Suddenly images of thousands of tanks and other armored vehicles began appearing on everyone’s communication devices. Then images of armies around the planet began appearing with thousands of warplanes and warships. After twenty minutes, the images stopped and Charles said, “Everything you’ve just seen have one thing in common; they have been built to kill humans in large numbers. They exist and they’ve been used to kill millions in the wars that nations have fought against each other. If something isn’t done, they will continue to be used. So, since I stopped the nuclear attack, I’ve placed a computer-controlled suppression field around the planet. None of the weapons will now function. No aircraft that has weapons on board will fly. No warship or any ship carrying weapons will sail. None of the guns on Earth will fire. If you intend to kill each other, you’ll have to do it the old-fashioned way with knives, swords, spears, and bows”
Charles paused again and then said, “However, I’m hoping that you have learned something from your close brush with death and extinction. I hope that humans will come together and learn to live in peace. You’ve been spending trillions of dollars every year building up your weapons; I hope you spend that instead on making Earth a safer and better place to live. Failing that, I will remove the suppression field and allow you to commit suicide. It’s up to you to decide. But keep in mind that there is a universe out there that will amaze you and show you just how small your current view is; you can’t go unless you learn how to live together in harmony and peace. Your future is in your hands; I hope you make the right decision.”
• • •
“What happens now?”
Charles turned to Nicole, “You want a ship, you tell me what happens next.”
Nicole’s expression changed and her eyes appeared to have a thousand-yard-stare. After a couple of minutes, she turned to Charles, “We’re out of it; mankind must make this happen without any further interference.”
Charles smiled, “You’re right. The child must grow up and not need a babysitter.”
“So, what do we do now?”
“I’m open to a suggestion. I suspect the next thing we need to do is deliver a healthy baby.”
Nicole smiled, “Let’s go back to the camper. I’d like it to be born in Plymouth.”
Charles hugged Nicole and headed toward the elevator. Thirty minutes later, they were sitting in the camper watching the news channels as they discussed the remarkable events of the day. She sat next to him and said, “Charles.”
“Yes.”
“Do you think your being on Earth was an accident?”
Charles turned and looked in her eyes, “What do you mean by that?”
“Well…you’ve been looking for a way for your species to have children for a billion years and suddenly your ship is disabled, and you’re stranded on the only planet in the universe where the local species can have your children; doesn’t that seem a little too convenient? Further, your atmosphere system also failed forcing you to move to the planet where you were forced to live among humans. What are the odds of that happening?” Charles was silent and Nicole added, “Your being trapped here prevented humanity from killing itself and your species found a way to have children. Doesn’t that sound like it was deliberate?”
“Are you suggesting this Supreme Being made it happen?”
“What are the odds of this happening strictly by chance?”
Charles shook his head and blew out a breath before answering, “Any possibility can happen? You’re just trying to make the events fit with your beliefs.”
“What are the odds?”
“More than a trillion to one,” the computer interjected.
Nicole smiled and looked at Charles, “Perhaps that might help you believe that the Creator is in close contact with humanity…just saying.” Charles could only shake his head and remain silent.
• • •
Nicole didn’t really notice the time passing but her growing belly kept her in the moment. Finally, they went to the hospital and Nicole had her baby girl. She had to admit it was easier than she expected but the experience was memorable. Charles asked her what she wanted to name her, and Nicole smiled, “Do you have a suggestion?”
“This is your decision! You did all the work.”
“Her name will be Merry.”
“Merry?”
“Yes, Merry Gale.”
Charles smiled, “Gale for your mother.”
“Yes and Merry because I’m looking forward to her bringing me great happiness.”
Charles stared at his daughter and smiled, “She’s beautiful.” Nicole nodded and held her baby close.
• • •
They took Merry to the ship immediately after they left the hospital; they were concerned that having listed their names as the parents might cause an issue with what remained of the intelligence agencies. But the camper was never visited, and no one showed up at the hospital asking questions. Charles snorted, “Who would believe an alien could have a human baby?”
