Planet of Peace

by Jerry Belvo

  Julie told the group she had gotten her abilities back which surprised them, and they excitedly tried levitating things in her living room to see who had been freed of the affliction. Julie asked if some would like to organize a group to help those who were sick, and maybe find a way to notify each other when an emergency arose.

  Sarina understood why they felt they needed to masquerade their true identity, but there should be no reason. She said, AI think I know what this harassment is all about. It’s not about aliens. This is a cover-up for the ones who stand to lose from star children going public. I know all of you would like nothing better than to help people any way you can. You go out of your way to heal sick people or save accident victims. I have watched Jeff do those things. Those who could lose are in the health-care business, the pharmaceutical companies and the doctors.@

  One of the star children interrupted her. AI have always thought that these two agents here in Denver didn’t do their job well. For AIA agents they have never once arrested us, or physically rough us up. It’s almost as though they are just watching us, making us nervous so we don’t become too visible.@

  AThat’s what I mean,@ Sarina responded. AThey intimidate, and try to clip your wings, but if they were really serious they would be hauling you off to Area 51 or something. That’s why I think they have an ulterior motive. I think the medical profession and pharmaceutical companies have contacts in Washington doing their dirty work. That’s why the AIA was formed, just for that purpose, under the guise of ferreting out star children or other gifted ones. They want to keep them in a place where they can be managed.@

  Finally one suggested. ALet’s demonstrate in front of the Capitol Building downtown, bring our friends and offer to heal anyone who asks.@

  Another responded. AIt’s a good idea. Let’s do it Saturday. The worst thing that can happen is we get arrested, but it wouldn’t be so bad. We can teleport ourselves out of the cells.@ It felt good to finally be among friends, and they all enjoyed the camaraderie. It was agreed that they would meet at 2 o=clock in front of the Capitol.

  When the meeting was over, Travis came up to Sarina and asked. ABy any chance, is your dad the one who discovered T-Rays?@

  Sarina was surprised that anyone in this group knew anything about her Dad=s work. AYes, he is. If you are interested, I will introduce you to him.@ She said and gave him her phone number.

  AThat’s great. My field is nuclear physics. I=m interested in everything scientific.@

  After they all left Sarina helped Julie clean up and asked her. AAre you afraid of being arrested?@

  AThere comes a time that one has to stand up for one’s beliefs. If I don’t do that, what kind of an example am I setting for my children? Yes, I know that my ex-husband might end up with the children, but he’s a good man, and I still care deeply for him. They would be alright. How about you? Will you join us? You may not be able to teleport yourself out of jail, if you are arrested.@

  Sarina thought for a moment. AJeff transported me by wrapping his arms around me. If I get arrested maybe one of you will do that for me.@

  AI would be happy to help you, as long as they don’t give me another shot.@

  AWell, it looks like the public is going to get to see star children in action,@ Sarina boldly remarked. AI promised myself I would do all I could to help Jeff=s cause.@ It was getting late. She thanked Julie for organizing the meeting and promised her they would talk before Saturday. Then she departed.

  *

  The next morning Sarina told her mom about the meeting. ADon’t you need a permit for that,@ her Mom asked?

  AMaybe, but we’re not planning to ask for one, because we don’t feel it would be granted. This way we can at least create public attention. Besides, when the wheels of justice aren’t moving, a little civil disobedience may be necessary to grease them,@ Sarina replied.

  AWhen did you become so smart?@

  AI take after you, Mom. I have spent a whole week trying to get Jeff=s plight before the public and have had little response from anyone. We haven’t received an answer from the State Department, and maybe this way someone will take notice.@ Mrs. Roberts realized her daughter meant business and it would make no difference what she thought. She had raised her to stand up for what she believed and although concerned, had to wish her well.

  AWell Sarina, we’ll stand by you. I wish you well. Just be careful, Honey.@ She hugged her daughter.

