PEACE & TECHNOLOGY

-CHAPTER ONE-

President William Morrow sat at the head of the conference room table with his closest aids with him. The Visitors Supreme Commander John was present and sat at the opposite end of the table with a few of his closest members from the flagship.

The meeting had been called urgently that morning at the White House, the President had been put under a lot of pressure to do so.

"I just feel that things are getting a little out of hand, that's all - you and your people have fantastic technological know how that could change our lives forever - but I feel that we all need to slow down a little bit here - not everybody likes change so quickly..."

The Vice- President couldn't see the problem as he looked at his superior, "but sir, surely the human-race can only benefit from these changes..."

Morgan Mason and Edward Kennedy agreed in unison.

William leaned forward, "indeed...but we are not yet ready - we need to step on the brake and slow down - anyway, I think that the medical break throughs should come first..."

John looked up, his trademark smile evident and all to see, and a gesture of the hand to reason a calming influence, "Of course - and as I have promised - the science and medical seminars are already being organised...it just takes time"

William closed his file, "then we better go from there - remember- you and your people are guests on our world - and we must be careful if that line is not crossed - no disrespects to Kristine Walsh, I am truly honoured that you chose an American woman as your official spokesperson - but you Supreme Commander are being seen on television promoting nice speeches a little too often that I feel comfortable with..."

Edward cleared his throat leaning forward to speak, "steady on Mr President - these people have given us so much already...", he praised and made sure he emphasized that part, so the Visitor leader didn't feel too uncomfortable with the Presidents feelings.

Others in the Presidential office nodded in agreement.

John made eye contact with William and held up his arm, "No, No...the President is correct - maybe we have, as a people, over-stepped the mark, but it is not deliberate I can assure you - I however have personally taken note, and will remedy our agendas"

William hinted a grateful smile, "I'm not criticizing you or your people, and the very last thing I want to do is make you or your people feel unwelcome"

John shook his head and smiled warmly, "Not at all...don't worry Mr President, It will all be settled out soon enough..."

VVV

Officer Sean Steele walked into the police precinct with a cuffed prisoner. Phillipa, his new Visitor 'partner' was with him.

Helena Shaw looked up from the front desk, "Who are you booking in?"

"Shop theft...exciting stuff huh?", replied Sean, he turned his head to see that Phillipa was looking quite bored, Sean snuck in a crafty wink at Helena, "...with a bit of luck on my side, she'll lose interest and disappear"

"But I thought you said you liked working along side the Visitors", cried Helena a little surprized.

Sean shrugged as they watched Phillipa book in the prisoner, "I did...but the novelty is well and truly starting to wear off, believe me"

VVV

Rosemary Kennedy pulled the lace curtain back to see the black limousine pull up on the gravel drive way out front - it was her husband.

Immediately coming out to meet him, she took his arm, "Edward! I thought you would of made it back for lunch"

"Yes - alone I hope...", Edward said looking about for a squad vehicle.

Rosemary shook her head as they entered the great hall of their mansion, "Gerald has other business to attend to...so it is just you and I, honey"

Edward removed his coat and his wife took it , "I had a meeting with the President...he's starting to bring up some negative opinions about our Visitor friends..."

Rosemary went and fixed her husband a drink, "Oh? I do hope that the Supreme Commander wasn't offended?"

Edward took the glass from her, "fortunately he was very nice about it - but I was quite surprized - these people are doing so much for us - we cannot seem to be ungrateful, can we"

"Of course not dear - but I'm sure he will thaw out - he is the President - he had to be seen as having our interests at heart, hasn't he?"

Edward nodded, his wife was right, "Yeah...I guess that's so..."

VVV

The alien leader John came down the ramp of his personal shuttle with Kristine Walsh along side him. They were in the huge hangar of the Washington flagship - Kristine clutched her purse and turned to him, "I am going to go freshen up, if that is alright?"

John took both of her hands in his and smiled warmly down at her, "Of course - and take as long as you need to - you deserve a much needed break, we work you very hard...I sincerely hope that you don't think we are taking liberties..."

Kristine shook her head, "Of course not - I'll see you later John...", and she hurried off across the hangar with her personal trooper in toe.

Commander Gerald watched her go, and then stepped forward along with some of his troops, "Welcome back aboard Supreme Commander...", he said as he fell into step with him as they moved, "...I received your latest report - you stipulate that the President is not as supportive as he was...?"

John nodded as they strolled across the busy hangar, their group of troops following closely behind, "he is the top individual on this planet...and has a lot of influence among the humans"

Gerald paused and faced him directly questioningly, "you mean the time has come for conversion?"

The Supreme Commander shook his head, his features were very serious, "not yet...but if he proves to be a threat to our mission, then we will have to start seriously considering it..."

Gerald led their way into the maze of corridors of the flagship, "the president cannot simply disappear, it would be noticed - we would need to consult with Diana about the best course of action regarding him or awkward questions from the likes of Kristine Walsh will be asked..."

