by Tom Tryst
“You’re taking this rather calmly,” Daniel perceives.
“We were convinced is was something like that. We’re resigned to our fate.”
“We? You mean Carol is alright with this?”
“What choice do we have? But your news is great. She’ll be relieved that it will be a perfect humanoid baby.”
“I guess we might as well go inside and include her on the situation. We are to meet with 37 an hour before sunset. He’ll tell all then. Or rather the Universal Council will.”
Daniel goes next door to get Sherry to join them.
As they sit in the kitchen, Daniel relates what he has found out. The first thing Carol wants to know is what the child looks like. As Daniel describes the handsome child, Carol just sits smiling. Sherry sits expressionless.
Carol’s first comment, “Too bad he’ll be growing up so fast. We’ll have so little time to enjoy him.”
“Well, that explains why I’m getting a belly so soon,” is all Sherry comments.
“All this doesn’t bother you?” Daniel asks in amazement, looking from Sherry to Carol and back.
Carol responds first. “Well, if I had a choice, I wouldn’t get pregnant. I felt I was too old, that I’d be more like a grandmother to my child, then a mother. But now that I know my child will grow up so fast, that’s no longer a concern. And, no, it doesn’t bother me anymore. If anybody should be disturbed, it would be Charles, not being the biological father.”
“And I’m fine with that part,” Charles assures, “The best part, we now have sexual freedom!” He smiles at Carol, addressing his comment to her. “I was really getting horny.”
Carol blushes, but laughs.
Daniel looks at his own wife. Sherry shrugs. “I’ve expected the worse. I’m not going to get upset until I hear what the aliens have to say - see if they have some more unwanted surprises.”
“I just thought more on what you said, Danny,” Charles continues. “About how they grow so fast. The whole idea of them bringing us here is to populate the planet. They want the entire planet to be farmed. You never said, but I’ll bet the gestation period is also short. We probably won’t have to have many babies before they themselves can breed, continuing their race. They won’t need us anymore.”
“I suppose.”
“My point is,” Charles stresses, “Not only for breeding, but maybe they won’t need us for farming either. Our children could take over. What will happen to us then?”
“Good Lord!” Daniel exclaims, “I never thought that far ahead. It’s something we’ll have to ask our hosts.”
“If they’ll admit it,” replies Charles grimly. “They claim they cannot lie, but not telling all the truth is the same as lying, as far as I’m concerned. Or all the truth. And they have held back critical information a number of times!”
Daniel takes and deep breath and lets it out slowly. “OK, we’ve got to decide what questions we’re going to ask them, letting them know we consider their not answering as bad than a lie. At this stage, they only thing we’re not sure of is our future - the humans future on Paradise.”
They spend the next few hours preparing a response to the Universal Council’s message.
Chapter Twenty-nine
Daniel has also asked the Burtons to attend, along with their son Tony, sending a shuttle to pick them up. The shuttle returns with the Burtons and another couple, they with a baby and a daughter about Tony’s age. Like Tony, the girl, Susie, is very comely. The baby appears to be no more than a year old, still carried by the mother. It looks no different from a human baby. Burton explains he thought they would want to see other children to help allay their fears.
Most of the community has arrived early. All being childless themselves, the presence of the neighboring couple and their children is a hit. The two older children endure the special attention with maturity, responding politely to questions. Peace Keeper 37 has made sure there are refreshments for all, but most opt to wait until after the meeting, using the time to speak to friends they don’t see often enough, as well as their new guests.
As the last rays of sun shine into the center, the conversations dwindle and all take their seats. As 37 moves to the front of the audience, Daniel steps in.
“Before we start,” Daniel addresses the android, “I have a few words for my people.”
The android doesn’t respond, but remains silent.
“I’ve asked for this meeting in order to find answers to the many rumors circulating about the Universal Council’s demands for child bearing. A few of us have already discovered some of the truth and want to share it with you. The Universal Council has agreed to give us the ‘big picture,’ so to speak. Not only about our obligation to populate the planet, but as to our future. I ask you to hear the Council out, then they said they will answer any and all questions.” He nods to 37 to proceed.
“As to those questions,” begins 37, “we have already forwarded them to The Universal Council. They will answer them.”
It is now obvious that the Council will be speaking through 37. “Greetings Paradisians. We send you greetings from the Universe and wish you health and happiness. We must apologize for withholding some information from you regarding your colonization of the Planet Paradise, but we felt it was necessary. Perhaps it would have been better to be forthcoming from the beginning. Nevertheless, we will rectify that omission now.
“Due to human nature, we had to make certain that your colonization of the planet did not result in the chaos you created on Earth. You are an imperfect species and quite immature in terms of evolution. You have a genetic tendency toward violence. Twice we intervened, trying to get Earth on track to a bright future; twice our efforts were rejected. We now leave Earthlings to their own future. Everybody here today must realize that Earth is on a path to self-destruction. You asked if you could immigrate to one of our planets. We agreed, both out of empathy and out of our own needs. That need was to populate the planet you named Paradise so that it could produce foods and medicines needed by the citizens of other planets in this galaxy. Thus, you all became farmers or supporters of the farming trade. We have provided you with the necessities to live peaceful, healthy and contented lives. We have not made slaves of you. We have not demanded hard, physical labor of you.