  Later in the morning Sarina called Mr. Bell at the Foundation. AIt’s interesting that you called. I just got a call from Leslie Storm. She is on her way over to talk to me, something urgent about Jeff, that she couldn’t tell me over the phone. Would you care to join us,@ he asked?

  AI’m on my way.@ Sarina said, hanging up and rushing out the door. Maybe Storm had some good news about Jeff.

  When she was shown into Mr. Bell=s office, Storm was already there. Both of them didn’t look overjoyed and Sarina thought the worst. She asked Storm. AIs Jeff alright?@ She was afraid to hear the answer.

  ATo my knowledge he’s still being held,@ she replied.

  ADid they give you a reason?@ Sarina asked, dispelling the hope for his quick release.

  ANo, apparently he’s being held as a pawn in a political arena. Indonesia is asking our government for certain concessions and the powers that be are not willing to honor their request at this time,@ she stated.

  Sarina could feel her underlying frustration mounting. AThank you for doing all you could,@ she replied with sincerity.

  Storm, who had been apprehensive about the meeting, finally let down her guard. AThey told me to stay out of this. I’ve never been turned down for any request so rudely. It’s as though they don’t want Jeff back in the states. I don’t know who else to contact and I feel I’m spinning wheels.@

  Mr. Bell touched her arm. AIt’s alright. We know you are doing all you can.@ Storm thanked them for understanding and left. Mr. Bell said. AI’m not going to give up, Sarina. There is always another way to do things.@

  AWhat are you proposing,@ she asked him?

  AYou said that you thought Jeff healed someone, didn’t you?@

  AYes, but how are we going to get word to him?@

  Mr. Bell thought for a moment then. AIs there a website for star children now?@

  AYes, but—@ he stopped her with a raised hand.

  ALet’s send a message to other star children that we need their help getting him out. Surely someone will know what to do.@

  Sarina liked the way this man talked. He was truly interested in Jeff=s rescue. AI have published information already, but I’ll keep making announcements. Someone’s got to have the answer.@

  She hesitated a moment then asked, AMr. Bell, would you and your wife like to take part in a demonstration this Saturday on the Capitol steps at two? It’s to call attention to the plight of star children.@

  AIt’s certainly a good cause. If I can make it, I will,@ he answered. She thanked him for his time and efforts.

  *

  Jones and Cleaver were sitting outside a research facility in Boulder waiting for Travis Kincaid. They arrived early knowing he got off at five o=clock. Travis had outfoxed them on other occasions, so this time they hid around the corner hoping he wouldn’t see them until he got to the parking lot.

  Patience was a familiar friend as they had spent a lot of quiet time sitting together in the car. Cleaver spoke up, AJones why did you take this job out west? You had a cushy desk job in Washington.@

  AThat’s the problem. I didn’t like being stuck indoors, and I’d been passed over for several promotions.@ He responded.

  AIt’s pretty much the same for me,” Cleaver said. “I was stuck behind a desk for ten years, so when I saw the job posted on the bulletin board I inquired about it. My brother and his family live here. At least I can keep in touch with my relatives. I al
so thought I would finally get to see aliens, but they are just human beings. After what we did to star children, I don’t feel good about myself any more. I sort of wish I had another assignment.@

  AWell, it’s our job. As long as we are supposed to harass them and give them this serum, we’ll do it, although I have to agree it’s a form of suppression. I would either like to arrest them and try them for a crime, or let them go.@

  AI think there’s something sinister about this whole plot. They’re not aliens anymore than you or I, and to claim they are doesn’t set well with me,@ Cleaver said.

  AYeah, I’m beginning to think our jobs may be short lived. Maybe I’ll become a security guard when this is over,@ Jones announced to her.

  AIt doesn’t sound like a bad idea,@ she replied.

  AWhat time is it,@ Jones asked? She looked at her watch and let out a holler.