John paused at his private quarters and turned, "I will leave it in your capable hands Gerald - whatever you decide you will have my full support"

Gerald was pleased, eyes bright, "thank you Supreme Commander - I'm always of your service, of course..."

VVV

At the News studios, Ralph Harrison was surprized to learn that Susan Feldman had resigned from the network. Turning in his chair at his desk, he looked up to Sub Commander Michele, "but Susan loved her job...", he insisted, "...it's not like her to just call and quit on a whim!"

Michele came forward, her hand leaned on her laser hoister, "she was envious of you Ralph...it was all too much for her...in the end, you have to admit, she began to be less supportive of you and your role..."

Ralph agreed with a shake of his head, "Yes...she was jealous of what I have achieved in recent weeks but..."

Michele had circled him and he stopped talking when she placed a hand firmly on his shoulder, "look...her kind of portrayal of our visit to your planet is not positive...only yesterday she gave out a report that made us out to be leeches who are sponging off on your good nature..."

Ralph sprang to the defensive, "No! That's not true...I'm sure you are mistaken!"

Michele leaned in to him, her face seemed to show she was in no mood for being questioned, "I hope YOU don't think that we are exploiting your peoples assistance Ralph..."

Ralph laughed, " Of course not! You are given us so much in return"

"Exactly...and the Supreme Commander will make sure of it, now...",she turned him around to face the news desk, "...it is nearly time for your broadcast...I'll being seeing you soon Ralph..."

Ralph turned a little nervously and watched Michele walk stride off with her shock troopers close behind.

Where had all these troopers come from? There weren't nearly as many a few weeks back. And what about the Studios, the Visitors gave the impression they call the shots now.

The director was counting down to live on air. Ralph quickly swallowed down some water and checked his mic and then looked down to the vacant seat beside him...

-CHAPTER TWO-

There had been a hard frost that morning as Ralph Harrison entered through the entrance hall of Susan Feldman's apartment block.

He rubbed his cold hands together to keep warm and looked about the hall - it all seemed strangely quiet, just the distant honking of car horns and traffic from outside in the street.

He climbed the steps to the second floor and moved towards Susan's apartment, the front door was on ajar.

"Susan?", he called - there was no answer from within the apartment, just the same as when he tried to call her on the telephone for the last few nights.

"Susan..?", he called out again. Ralph pushed the door further open and peered around - the apartment was just like as if somebody had just decided to up and leave on a whim, even the iron was still on.

Ralph went over and unplugged it, then turned to the answerphone on the side table near the sun-lit window. The display was flashing up 16 messages, 4 of which he knew were his own.

Ralph swallowed down nervously and looked about him, something strange was going on...

...and as he left the apartment his blood was left running cold.

VVV

Dr Vincent Lee was attending the Visitor science seminar at the Memorial research center. He found a seat in the busy atrium with many other high ranking science professionals, all eager to learn something new and revolutionary from the Visitors.

The hype and the buzz were electric around him, it had been a long wait due to all the recent cancellations, but now it looked like that it was all set.

Senior Visitor science officer, Rosa of the Washington flagship stood on the center stage with other members of her team and explained agendas that were some what elementary but in sheer comparison, too far fetched and high tech for even the brightest Earth science buff to comprehend.

As the Visitor scientist spoke, Vincent looked about him and all his peers felt the same way. This was not what anybody was expecting at all.

When the seminar finally did come to an end, Rosa and her science team thanked everybody for attending - and with all the help the human race was giving to them, they were all too glad to be starting to repay their debt.

Vincent collected his coat and moved towards the exit of the atrium where Rosa stood shaking hands with other science buffs as they vacated the building,

She turned and extended her arm to Vincent as he approached, "thank you Dr Lee - I hope you are satisfied with our seminar today..."

Vincent shook his head, hoping that his feelings hadn't betrayed him - he was not wanting to reveal that he never understood a word of it.

"The most fascinating load of bullshit I'd ever care to listen to, I sure...", he smiled politely, shaking her ice cold hand and then moved up the corridor, Rosa glared after him then turned and glanced at the Visitor security officer Kyle with a knowing nod. Kyle actioned his men and they marched up the corridor after him.

VVV

Ralph Harrison had left his apartment and crossed the neat lawn to the waiting Visitor shuttle craft that had just that moment arrived.

Commander Gerald hopped out wearing his dark shades - he stood at the ramp, "Good...I am glad you received my message, Ralph", he beamed with a smile.

Ralph paused at the base of the ramp looking up at him, "Yes I did Gerald, when I got back earlier, what is this about? Can I ask?"

Gerald broadened his smile, "I promised you a tour of the mothership here in Washington - a proper tour that only a few of your people have had access to...I have time in my busy schedule to take you around personally..."

He moved aside to let Ralph enter- the newsman looked thrilled and hurried through the opening, Gerald's smile faded and followed suit with the ramp lifting after him.