“You didn’t have it; I did.”
“You know what I mean.”
Nicole chuckled and said, “It appears the riots in the Eastern Nations are coming to a close.”
“The people have expressed their dissatisfaction with their former rulers. The soldiers also paid a price for their heavy-handed actions in forcing the government’s control.”
“Many would have to be handled in order for peace to happen. The Eastern Nations have a head start on the Western Nations.”
“You think the soldiers are a danger to peace?”
Charles shrugged, “All they’ve learned to do is kill other humans. Stopping that behavior isn’t easily done. I suspect some of the former military leaders might attempt to take power.”
“Good luck on that.”
Charles brow furrowed, “Why do you say that?”
“None of their weapons function. How are they going to impose their will on anyone?”
“They could start training their forces to fight with shields, swords, and spears.”
“Those don’t work well against Molotov Cocktails.”
Charles smiled, “I think you’re right. Petroleum wasn’t around in the ancient world. There’s still the need of someone coming forward to take the lead.”
“That submarine commander that spoke to you has been elected in Russia.”
“Really?”
“Yes. It appears his statements to the reporters when he arrived at the pier were seen by most everyone and they decided he was the one to move them forward.”
Charles tilted his head and smiled, “That’s a step in the right direction. What about the other Eastern nations? I’ve not been paying attention.”
“China is going to take a very long time to reach equilibrium. Just too many to make the decision quickly. North Korea removed the former dictator along with most of the army; the citizens were quite upset by the way they were forced to live in poverty. Iran also overthrew the government and has made a peace treaty with all of their neighbors in the Middle East, including Israel. Who knows if that is going to work.”
Charles took Merry from Nicole and stared into her face, “Only time will tell, Love. Right now I have someone else to keep my attention.”
Nicole smiled, “And time is what we have in abundance.”
Epilogue
Charles walked in the trailer and Nicole ran up and hugged him, “Good to see you.”
“It’s good to be back.”
“What have you been doing?”
“I’ve been moving around the country to see how the election is doing.”
“What do you think?”
“Well, the President is out.”
“Why? I thought he was pretty cool.”
“So did everyone else until a recorded conversation was released with him saying that the United States had to move forward and take control of the planet economically.”
Nicole stared at Charles and then asked, “Any idea who released th
at recording?”
Charles looked up and rolled his eyes, “I have an idea.” Charles stared at Nicole and asked, “What’s bugging you?”
“What makes you think I have a problem?”
“What is it Nicole?”
“Damn! I hate you can read me like a dime novel.”
“So what is it?”
“Merry wants to go to college.”
“Why? They can’t teach her anything she doesn’t already know.”
“She wants to go to a technical college and build some connections.”
Charles nodded and said absently, “I guess she was serious.”
“What are you talking about?”
“You know Merry knows more about this ship than either of us?”
“Yes.”
“She doesn’t want to wait for our species to show up. She wants to marry someone that will live as long as she does. I think my telling her about Beatrice dying and how it affected me made an impression.”
“Oh?”
“She’s going to build a stardrive and FTL communicator.”
“Can she do that?”
“The computer says she can. If she goes to a top Technical College she will stand out like a horse in pigs. She’ll build the parts in different locations and bring them together when they’re completed.”
“She’s talking about Georgia Tech for undergraduate and MIT for graduate school. I’m concerned that she’ll have to apply having only been home schooled,” Nicole remarked.
Charles waved a hand, “They’ll make her take entrance exams and she’ll knock their socks off. I’m sure they’ll offer her scholarships and grants to try and get her to choose them. Getting in won’t be an issue.”
Nicole stared at Charles and asked, “If what you’re saying is true, how long before she builds the communicator?”
“Within the next ten to twelve years.”
“I don’t know if I like that Charles. I don’t know if Earth is ready for your species to show up.”