  AIt is 5:30. We have missed him again.@

  AMaybe he’s still in there. Let us wait a few more minutes. I’ve had my eyes on the exit all this time, and didn’t see him,@ Jones remarked. AAs you know the new guy starts tomorrow. This may be our last day on patrol together. I wanted to get this taken care of before I started my new assignment.@

  AI’ll miss you, Jones. It won’t be the same. We’ve been together quite a while. I hope I can work with this Dukes fellow. He seems like a tough ex-cop, and will probably not be sensitive to these people.@

  AMaybe, he’ll be just what is needed to get the job done,@ Jones responded.

  *

  On Saturday afternoon the star children met as planned. They suggested their friends just be observers so that if any arrests occurred they wouldn’t be involved. Sarina=s and Jeff=s parents were all there as well as Mr. and Mrs. Bell. It was a good turn out even though it hadn’t been publicized, well almost not. Sarina had gone downtown the night before and informed homeless people that healers would be on the Capitol steps if anyone needed attention. Once they heard the word >healer= the word spread quickly. A large group showed up with the homeless people among them. Several policemen were curious when seeing so many people in one place, especially with dirty-faced, stringy-haired indigents mixed in. Their homeless signs were strewn on the lawn, and the police wanted to make sure they didn’t take advantage of anyone. A couple of reporters were also present. Sarina wondered how they knew about the assembly. She hadn’t called the press.

  At two o=clock they unrolled a banner saying FREE HEALING HERE. Several people hobbled up to be administered to, which the healers quickly obliged, but after the police saw what was happening, one called the station asking for backup. Shortly the police approached the group with hands on their pistols, and asked to see their assembly permit. When Julie said they had none, they were all arrested, including Sarina, taken to the station, booked, and fingerprinted. Her parents went to the police station shortly after the squad cars left to pick up their daughter.

  When Sarina and her parents got home they turned on the television for the local news and watched the demonstration. She asked her Mother, AHow did the news know we were going to be there today?

  Her Mom looked at her and smiled. AI haven’t been in journalism all these years for nothing. I have learned a few things,@ she replied smiling.

  AYou called them,@ she asked?

  AYes, I have a few friends left from my journalistic days.@ Her Mom remarked and dropped the subject.

  Later that evening she called Julie to see what she thought about the demonstration. Julie thought it was too mild. She had expected more action and suggested they hold another one soon. AIf we get arrested again, it should make national news,@ she responded. Sarina suggested that maybe it would be better to appear on some talk shows, to which Julie agreed.

  Sarina hadn’t checked the star child website for a few days. Maybe there was something there about Jeff. But there was nothing new about the situation, so she decided to post the demonstration, and to let other groups know what happened. When she checked her e-mail later, there was a message from Bobby. It didn’t make too much sense. All it said was; he is moving forward, has everything well in hand, and would let her know more soon.

  What did that mean? It made her feel good sensing it was about Jeff, but she was still confused, and lay awake most of the night wondering what it really meant. She would just have to wait to find out. The next day she went on the computer to check her e-mail, hoping to hear some news, but there was nothing new.

  Mid-week she got a message from Bobby. We have arranged to get Jeff out of jail. Pray that all goes well.

  She was so excited, she couldn’t wait to throw her arms around him and hug him. That whole morning was spent on the phone, talking to Jeff=s parents, Julie, and Mr. Bell. She was elated, but she didn’t know who was arranging it, where he was, or if he was alright.

  Expecting to see some confirmation of his release on television, it didn’t happen. A couple days later a newscast finally mentioned the incident. >Three prisoners escaped from an Indonesian jail in Jakarta, two Frenchmen and an American. Indonesian authorities blame terrorist commandos. Their location is unknown at this time, but sources say they are no longer in Indonesia.

  Sarina hadn’t realized he had escaped thinking someone had negotiated it. Now she began to panic. He might be out in a jungle somewhere without food or shelter. It was a tense time for her.

  The following day another e-mail came from Jeff and she was relieved. He explained how he had been rescued.

  Sarina, one evening just before lights-out other star children appeared in our cell. They said they were there to help us escape. The guard passed by to tell us the lights were being turned off and noticed the strangers. He immediately went for help and I knew they would come back for them quickly. They folded us in their arms and transported us out of there, just like I did with you when we went to see Bobby in the mountains. We are in Australia with Bobby and Heidi. He masterminded the whole escape. They have been very good to us, and Heidi has apologized for the way she treated me the last time I was here. See you soon, Honey.