VVV

At the chemical plant in Baltimore, Alex Fisher stood in his office rubbing his temples and then feeling suddenly cold with the hairs rising at the back of his neck, he turned around and nearly jumped put of his skin.

"Adam! Jesus H Christ, you gave my heart a flutter there!", Alex gasped.

Adam stood in the office doorway where a split second ago, there was nobody, "I do apologise...but I have brought you a gift"

Alex frowned, "a gift?"

Adam nodded and stepped forward and placed a box right on the desk in front of the plant boss. Alex could see that the box was made of some kind of strange glass or crystal or some strange material alien to Earth.

"Please accept this..."

Alex took the box and gently opened it up to reveal a diamond ring, he gasped in awe, "Adam...thank you...thank you so much"

Adam put his hands together, "It's a mere token for your loyalty to us...a thank you for your continued support and together we can make this plant the best in the country..."

Alex slipped the ring on his finger and looked up, "This is too much but...thank you...we of Earth are so lucky to have met you guys..."

"It's destiny that bring yours and my people together, Mr Fisher..."

VVV

Sam Walker had parked the car up onto the curb and watched Kath Wagner and Maggie Winters hurry up the steps of the police precinct.

Inside, Helena Shaw looked up from her position at the front desk with a welcoming smile, "Can I help you girls?"

Maggie approached the counter, "Yeah, you sure can...I'm Maggie Winters - would you contact my brother Jimmy Winters - He's a cop at this precinct..."

Helena turned and unclipped the roster from the hook, "I thought he was on vacation..."

Maggie shook her head, "No...he's not at home...and anyways, he's always informs me when he goes away on vacation because he gets me to feed the cat"

Helena put back the roster and removed her specs, "then I'm sorry - I just don't know"

Just then, Officer Sean Steele and his female Visitor partner Phillipa entered the foyer. Helena held out her arm to them, "Hey Sean! Have you seen Jim around?"

Sean approached the counter removing his police cap, "I thought he went away..."

Maggie whirled around before Helena could reply, "No! He would have said something!"

She was getting agitated now and, worried, Kath came forward and placed a comforting arm around her, "I'm sure he's okay...", she soothed trying to calm her down.

Helena agreed, "yeah...give him a call tomorrow - I'm sure he'll turn up"

Sam then came in, "So? What are they saying?"

Kath turned, "We have done all that we can...lets get her home Sam"

Sam nodded and lead them out into the bitter cold outside. Helena waited for the doors to swing shut before she opened her mouth, "She's gotta point about Jim...he wouldn't have just gone away on a whim, would he?"

Sean didn't know what to think, but with Phillipa now narrowing her eyes at him, he didn't respond.

"Sean...lets go...we have not completed our shift"

Sean rolled her eyes at Helena and followed the Visitor on her way.

VVV

On the Washington flagship, Deborah stood in the open doorway of the conference room with her scan pad, "I am very sorry to interrupt your meeting Supreme Commander, but I have just found Ralph Harrison...he was wandering around the corridors unsupervised..."

John shot a glare towards Gerald who sat to his right, the commander sighed, "Damn it...I forgot about him...I left him to wait in my office"

"Then you were careless over your own security here!", John cried, "...you should have secured the door...it is a good job he knows nothing of our mission"

Gerald cleared his throat, "he doesn't...but I will check and test him if he does...we need to pacify him, he's getting suspicious of us since we took his colleague"

John stood up, "Then see to it that his suspicions are no more Commander"

"I will...", Gerald told, "...and he can simply disappear too if I sense he will be an obstacle to our mission"

Deborah stepped forward, "He is right outside...shall I show him in?"

John moved to the opposite door, "Yes...Gerald can see him, I have other matters to attend to on the L.A ship..."

Gerald watched the door slide shut behind John and turned to Deborah, "You best show the human in..."

VVV

Ralph Harrison had completed his tour, of course he had seen much before hand, but this time it was much more in depth.

"You say it's dangerous to go into the restricted areas..", asked Ralph as he walked along side Gerald through the busy hangar of the Mothership, "...but what I have observed, your personnel come and go through those areas quite freely and without protective clothing"

Gerald kept a level head - even with difficult questions like this being shot at him.

"there is an area within the doors...an airlock if you like...to change in and out of radioactive suits..."

Ralph wanted to ask more , but Gerald over rode him by gesturing him out to the waiting shuttle nearby, "Jason...Ralph is ready to go back now...are you ready to dis-embark?"

Jason could sense that his commander wanted shot of Ralph, "Yes sir...I am all set to go"

A little disappointed, Ralph turned and shook Gerald's cool hand, "well...thank you Commander...it was enlightening for sure..."

Gerald smiled, "I promised a tour and I gave one, now...if you excuse me - I have much to attend to"

Jason was already waiting at the ramp to see Ralph aboard the shuttle - the newsman nodded and with a farewell smile, hurried into the craft.

