Planet of Peace

by Jerry Belvo

good-bye= they were gone.

  Travis hollered after them. AYou didn’t have to do this in front of my family!@ But they didn’t hear him. After the front door closed the family rushed to his side. His wife held his hand, many thoughts running through her head, among them that he would die. They watched him fade from view. Although she was still holding what she thought was his hand, there was no body. APray children, so you Daddy will come back to us.@

  It was traumatic for them seeing what bad people did. One child seemed to understand, but the other two cried fearing their daddy would die.

  *

  On the way back to headquarters Cleaver broke the silence and sternly said. AYou didn’t have to be so rough with the kid.@

  ACleaver, you have to treat these aliens rough to show you mean business,@ he replied.

  ABut they are human just like you and me.@

  AThey are aliens who don’t have the rights we do.@

  AMr. Dukes, all Americans have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That includes star children.@

  He knew he got her temper up, but he liked a woman with a fiery temper. AWell, I’m just doing my job.@

  ADo you know that he might have died on us? We didn’t wait around to make sure he would be okay.@

  AWhat’s it to us?@

  AFirst they disappear, but they could also die. We would be murderers. I don’t want that on my conscience,@ Cleaver chided him.

  AIf you can’t handle the job, just quit, Cleaver. Besides, my mom used to disappear on me all the time. I would find her in the basement guzzling a bottle of gin, so don’t lecture me about disappearing.@

  Cleaver closed her mouth and didn’t say another word until they reached headquarters. Her first day with this tyrant and she was wondering if she could work with him. He was the rudest human being she had ever met, and she wished Jones were back with her.

  *

  Travis didn’t go to work the next day. Although his body had reappeared, he couldn’t remember anything, not even where he worked. His wife wanted to take him to the emergency room, but he had instructed her to never allow anyone give him a needle. Now she understood why he felt that way, but she had to do something, and couldn’t sit there watching him deteriorate. So, she piled him and the kids in the car and drove him to the emergency room anyway. They immediately admitted him for observation.

  Chapter 16

  Sarina was on the porch having coffee when she heard footsteps behind her. Looking over her shoulder she saw Jeff sneaking up on her ready to pounce. AJeff,@ she shouted and stood to greet him. AIt’s so good to see you,@ she remarked putting her arms around him, hugging him tightly.

  AIt=s good to see you too, Honey,@ he said, all smiles. AI missed you so much. I don’t ever want to be away from you again.@

  AI missed you so much,@ Sarina replied unable to let go.

  Jeff said. AI was worried that I might never see you again, being stuck in a foreign country without a passport. Then I got your message. I don=t know why I didn’t think of trying to teleport myself earlier. I thought my abilities were gone for good. I came as soon as I heard.@

  Without speaking they held each other for quite a while. Finally Sarina asked if he wanted some breakfast, and he indicated he was starving. In the kitchen she toasted him a crescent roll to go with his coffee. AA lot has happened in the last week.” Pausing for a moment, she whispered. “I got arrested.@

  AYou got arrested, what for?@

  AFor demonstrating on the Capitol steps, but I wasn’t alone. There were several of us, mostly star children.@

  AYou met more star children?@ He looked at her suspiciously.

  AWe even had a meeting. When Storm and Mr. Bell couldn’t negotiate your release we thought we needed to go public. We offered help to anyone who wanted to be healed and the police took us to jail.@

  ADid they keep you long?@

  ACouple hours, but Mom and Dad got me out. We have to go to court. We were ticketed for demonstrating without a permit. If there is one thing I’ve learned from this, it’s that government doesn’t want anyone stirring up trouble.@

  AWell, I’m glad you are alright and no one was hurt,@ Jeff replied. AYou said that Storm tried to get me released?

  AYes, she was in Mr. Bell=s office when I arrived to talk to him. She said she tried to pull some strings in Washington, but wasn’t successful.@

  AI’m amazed the State Department didn’t negotiate for my release. No one came to see me while I was in jail.@

  AStorm thought her connections would help her, but no one seemed interested in your release,@ Sarina remarked.

  AThat figures. Sacrifice the star children. Just don’t muddy the water.@ He changed the subject. AI don’t have a passport or any of my belongings, and I have to get word to Mr. Bell about my proposal.@

  AThe passport I can’t help you with, but Mr. Bell has your computer and your proposal from the mission.”

  AThank you, Sarina, for taking care of that. Now that I’m back I have a lot to catch up on. Mom and Dad don’t know I’m back. I’ve got to see them first. They must really be worried, especially Mom. I better get going.@

  AWill I see you later,@ she asked?

  AI’ll call you.@

  AJeff,@ she paused. AIt’s good to have you back home.@

  AYes, it’s good to be home,@ he said.

  ABefore you leave, Julie is having a meeting tomorrow night. You might want to attend it.@

  AThanks, I will.@

  *

  Jeff=s mom was happy to have him home. She called her husband at work to inform him of the news. He told her the whole story about his arrest and his escape with Bobby’s help.