  Regards, Jeff

  PS: Heidi is pregnant.

  *

  In Brisbane, Jeff and the two Frenchmen enjoyed their new found freedom with their rescuers who had come from several countries. Bobby=s website had brought them together. They had formed an alliance to help each other whenever needed. That evening they decided to go out for dinner, but Bobby and Heidi stayed behind. Her pregnancy had left her unusually tired that day, and she feared the commotion might be too much.

  Bobby was in the computer room stooped over his computer when she entered and kissed him on the forehead. ABobby, I want you to know that I’m proud of you. I think it’s admirable what you did to free Jeff. I want to apologize for what I said about him. I now realize how much his friendship means to you.@

  He took her extended hand and got up from the computer with tears in his eyes. This was the first time Heidi had ever apologized for anything and he was moved. AThank you for saying that. All the time I worked to get Jeff freed I was afraid I’d lose you, and never s-s-see my unborn ki-kid.@ Bobby was so overwhelmed he stuttered. ABut, th-th-this is something I just had to-to do. Thanks for hanging in there. I-I-I love you, Sugar.@ He said and kissed her intimately.

  They walked out into the back yard, and sat on a swing in the shadow of the sprawling branches of a Jacaranda tree looking up at the full moon. Heidi leaned over and kissed him on the cheek, saying. ALet’s never fight again. It hurts too much.@

  As the young couple headed for the bedroom Bobby wanted to check his website one more time before he turned off his computer. To his surprise Sarina was text messaging him. It read—Bobby, please tell Jeff to come home.

  He replied—How can he get back to the States? He does not have his passport and cannot teleport himself.

  Sarina—He healed a little boy in Bali. That is how h
e got into trouble.

  Bobby—How do you know that?

  Sarina—Keith Langley, from the Mission came to the airport before I left and told me. Julie, here in Denver has gotten her power back. He should have his back also.

  Bobby—That is great news. I will tell him.

  Sarina—Just tell him to come home, please.

  *

  Travis Kincaid had just gotten home from work when a knock came at the door. His wife opened it and two people barged in before she could inquire what they wanted. Travis heard the commotion and came from the bedroom where he had been changing clothes. He recognized the woman, Agent Cleaver, but the man was new. AWho are you,@ he inquired?

  AI am Agent Dukes. Are you Mr. Kincaid?@ Travis nodded. AWe are from the Alien Intelligence Agency.@ Dukes grabbed him by the arm.

  Travis pulled away. AWe know who you are, and you aren’t welcome in our home,@ he asserted. Raising his voice, he said. APlease leave now.@ Three children who had been playing in the back yard were now peering through the door to the kitchen, wondering what the commotion was about. One ran over to his Mom, AAre they going to hurt Daddy,@ he asked?

  ANo, they are here to harass him. Some people have to be mean to other people. They are being mean to your Daddy,@ she replied. The little boy went over to Dukes and kicked him in the leg. Dukes reached down and grabbed the boy so he couldn’t get away. The boy squirmed and Travis became uneasy.

  APlease don’t harm him,@ he begged.

  AWhat makes you think I’m going to harm him?@ Dukes responded tightening his grip on the kid making him holler.

  ADon’t, please, let him go.@ Travis begged.

  AWill you cooperate with us, then?@

  AOkay, just don’t hurt my boy.@ Travis surrendered himself as Dukes gave the kid a hefty push towards his mother causing him to fall on the floor.

  Travis walked over to Dukes expecting to be taken somewhere. Instead Cleaver reached for his arm with one hand and produced a syringe she had been holding behind her back with the other. She inserted the needle and dispensed the fluid into Travis= arm before leading him to the couch. They didn’t wait around to see if Travis would have any reaction. AWe must be going. Our work is done.@ Without saying, >