Within minutes, Gerald watched as the shuttle maneuvered out of the hangar to take Ralph home. Michele was then at his side, "does he know anything?"

Gerald turned to her as they made their way across the hangar, "No...I am confident that he doesn't...but he is eager to learn more...he asks too many questions"

Michele shrugged as they entered the corridor, "Maybe I can suggest we offer him a place here on the ship"

Gerald stopped in his tracks and frowned at her, "and why do you suggest that?"

Michele smiled, "keep him close by - if he is hellbent on finding out a lot more about us, than we are lead to believe, keep him nearby - it will be easier to keep an eye on him - and if he does stumble in an area he shouldn't be in...", she trailed off knowingly.

Gerald liked the sound of it, "yes...I like your plan...I'm sure a tour of the final area would be the very last thing he would want"

Michele laughed, "the last thing anyone would want...if they had a choice..."

-CHAPTER THREE-

In Gerald's office deep within the Washington flagship, the commander looked over at John who was sitting with Diana at the side table ,"So phase two will go out tomorrow?", he asked.

John nodded, "yes...I have had meetings with various fleet commanders and have been in conference with that idiot United States President, he didn't like what I was putting forward, but I got him to see things our way in the end"

Gerald was impressed, he looked forward to him, "So...we might not need to convert him?"

Before John could even open his mouth to answer, Diana jumped in, "not YET, anyway...but I am sure there will have to be a time when things get more difficult"

Gerald breathed out a sigh from where he stood next to a shelf, where there was small compartments housing a variety of small furred animals, "At last! Our mission is being pressed forward, the leader will be pleased..."

Diana stood from her seat and strode over to the shelf, Gerald couldn't keep his eyes off her as the red dress she was adorning was showing off the curves of her shapely body, "As soon as we are in full control the better and phase two will only fast-track the situation...", she opened a compartment and reached in for one of the fluffy guinea pigs that froze to the spot as she grabbed it, she looked at Gerald, "...there will be much chaos for the humans...and it will be us who will take charge and put things right..."

Gerald watched her eye up the guinea pig in a predatory way. He looked across to John who remained silent and listening to them intently.

"To FULL CONTROL then..."

VVV

"The world was shocked today when serious accusations were made against members of the worlds elite scientific community -

-nobel prize winner Morris Jancowki of the Brussels biomedical institute in Belgium held a press conference and said that he had been approached to join an international conspiracy against the Vistiors..."

President William Morrow watched the TV in his personal quarters with his wife Barbara, the report went on as they continued to watch.

Images flashed up on screen showing evidence of many scientists with claims of being involved in the conspiracy, from seizing control of Visitor Motherships for their own agendas to holding back medical break throughs for financial gain.

William reached out and linked his hand into Barbara's

Kristine Walsh was now on screen. She stood at a podium that was shrouded with a red Visitor emblem.

"The Visitors were shocked to learn of this conspiracy and the chaos that will result - not only will THEIR plans be thwarted - but also the benefits that were promised to us..."

Images flashed on screen of terrorist attacks in several Visitor installations around the world by members of the conspiracy of scientists.

John was next on screen informing that his security forces were working together with police departments to try and calm the situation - but it was recommended that a state of martial law would be helpful at this time.

Barbara turned to her husband, she really couldn't believe what she was seeing or what she was hearing, "You have gone along with this? Is it really this bad?"

William shook his head, "the evidence was all there...it couldn't be denied...but it will pass...Myself and the Supreme Commander will reach a peaceful conclusion on the matter...just try not to worry yourself..."

VVV

Later, the sun shone weakly as the shuttle glided over the roof of the White House and touched down onto the neat lawn.

William and John came out of a side door of the White House and strolled towards the waiting shuttle.

"I must say...I still not happy about all of this...but i can see the need of the measures that we have put in place..."

John smiled at him, "Can I tell you that I appreciate your upmost support in this matter...I know the registration process for all scientists and their close families may cause offense, but those good scientists that are not apart of this conspiracy have no need to worry...they have nothing to fear...as I have said, this will all pass I'm sure"

William shook the aliens hand, "lets hope so...I hate to think that we are bombing your facilities in such a barbaric way that we have already seen...I can only apologise..."

John shook his head, "Please there is no need...everything will turn out just the way it should do...believe me..."

William watched as the Supreme Commander disappeared into the shuttle and as the ramp was pulled up it was soon on it's way up into the cold blue sky and heading across to the Mothership above.

With the marine guards lined up behind him on the lawn, the President felt extremely uneasy about the whole thing...what had become of the world in a few short weeks.

Not wanting to acknowledge it, he slowly felt his power of control was waning to something even bigger...

Or was he just being paranoid.

VVV

Aboard the shuttle in flight, Commander Gerald stepped out from the flight deck and saw John sitting arms crossed on the leather bunk.

"Well, that went as well as could be expected...the humans are convinced that a conspiracy amongst their scientists exists...it is all going how we discussed...martial law will help to keep fear intact and in the meantime our security officers can press forward with taking control from the Earth authorities..."