“Come on Nicole! All of us are very much alike; we don’t impose ourselves on other species.”
“You did?”
“And I’m sure I’m going to be questioned about that.”
“Is that a good thing?”
“Humans give us a way to have children; I have no doubt they’ll agree with what I’ve done to protect humans from themselves.” Charles paused and said, “Besides, you should want this.”
“Why?”
“Because you’ll get your ship.” Nicole started smiling and Charles hugged her, “Hey, it’s been twenty years since the failed nuclear attack, and you’ll have your ship before you know it.”
“Are you hoping I’ll leave?”
Charles smiled, “I think that once you have a way to leave, you’ll want to stay.” Nicole stared at him and Charles lowered his eyes, leaned in, and said in a suggestive tone, “Trust me; you chose me for my wisdom.” Nicole laughed and hugged him tighter.
The End
Message me at Saxonandrew@msn.com and let me know your thoughts. I treasure your feedback.
Books by Saxon Andrew
The Annihilation Series:
Love Conquers All
The Power of a Queen
A Rose Grows in Weeds
Tommy’s Tale
Searcher
Demon’s Sacrifice
Finding Keepers
(The seven books above are also audio books at Audible.com)
Prequel-Psychic Beginnings
Searching for a Hero
Dahlia’s Deception
Annihilation-The Complete Series Box Set
The Annihilation Saga:
Lost Royalty
The Warrior's Destiny
No Way Out
Fight... and They Will Come
Ashes of the Realm:
Juliette’s Dream
Greyson’s Revenge
Death of an Empire
The Return of the Realm
Lens of Time:
The Pyramid Builders
Planet Predators
Pray for the Prey
The End of Time
Lens of Time - Star Rover:
The Worst of Time
Running Out of Time
Chosen to Die
The Fight for Creation:
Life Warrior
Scout Warrior
Ultimate Warrior
Star Chase:
The Lost Prince
(Also an audio book at Audible.com)
Nowhere to Run
Nowhere to Hide
Probe Predators
Jesse's:
Jesse’s Starship
Mike’s War
Joshua’s Walls
Nemesis:
Revenge is Best Served Hot
The Search for Orion
Trapped in Time:
The Time Takers
Taming a Planet
Extinction
Escape to Earth:
Running From Fate
Fighting for Space
Defending Holy Ground
The Legacy of a Conqueror
Living Legends
The Sequel Series to Escape to Earth - Defending Earth:
Searching for Death Feeders
The Death Prophecies:
The Coming of the Prophet
The Prophet's Eyes
The Unknown Enemy Will Kill You
No Technology is Invincible
Survival is Never Free
The Last Prophecy
Stories from the Filament Universe:
Gregor’s Run
A Pirate’s Tale
Soul of the Swords
The Death Filament
Death Never Leaves a Calling Card
Gregor’s Search
Jimmy's Dreams Stories:
Jimmy’s Dreams
Jimmy’s Dreams II - A Recurring Nightmare
The Assassins Guild:
Earth Must be Stopped
Defending the Colonies
Rage of the Brotherhood
The Last Man Standing
Britannia series:
The Fight for Britannia
Saving America
Fighting for Melbourne
Fighting for Humanity
Home Coming
The Wages of War
Civil War
Other:
The War Against Earth
The Book of Life
(a short story)
The Watcher
The Forbidden Wilds:
Jingle’s Escape
Crossing the Styx
Inevitable War
Crossing the Line
No Going Back
Coming Soon:
Intergalactic War – Forbidden Wilds VI
About Saxon Andrew
Saxon Andrew is a former social worker with a degree in Psychology and Education from Mercer University. He has taught school, managed several sales organizations and owned his own business.
He has devoured science fiction since he first learned to read and his stories are the product of years of personal experience and exposure to the universes created by the genre’s great authors.
He lives in Tampa, Florida with his wife and two dogs who still appreciate his sense of humor after all these years. "Dogs are always ready to smile."