  Then in the afternoon, Jeff went to the Foundation and talked to Mr. Bell about his trip and the Bali Mission. His boss apologized for not being able to help negotiate his release. Jeff reassured him he was not blaming him for what happened. AWhen you are different, people take advantage of you.@

  AThat doesn’t make it right. I’m still behind you Jeff. Take a few days off to do what needs to be done. Then, we’ll discuss your next trip.@

  After not driving his car for a while it seemed funny to have to resort to such archaic transportation to get around. He called Sarina. They were going to spend the evening together, and visit her grandpa to thank him for his generosity. She had a special gift for him. When they arrived, he had just finished his evening meal and was enjoying the sunset on his back patio. They walked around back to greet him.

  AThere=s the two travelers,@ he exclaimed as they approached.

  AHi, Grandpa. How are you feeling?@

  AAs good as can be expected,@ he answered. AJeff, I see they finally let you back in the Country.@ Mr. Roberts remarked with a twinkle in his eye. AWhere are your glasses?

  AThey took them from me in Bali. I left the jail so abruptly I didn’t have a chance to ask for them back. Besides, I have decided I don’t need to hide my eyes any more. I didn’t fool the AIA with my disguise, so why bother trying to fool anyone else?

  ADoes the government know you are back?@

  AI don’t know or plan to tell them, but I’ll have to apply for a replacement passport. They probably think they are rid of me for good,@ Jeff replied.

  AHere, Grandpa. I have something for you.@ She was holding out a large envelope.

  AIs it something from Bali,@ he inquired?

  AYes, open it. See if you like it.@

  Breaking the seal with his thumb, he pulled out a picture. AIt’s lovely. How did you capture such a good shot?@ He exclaimed, handing the picture to Jeff. The picture was of the green ball that appeared when the sun sank into the ocean. AIt’s my favorite memory!@

  AWe had to try a couple times, but we thought you would appreciate it.@

  AYes I do. Thank you. Did the
two of you get along okay without me?@

  AYes, Grandpa. The trip to Bali went just as you planned, you little match-maker,@ she said with a big grin on her face.

  He had the feeling Jeff needed some motivation and a romantic place like Bali might work. He wanted to see them happily married with children before his life was over.

  AJeff, I still want to talk with you about Dos, but it’s not as important as it once was. After I had my heart attack I had plenty of time to think. All my life I have tried to find peace, tried to find my roots. My last hope was that you would verify what I had read in John=s writings, but now it’s not so important. Dos might be a peaceful place to live, but peace is really an end product. Once you find it there is no more forward movement. The real meaning of life is the search, the births, marriages, and people you meet along the way. It’s that moment when you discover a marker that lets you know you are on the right path. It’s people like you two who are my rewards. Thank you for being in my life.@ They all sat on the porch swing together watching the sun set over the mountains. ANo matter how many sunsets I see, I’ve never gotten tired of them.@

  AGrandpa, Jeff is going to get an apartment soon. He wants to move away from home to be on his own.@

  Looking at Jeff, Mr. Roberts said. AThat’s a good idea. Your parents are great people, but there comes a time when a guy needs his own place to experience real freedom. Your dad is my best friend, but it’s time for you to leave the nest. When are you going to do this?@

  AI thought I would find a place soon. I want Sarina to help me pick out the right apartment before she starts her classes in two weeks.@

  AAre you going to move in together?@ Grandpa asked, smiling at her.

  AWe’re thinking about it. Do you think we should, Grandpa,@ she asked?

  Her Grandpa felt like a sage answering such a question. AI think he needs some time being by himself first, getting used to being independent, but it wouldn’t hurt finding a place large enough for later.@ He responded, adding, AIn case he ends up with a roommate.@

  AAw, Grandpa, you are teasing him,@ she replied.

  AWell, from one man to another, it doesn’t hurt to plan ahead, if you get my drift.@ He nudged Jeff.

  AWe have to be going, Grandpa. Jeff is taking me to our old hangout for dinner and dancing. He can’t wait to get me in his arms.@

  AYes, and I’m not going to let her go either.@ Jeff replied, winking at the old man.

  ATake care of my Granddaughter,@ he hollered as they left him alone on his porch swing.

  *

  Jeff and Sarina arrived at Julie=s house shortly before seven o=clock the next evening. He joined the children playing in the back yard and she helped Julie in the kitchen preparing refreshments for the guests. Jeff was intrigued that the children used their minds to toss a ball between them and he tested his skills as well. Like any children, they were overjoyed to have an adult taking part in their play.

  It wasn’t long before Jeff was called inside to meet the other guests. They stood around the table munching Julie=s snacks, and were happy to finally meet him. They wanted to know all about his arrest and how he had managed to escape.

  It was Julie who started the discussion after they all congregated in the living room. AFriends, a situation was brought to my attention yesterday when I got a call from a Rita Kincaid. Her husband Travis who was with us last week is in the hospital. He was given the shot, and is in serious condition. Rita has asked us to help her in healing him. Doctors want to give him shots and IVs to keep him alive, but he had told her he didn’t want any needles stuck in him, for any reason.@

  ALet’s go heal him?@ Jeff suggested.