"And Supreme Commander - I am glad to inform you that I have heard communication from the squadron leader of phase three - the rest of our fleet have just entered the Earths Solar System..."

John looked up and nodded, "good...that is a pointer to press forward with other matters..."

Gerald folded his arms, "and they are...?"

John met his gaze, "I want you to have a word with all the commanders in the fleet about instructing their chemical plant Supervisors to up step the water harvast...it is not going as fast as I would have liked it's time to go out to a 24 hour cycle"

Gerald was glad with the thought of moving on with their mission, "I will gladly inform Adam here in Washington to start proceedings...he was only saying the other day that he and his men are tired of making this trouble-some chemical that wastes so much of their time, a chemical that is meant to be saving our world...but hence is choking theirs, as it's poured out into their atmosphere..."

"A step forward in our mission should lift their spirits then?"

Gerald matched his smile, "Considerably..."

VVV

Ralph Harrison was led up the corridor of the Washington mothership towards his newly assigned private quarters. Visitor relations officer Deborah put the key in the code lock and the door side aside for them.

"Please enter...", she said gesturing her arm into the room.

Ralph cautiously peered into his private quarters, "Wow...this is awesome...I believe Kristine Walsh has her own quarters aboard the L.A ship"

Deborah folded her arms, "then all the more for you to share in her good fortune Ralph - you deserve it - and it will cut down your journeying time aboard the shuttle"

Ralph walked around the chamber. It was all geared up for a human being to be comfortable in. He sat down on a soft bunk and looked up to Deborah.

"Great...but...I don't intend to be up here all the time...", he chose his words carefully, he didn't want to cause offense.

Deborah smiled at him, "of course not - but it will be more convenient for you, isn't it? It must be so exhausting for you with all the travelling around you do for us...and of course all the chaos at the moment with the conspiracy..."

Ralph stood and went over to the window, there was a massive map like view of Washington and the surrounding areas miles below them, he turned, "thank you"

Deborah nodded her head and left him to it. He didn't know why he felt so nervous and uneasy up here, but whatever the reason it was, what he did know was - the first chance he got, he was on the first shuttle out of here and back home...

VVV

Alex Fisher looked up to Adam at the Baltimore chemical plant, "a 24 hour cycle...", he gasped open mouthed, "...but we haven't nearly enough men to even accommodate such hours!"

The Visitor smiled at him reassuringly from where he stood in the office, "we could increase the hours of the plant - workers getting paid extra of course"

Alex sunk into his chair rubbing his temples, "but...but some of them may not want to...", he remarked.

Adam tried a different approach, he really wanted to get shot of this tiresome fat creature, "it's understandable...and expected...but my people are prepared to take on the extra hours - after all, we are doing this to save our dying planet...they need NO other incentive...that is incentive enough"

Alex looked up feeling a wash of quilt flushing through him, "No, no...I will talk it over with my foreman and the rest of the men...I'm sure we can come to some kind of arrangement"

Adam broke into a grin, making the human feel bad had played him right where he wanted him, "thank you, as always I can count on you loyalty to us Alex, you really are a true saviour of lives"

Alex breathed out, "Well...with all what's going on in the world at the moment, why not? We are not all out to commandeer your motherships and exploit your good nature like some of our meddlesome scientists"

Adam met his eyes, "exactly...with the likes of you Alex...we still do have faith in the human race..."

"Well...you are doing so much for us in return...I just don't understand how they could do this...I hope this facility won't be targeted by their terrorist groups like I've seen on the TV"

Adam followed him outside and they stood on one of the plants many catwalk, Adam pointed to the upper walk ways, then to the ground and then towards the plant entrances.

There was nothing but Visitor soldiers with protective helmets and what looked like laser rifles.

"Don't worry...everything has been covered...there will not be an attack here...I can assure you..."

VVV

Randy Revell chucked his laser to the ground in bad temper and stormed off across the grass towards the campus. Zac and his friends looked at one another as Angela turned, "just look at him! Acting like some spoilt brat just because he was one of the last ranked at target practice!"

Ben watched him go and turned as Greg came forward and put an arm around his shoulders tightly and looked at him, "Well done Ben...I am really impressed with your progress here...you are fast becoming my star pupil"

Ben met his eyes and smiled, he was made up, "really! Thank you! Firing the laser just felt natural to me"

Greg stood back and straighened his cap, "We should celebrate sometime..."

Ben hoisted his laser and held Greg's amazing gaze, "Yeah...I'd like that..."

eye contact and smiles were broken off as Angela walked in between then, "So...how did I do!"

"Not as good as me!", cried her friend Beth.

Ben laughed and turned to leave finding it amusing, he wasn't sure what was going on between him and the handsome Visitor but there was something there.

As he walked across the grass towards the campus building of the college he could see Randy with his friends and they were talking and looking across at him...narrowing their eyes.

