged with requests for alien immigration. All they can do is start forming a second group for considerations, independent of their own. By day five, more than sixty people are considering the aliens’ offer - and the number is growing.

  All the screening is by 37. A hopeful would submit his or her application, then be interviewed by the android. Interviews were brief, for 37 only had to read their thoughts to know all about them and their suitability to colonize an alien world. Those turned down were given no reason. Some of those approved would have to find replacements from outside The Compound to assure that the facility remained in operation.

  It is Washington that resolves the problem for Daniel. Mere months after they were assured the Medina Lake Research Group would be needed indefinitely, Daniel is given notice of closure. A 30-day notice. Citing they no longer need the expertise of the Distribution Inspection team, they are given a month to find other employment or be reassigned by the government. And to find another place to live. The government is closing down The Compound.

  Daniel’s group no longer has duties troubleshooting the distribution system. Sherry, as Mayor, runs the City. The normal day-to-day operation of the village is being seriously interrupted as people are being reassigned, with buses arriving daily to ship them out to their new homes of choice. Those staying struggle to keep things going, but very soon few are reporting for work assignments. The kitchen shuts down from lack of workers. The Police Department takes over issuing REMs for each and every meal, supplemented by what fruits and vegetables that can be eaten raw or with simple preparation.

  Only the farmers hang on, as usual feeding themselves. How long they can run the farms and dairy on their own is unknown. Some who often assisted the farmers were opting to join them. No one knows if the government would evict them or demand that they participate in the food distribution system.

  With two weeks left before the Compound is to be formally shut down, well over half of the citizens of the Village of Glen Haven have been bused out to new assignments. They are the ones who had either rejected the alien offer of immigration or have been turned down. Of those remaining, sixty have been accepted for immigration; Daniel’
s group numbers thirty - with the Durwoods among them.

  While the aliens, through 37, have been making their selections, the farmers have been doing the same, choosing whom they would take in to keep the farms functioning. Even though there has been no assurance from Washington that they can remain, some have chosen farm life rather than be reassigned to who knows where, doing who knows what.

  It is party time in the Davies’ apartment; the eve of their departure to the planet called Paradise. Thirty people, family and friends, along with their children, crowd into the apartment to celebrate the start of a new life on a strange world. The mood is festive, though somewhat subdued, for many are leaving friends and extended family behind. Even though they have been separated for years from family members living outside the Compound, the fact that they will never see or talk to them again rests heavily upon them. Being with their immediate family and close friends eases the feeling of loss. Some already have feelings of guilt since they chose to join the program, leaving some family and friends behind, but that guilt was bearable with the knowledge that the separation might not be permanent. Some are comforting themselves with the idea that their ‘holidays’ might include a visit back to Earth to visit with loved ones left behind, even though the aliens had not confirmed this would be possible.

  The buzz throughout the community centers on this new adventure, for at 0900 hours tomorrow all selected will report to the Operations building for departure. Earlier that afternoon, a spaceship had appeared next to the building, the familiar black box ship that had brought the original Peace Keepers. It will take them to Paradise. There was no last minute packing, for they can bring nothing with them. Everything they need will be provided when they land on their new home planet.