  AWe can’t afford to be seen.@ Another replied. AWe are in enough trouble already for healing people. We don’t want to be arrested for practicing medicine.@

  AYou don=t have to be seen. Go into an alternate dimension. You can walk right through the hospital and not be seen. The Frenchman who were in the jail with me in Indonesia, told me about it. They said it worked very well and I=m not afraid to try it. What hospital is he in,@ he asked? After they told him the name of the hospital he let the matter drop. Jeff already knew what he was going to do.

  He then asked. AWhat are you doing about your court appearance? Do you have an attorney? Do you need someone to handle your case?@ No one responded.

  *

  The group broke up about nine o=clock, and Jeff took Sarina home. Instead of going home himself, he went to the hospital. The security guard said that visiting hours were over, but he gave Jeff the room number for Travis Kincaid. Jeff thanked him and went back to his car.

  He sat quietly in the driver=s seat a moment. Then he found himself in the lobby testing this other dimension the Frenchman had told him about. Before, he had always teleported himself from one place to another, not thinking he could actually move within another dimension observing everything that went on.

  This was exciting and Jeff wasn’t sure he could do it until now. The guard didn’t notice him pass but raised his hand to his neck as though feeling a draft. If he had known Travis better, had felt his energy, he could have transported himself directly. But he didn’t, so he had to use the elevator and find the room just like everyone else.

  Rita was sitting next to the bed reading aloud an article from a magazine. Even though Travis= eyes were closed, she thought he would feel comforted hearing her voice.

  Jeff moved to the other side of the bed his arms outstretched, palms toward Travis, praying and asking God that he be healed. He allowed his energy to flow for a period of time before placing both palms over Travis= forehead. Suddenly the patient opened his eyes wide as though seeing a ghost, almost blowing Jeff=s cover. Startled, he moved backwards, his energy almost knocking over the food-tray table.

  Travis sat up in bed and looked at his wife. ARita, I’m ready to go home. Let’s get out of here.@

  She stared at him in amazement, not sure what to do. Then she rose and gave him a big hug and kissed him. AThank God, you are alright. I was so worried.@ She sighed practically in tears.

  AHand me my clothes, please,@ he said and immediately punched the call button for the nurse. Travis was already dressed when she entered in the room.

  AWe are leaving,@ he said to the nurse, leaving her dumbfounded. Together Travis and his wife walked out.

  Invisible to them, Jeff watched what transpired, then teleported himself back to his car.

  *

  The next day Sarina got an email from an attorney in Colorado Springs who had read about the demonstration and arrests in Denver. He volunteered to represent the star children pro-bono should they need one. He agreed to attend their next gathering. She immediately called Julie who contacted the others.

  At the next meeting everyone was talking about the pros and cons of the court appearance when Lance du Lay, the attorney, arrived. He was a tall willowy man with sunken cheeks, and much the same complexion as Jeff. ASorry I’m late.@ He apologized when Julie opened the door. AI got lost.@

  Lance asked a lot of questions giving each person a chance to give their side of the story. He wanted to be completely prepared should the judge ask any unusual questions. Being caught off guard wasn’t acceptable to him.

  They each filled him in on what happened at the demonstration, and the incident was discussed thoroughly. The date for the court appearance had been set for the following Monday and he agreed to represent them. After the meeting was over each person had a chance to get to know him better, and were standing around asking why he volunteered to help them. Lance replied. AMy cousin in France was one of the men arrested in Indonesia for healing native children.@

  AAre you Tim du Lay=s cousin,@ Jeff asked? AYou are a star child too. He told me about you. I’m so glad to meet you.@ The attorney=s secret was out, and he filled them in on his background. Lance had chosen law as hi
s profession because his dad was an attorney and his grandfather was in the law profession in France. This was the first time he would have a chance to represent any star children.

  AWhy did you demonstrate,@ the attorney asked?

  It was Sarina who answered him. AWe were trying to generate enough publicity to get Jeff released from prison. We figured if we rebelled the public would rally to our cause, but that didn’t work. Few seemed interested.@

  AThe movement is too young. People aren’t affected enough by it to create a lot of attention.@

  Travis spoke up. AI want the Agency who put me in the hospital last week to pay for what they have done. Would you represent me?@ He felt angry, an emotion he wasn’t accustomed to and wanted some retaliation.

  AI can represent you, but I’m afraid it will backfire on you. The government will make sure you don’t win your case. They can’t afford to lose and may produce witnesses who claim you are a spy leaking research information to a foreign country. It would cost you your job and you could lose your family. You could end up in jail, which is where they want you. In fact if all of you were in jail they wouldn’t have to worry about keeping an eye on you.@

  ADo you know that for a fact,@ Sarina asked?

  ANo, but it is almost impossible to win a case against the federal government, unless you all want to file a class action suit. That might work, but its very time consuming and expensive.@ The others shook their heads negatively.

  Travis paused, deep in thought. AI see what you mean. Not a good idea. I think I will just let the matter drop. I don’t deal with anger well. It’s not who I am.@

  Julie spoke up, AIt’s not who any of us are. We aren’t equipped to deal with it. Travis, when you get your power back your feelings of anger will subside. It did for the rest of us.@