VVV

Aboard the mothership, Ralph Harrison had packed up his stuff and was heading across the busy hangar with his personal Visitor pilot Jason.

Ralph looked up and stopped dead in his tracks - nearby, a group of frightened people were being led out of a shuttle. The Visitor shock troopers acted menacingly towards them beneath their dark shielded helmets.

He made eye conact with one of the male humans who had the sheer look of fear on his face.

Jason grabbed Ralph's arm tightly and moved him along, "Shall we get going - your 10 O'Clock appointment at the senate office is just an hour away..."

Ralph shook his head, he was in a bit of a daze, "Yes...thanks - yes we better get going..."

Jason stood aside and watched Ralph hurry up the shuttles ramp, he glanced at the group of humans being led away and then jumped aboard the shuttle himself.

Rosa met the group Captain, Kyle, and looked at the line of frightened people, "Good...you have done well Captain...show them all to the final area"

The line of humans were ushered along by the Visitor troopers waving their laser rifles at them. Rosa then came forward and stopped one of the humans.

"Ahhhh Dr Lee...we met again I see...I think what we have in mind for you will be quite up your street...you want to know what we are about...well, don't worry, you will soon be involved in one of my medical experiments...in a personal way"

She stood back and waved them on, Vincent Lee turned and went for her, Rosa stepped back further and watched as the earthman was downed by an array of blue laser bolts.

Ralph was watching from the shuttle window with a questioning look on his face. Jason closed up the ramp and turned, "your appointment", he reminded him.

Ralph wanted to question what all this was about...he didn't know...maybe they were conspirators or something? He tried to wrack his brains for a logical answer for why a human being was gunned down by a Visitor...shouldn't the police be doing that? Conspiracy or not?

He sat back as he felt the shuttle manouver across the bay, the next time he saw Gerald he was going to bring this up...or not.

-CHAPTER FOUR-

The Scientists registration scheme was set up at every police headquarters in the country, and no doubt the world.

Commander Gerald smiled as he oversaw the first such device get installed at the main police precinct in Washington.

Ralph Harrison was present with his film crew, microphone up to his mouth, he spoke towards the camera gesturing his arm towards what was happening behind him.

"So...it is very easy and simple to register...", began the newsman for the benefit of his viewers, "...you just need to go apply for one of these...", he held up a credit card like piece of plastic, "...the micro-chip inside will record your personal details and those of your immediate family...and then it is simply scanned into one of these devices..."

Gerald took the card from him and scanned it through the machine where the police chief stood with a selection of high ranking police officers.

The flagship commander looked up, "Police officers will be trained to use this simple and effective way of registering...the procedure will start off here in Washington and then will quickly commence throughout the country and the world..."

Ralph turned to the camera and put the mic to his mouth, "thank you Commander Gerald...from all of us here in Washington DC police headquarters, back to you Kristine..."

Ralph lowered the mic and turned to watch an array of excited police officers crowd the alien registration device, all wanting to know the in's and out's, and how it worked.

Ralph was about to instruct his crew to start packing up the set up when Gerald strolled over and smiled, "Ralph...all went well I am pleased to report..."

"Thank you, Commander..."

"So...are your private quarters aboard the mothership up your high standard?"

Ralph painted on the biggest of smiles - only if to disguise the fact that he had no intention of spending long periods aboard the flagship.

"they are perfect", he quickly replied gathering up some cables.

Gerald could detect the nervous undertone to the rely - he had already been informed earlier by Jason, that Ralph had seen the human intake aboard the mothership, the ones that were scheduled to be processed at the final area - he decided to test the newsman.

"Are you alright Ralph? If I may ask, you seen a little...troubled"

The Newsman sighed, and decided to just come out and ask outright of what had been troubling him all day.

"When I was aboard the mothership...I saw these people...they looked scared, right out of their minds...like they had been taken up there against their will, or something..."

Gerald clicked his tongue and placed a hand around Ralphs shoulders and eased him away from the news technicians, "look...I am sorry you had to see that...they were part of a terrorist organisation employed by the scientists linked to this conspiracy...with the cells filled up to the hilts here, we promised the police department we'd help out with the over-crowding and detain them aboard the mothership..."

"But one of them was...killed"

"No, no...just stunned...he is recovering as we speak...so now, please do not fret and worry over things you not need to worry yourself about..."

Ralph nodded and went back to help his colleagues.

"Ralph...you are either with us..." Gerald trailed off...

... empathising what didn't need saying.

VVV

The shuttle flew over Washington DC. In the back, Ben Greene looked out as the darkening skies brought the lights out in the distant neighbourhoods. He turned his head from the window, "my parents will be worried...but I am so thrilled and grateful for this Greg - this is awesome"

Greg stood near him and smiled, "You deserve it"

Ben shrugged, "Yeah, just because I am top of the training league now...Randy was sure not pleased...in fact he really hates the fact that it was ME who overpowered him three times in corps marking...", he chuckled sadly, "...mind you, he hates ME period!"