“Most of you are content with your lives, yet apprehensive about what the future holds, and are especially concerned regarding your pregnancies. Some think they have been impregnated by aliens, picturing them as some kind of monsters. It is here that we have intentionally kept you uninformed; we see now that by Earth standards, this was unwise. So let us now give you the entire picture. It is true, none of your men are the fathers of the children you will bear. No, you have not been inseminated by alien monsters. In order to produce a civilization free of the harmful instincts of humans, we have developed, in the laboratories, a sperm that is harmonious with human genes, to produce a fetus perfectly adapted for life in Paradise. In fact, you have just been introduced to three children resulting from that breeding.”
There were murmurs from the audience, but no outbreaks, with their attention again on the three children now sitting in their midst.
The voice continues after a short pause. “You see before you three of the true native Paradisians. They, and their offspring, will inhabit the planet. You are helping in creating a new species, people as perfect in mind and body as is scientifically possible. As the parents of these three children will confirm, they love their children as their own. Which they are. As to how many children you will have, that will depend on your health. It may be as few as two, but no more than four. At that point, only native Paradisians will propagate. You earthlings will not have more children, nor be allowed to crossbreed with native citizens.
“Your children will mature much faster than Earthlings. They will be adults in just five years. Your pregnancies will last no more than three months. Yes, all of you are now bearing the fetus of the new Paradisians. Yes, you will love your
child, for it is your child. It has most of your DNA, most of your genes. When you were approved for colonization, you had to meet specific criteria. You had to be fertile, capable of having children. You had to be in superior physical and mental health. You had to be emotionally capable of raising a child. You had to have a help mate, whose job would be to raise crops; yours would be as a mother and homemaker.
“As native Paradisians are able to take over the farming, you will have three options: First, you can remain on Pacifica in Tranquility, supporting the import/export efforts, as long as wish and you are physically capable; Second, you can retire to a life of comfort and leisure along the shores of Lake Placid as your reward for doing your part in colonizing the new planet member of the Universal Council, or: Third, you can choose a retirement on a number of worlds in our sector of the Universe - some of which some of the colonists have already visited.”
It was obvious now that the voice was answering questions picked up by 37 and relayed. “Yes, you must fulfill your part of the arrangement. If it is determined, you are emotionally unable to be a mother, you will be excused and transferred to a distribution center for duties. That would include your husband. And, yes, that would satisfy your part of the arrangement, qualifying you for the same retirements. Yes, you can remain in contact with your children, if that is both your wishes. Your children will be taught by robot tutors. Each day they will be shuttled to an education center serving several wards. They will be taught basic knowledge and skills. They will be taught the history of Earth along with the history of the universe. The brightest will be selected for professional positions in government, healthcare, and the various sciences. Yes, Paradise will be a self-ruling colony, making most of their own decisions in harmony with the Universe. Yes, you will have vacations. Once a year, you will be relieved of duties for a period during which you can teleport to other places in the Galaxy. You will be given a variety of choices. You will live much longer here than you would have on Earth; we cannot yet tell you exactly how much longer. We expect that could be more than a hundred years; much longer for the natives.”
Not hearing the questions is a little confusing for some, often not understanding what the questions was until the entire answer is given. Daniel carefully watches his people for reactions. The fact that no one is jumping up and shouting objections is encouraging. They will have their own discussion afterwards.
“We are empathic by nature,” the voice continues. “It is our desire that your lives are pleasant. If problems arise, please confer with your Peace Keeper. We will make adjustments as necessary. We are proud of the work you are doing. As you organize, we look forward to welcoming your children into the Universal Council. We wish you peace and prosperity.”
Peace Keeper 37 turns and walks off to the side, taking a position against a side wall, leaving Daniel to take over, noting that some of the women are softly crying, husbands trying to comfort them. He suggests they take a break, have some refreshments and give themselves some time to absorb what they have learned, talk it over with themselves.
Daniel is besieged by many wanting to know what they meant by organizing and more details on the various elements addressed, even though he knows no more than them. He excuses himself as quickly as possible, for he wants to speak to the Burtons and the other family. After a half hour has passed and calm seems to have returned to the group, Daniel once again steps up to the front of the group.
“I’m going to ask you all a question,” Daniel begins, speaking to his fellow settlers, “and ask 37 to relay all our responses to the Universal Council. By a show of hands, who is upset that the Council has not been forthcoming from the beginning?”
Virtually all present raise their hands, some both hands.
“37, let your bosses know all of us are offended by their deception, however well intended it was. We should have had the full picture before we made such a life changing decision.” He again turns to the audience. “Again by a show of hands, who believes that this time the Universal Council is telling us the truth and all the truth?’
Not all present raise their hands, including Charles and Carol. After a count, Daniel continues, “It looks like the eyes have it - barely. Please pass this on as a tentative vote of confidence, 37, but that many no longer have full trust in The Council. And if they ever hope to regain our trust, advise them that if there is anything more they haven’t told us, now is the time.”
“You have all the information,” is its immediate response for 37.
“Friends and neighbors,” Daniel continues after taking a deep breath and slowly exhaling, “It seems we now know where we stand and what our options are. I suggest we take time to absorb what we have learned tonight and carefully read the documentation they are providing. Our weekly get -together is in two days. We can further discuss the situation then, but it looks like we will have to make the best of the situation.”
Reluctant to leave, many linger in groups in serious discussion. Daniel seeks out Burton.
“That went well,” Burton comments as he approaches.
“Maybe so. Tell me, you’ve been here three years. Are they telling us everything?”
“Pretty much. You’ll learn details over time.”
Sherry has joined them. “Is that true? Have you had vacations on other planets?”
His wife answers. “Twice. Once to a fantastic tropical resort. The second to an ice world. My choice, as I missed the winters and winter sports.”
“There’s quite a selection,” adds Burton, “You can see videos of those places. Some of the places are really weird.”
“When can we go?” she enthusiastically asks, apparently more concerned about that than the issue of child bearing.
“When you’re here a year. And you can go with a small group of family or friends. We’re about due for our third vacation.”
“This time we’re going to a jungle resort on Panagonda, where they say you can pet and play with the wildlife,” his wife exclaims, adding, “I really miss my little spaniel.”
Burton adds, “The one place you cannot visit is Earth - at least not go there and come back. I haven’t heard of anyone asking to return to Earth.”
Daniel presses to get back to his line of questioning. “Be frank with me. Are you guys living like they claim?”
“Pretty much so,” Burton assures. “If your guys don’t mind being symbolically castrated, life is pretty good. Just be careful of what you say to new colonists until they get the full picture. I think The Council is learning that full disclosure is the best approach.”
“I guess our problem is that we distrusted the aliens right from the start,” Daniel confesses. “As self-centered Earthlings, we couldn’t imagine another race doing something out of compassion. It appears I still have a little of that doubt.”
“If you like living on the farm, just relax and go with the flow,” Burton advises. “You probably already realize you don’t have to bust a butt on anything. Your foreman and robots do all the hard work. You’ll find you’ll spend more time helping the wife with her household and gardening chores.”
“And if I get tired of farming?”
“Reassignment to a distribution center. No hard labor. Good food. Adequate quarters.”
“Well, I really appreciate you guys coming to this meeting. Your kids were really a hit. I think the women are relieved about what they can expect.”
“Yeah,” chimed in Sherry, “it seems I only have two months to go. Now if the birthing is as easy as the pregnancy . . . “
Mrs. Burton laughs and answers, “Still hurts like hell, but they give you something where you don’t care.”
“Again, thanks for coming,” Daniel repeats. “Stick around a while. Enjoy the refreshments. The shuttle will take you back when you’re ready.”
“And come visit,” invites Sherry, grinning, “We’re just a whoop and a holler away!”
Daniel makes the rounds, expecting to get a lot of negative feedback, yet is surpri
sed at how the people are taking the news. He finally comes to the conclusion that the truth isn’t nearly as bad as what they expected. Many probably expected worse. They are relieved, having feared the worse. He also realizes that things could change when the birthing begins.
It is dark by the time they get back to their farms, deciding to walk back as a group, using just a single hand-held flashlight to make sure they stay on the mowed lane. While the beam is directional, the heavy atmosphere spreads the light to softly illuminate their surroundings. The faint beam barely illuminates the dense forest about them, looking a little ominous when compared to its lush beauty in that special light from their sun. Occasional tiny reflections in the black indicate the presence of wildlife, watching them. On earth, this would have been alarming, but not so here. To date, none of the native creatures flee from them, yet none allow them to approach, much less touch them. And none attack.
Daniel notes that David and Janet have dropped back, along with their daughter Debby. He assumes they are comforting her. He also thinks it strange that her husband, Jonathon isn’t with them, instead keeping pace with Sherry, himself and the Durwoods. He vaguely wonders if the young couple’s marriage might be in trouble, but soon his own concerns take over his thoughts. As Warden, he feels responsible for the well being of the others.
Each of the five robot managers has apparently anticipated their return and have all the yard lights on, even though they themselves can see in the dark. After the darkness of the lane, the glow well illuminates the entire area. Looking back, Daniel sees the trio still trailing, almost at the gate to their farmhouse. When they reach his farm, they bid the Durwoods goodnight, their farm being the last in the group.
Inside, Daniel plops down on the couch, a bit weary from the day’s work and the walk back, motioning to Sherry by patting the seat beside him. She holds up a finger and goes into the kitchen. He can’t help looking at the slight pooch of her belly, spoiling her otherwise perfect figure. He knows she will get a lot bigger. He also hopes she is fixing one of the fermented fruit drinks to help relax them. Right now, he would prefer to get a little drunk, but knows the alcohol content is too low to get more than a pleasant buzz.