Ben wished he could explain it to the Visitor, but the young alien seemed to understand the young human. Greg came and sat next to him on the bunk considered him, "hates you for what? For being different -being different is good - being different is interesting..."

Ben looked up to him and their eyes held for a second before Ben broke contact feeling suddenly shy.

Amused, Greg reached out and with his hand turned Ben's cheek to face him, "You are fast becoming my favourite human, Ben...it bothered me before, but now I have accepted it"

Ben swallowed down feeling confused, "You...do you find me attractive? I didn't think there were guys like me on Sirius"

Greg didn't really know what Ben was implying, but he came to conclude, "...I am different, like you Ben..."

The alien then slipped his hand into Ben's so they were linked and both of then looked at each other...each having an echo of a smile forming.

VVV

Toni Morrell parked her VW beetle outside the suburban house and got out onto the icy street.

She had just registered - all scientists and their families had to register their whereabouts since reports of the scientists conspiracy more than a week ago. At the police precinct, she had felt like a criminal, an outcast - the way they looked at her like she was apart of the conspiracy - it was ludicrous - she wasn't any part of it - nor did she know anybody who was.

She strode up the walk and pressed the doorbell. Jenny Morgan opened the door.

"Jenny! Are you not looking after Carla today!", Toni was stressed out and didn't mean to jump down the teenagers throat.

Jenny was about to answer, when her father Jamie shoved his daughter aside and glared coldly at Toni, "No Mrs Morrell, my daughter will not be taking care of your child today, tomorrow or ever!"

Toni shook her head in sheer disbelief, "What? But Why?", then the reality hit her, "Oh...it is because I am a scientist, isn't it? Well, you need not worry, I HAVE registered!"

Jamie folded his arms barring the doorway, "I don't like it - the neighbours don't like it - nobody in their right mind should like it - now clear off my property or I will call the cops!"

Toni backed off and was aware of people looking from across the street pointing, and then two Visitors walked by glancing as they did so.

Jenny looked embarrassed and ran inside, Jamie then stood back and slammed the front door in Toni's face.

VVV

Ross Morrell was fed up. All week long his colleague workers were fast becoming hostile with him and his closest friends started to keep their distance.

Once he had supervised yet more of the chemical compound onto a Visitor cargo carrier, he helped detach the super cooled hoses and watch the craft rise up into the sky over the plant and fly up towards it's Mothership destination above.

He then stormed across the platforms and catwalks passing human and Visitor technicians along the way towards Alex Fishers office.

Ross barged in where Alex and Adam were in talks over extending plans for the plant and it's 24 hour cycle.

"That's it! I've had enough here!" He threw his yellow hard hat to the desk, "I QUIT! - I've just about had enough - just because my wife is a scientist I'm allowed to be treated like a leper! Well NOT anymore...supervise your own men!"

And with that, Ross stormed out as quickly as he had entered.

Alex was left speechless and dropped to his chair - Adam on the other hand looked towards Ross's exit and narrowed is eyes...

VVV

Joey Carter walked up the tree lined street. He just had a pig of a day, and to top it all he had been kicked out of college for fighting another student who was calling him a dirty scientists kid.

The principal took their side! And he was out on his ears. He crossed the street as a car went by and a squad vehicle cruised over head and came to the junction.

Up ahead, there was some kind of cordon. He paused in his tracks and saw a couple being arrested by two Visitor troopers and a couple of cops.

"We've found the records in your home Dr Parker - you must come with us quietly, making no fuss or you will only make things worse for yourself...", told the Visitor woman.

"Good work Phillipa", said a cop standing with the police car door open.

Sean Steele, the other police officer, looked at the boy who had just walked up. He looked like he had taken a beating off somebody.

"What going on?", asked the boy.

Sean straightened his cap and looked at him sharply, "Nothing for you to worry about kid, now shoot...it's not good to be here"

Joey backed away and glanced around to see the Visitor girl that was called Phillipa shove her prisoner up against the car so hard that he screamed out in pain.

"You've broken his arm...", he heard someone say. Joey quickened his pace, his own parents were scientists. His father was a doctor and his mother was a lab technician...were they apart of the conspiracy...

...and if they were, would they get taken, like what all the rumours suggested...

VVV

Ben Greene stared into space. It was like he was on another planet, and he was supposed to be working on a project with Caitlin Ryan for college.

Caitlin looked up at him from where they sat at the dining room table, "I felt so sorry for Joey today...just because his parents are scientists they wrecked up his chemistry project...and they beat him up too...Randy and his friends"

Ben looked up at her and shrugged, pen tip to his mouth, "Yeah...It's all since this conspiracy business...I guess that they could be involved"

Caitlin glared at him, "What? This is Joey's family we are talking about here!"

"That doesn't mean to say they are not involved", shot back Ben.

Caitlin closed up her file and looked at her friend, "Are you alright? You seem to be acting real weird lately...you never call, and you spent all your time at that Visitor Corps scheme...I know you like it, but you're getting obsessed!"

Ben met her eyes, "You don't know anything...look...maybe you should go...I've gotta go polish my boots"

Caitlin clawed up all her stuff and stood up looking down at him, "Careful...you may never know when you might need your friends...your REAL friends", and then she stormed off, Ben looked after her and slowly let out a sigh, "Caitlin wait...", but she was gone.

-CHAPTER FIVE-

Ben Greene walked across the snow covered grass towards the college's frontage steps. Randy Revell had been drinking and smoking cannabis all morning, and he and his friends were harassing a girl with glasses who's father was a scientist.

Zac suddenly pointed a finger towards Ben and with a chuckle that betrayed him as being as 'high as a kite', he said, "hey Rand...it's the college faggot!"

Ben saw them start the approach, so he tried to avoid them by crossing to the other path, but Randy and Zac still managed to halt him in his tracks.

"So...where are you going? Did I say you could move...look at you standing there all pathetic and like some shitass jerk...I'm the best at the youth scheme...you were only picked out because I allowed it..."

Ben laughed at him, "I was picked as the best, because I am the best..."

Zac looked at Randy, "I think he is disrespecting you Rand..."

Randy leaned over the defiant Ben as he was a foot taller, "yeah...I know"

From the nearby shuttle that had just touched down, Greg was coming down as the ramp extended with a low hum. He paused and focused on what was going on through his sunshades.

Randy placed a hand over Ben's shoulder to lean in a barriage of abuse - but stopped when Zac tapped him on the back and nodded towards the Visitor male, as he was strolling over.

"Sir!", saluted Randy with respect. Zac did the same.

Ben used that as his excuse to pick up his bag and his books that had fallen onto the snow covered ground. Greg came forward and helped, their eyes briefly meeting, "are you alright Ben?"

Ben wasn't. He felt humilated at having to get bullied by Randy and Co right in front of him. So feeling embarrassed, he nodded and snatched up his stuff, "I'm fine...just leave me alone..."

And then he hurried off.

Greg sighed as he watched him go and straighened his cap, he turned and focused on Randy and Zac, "what was that all about? The scheme is not designed to bully weaker individuals into submission", he told through his vibrated undertones.

Randy chuckled, "But sir...he doesn't count - the likes of him are not accepted in our society!"

Greg stared at him and stepped forward, "Oh? Because he is different?"

"Pretty much so - he's what we call - a queer fuck", laughed Randy. It was good to teach these aliens a thing or two.

The Visitors eyes narrowed behind the shades, "Really...", Randy was still laughing, "...a queer fuck, huh?"

VVV

Ross Morrell called in to his wife at the research center.

"Hey, you forgot your lunch this morning..."

Toni took the paper-bag from him and rubbed a hand up and down his arm, "Carla with my Mom?"

He nodded, he looked down.

"Hey...why don't you call in at the plant...talk to Alex...tell him that you didn't mean to walk out"

Ross shook his head quickly not wanting to listen to all that again, "No way! I quit because you are a scientist"

Toni's face fell, "But that's just so unfair"

Suddenly there was an enormous explosion from outside and within a split second the windows came crashing in, sending them both flying behind the labs work bench.

Toni cut her hand on some fallen glass as she tried ro crawl over to Ross who was covered in dust.

Another explosion rocked the building.

Amy Appleton came stumbling through the door and landed beside them.

"They are fire bombing all our cars in the lot...everything is ablaze!"

Ross rolled over and went to stand, Toni grabbed his arm, "Ross no!"

Ross gently pulled his hand out from hers and walked in a stoop towards the lab's shattered windows. The blinds were hanging loose on one cord due to the damage, but it didn't stop him seeing the scene that was playing out in the lot.

He witnessed an array of cars in the lot ablaze sending acrid black smoke pouring into the sky. There was a group of youths dressed up in party masks, hoods and scarfs...anything to disguise their identities. But that wasn't enough, as the police sirens weiled in the distance, Visitor shock troopers were already on the scene and they didn't take prisoners.

One youth was grabbed by one of the troopers and had his head smashed so hard up against a unscathed van, he fell to the floor motionless.

Another youth went to run and had a blue bolt sent through him from on of the aliens rifles. And as Ross looked on in sheer horror, he could actually see two troopers deliberately shove one of the bombers' head straight into a burning car...the guy screamed in terror before being thrown to the tarmac and having him put out of his misery with a laser bolt through the head.

Ross ducked back. His heart was racing. What the hell was going on? Yes these youths were retaliating against this conspiracy by fire bombing scientists vehicles, but what kind of sadistic display were the Visitors putting on?

Toni was at his side, "Ross? What is it...let me see..."

But he stopped his wife looking out the window, he just looked at her, holding her gaze as he stroked her face, "Oh my god... what are we up against?", he whispered.

Toni swallowed and rested her head on his chest.

VVV

Ralph Harrison packed up his film crew after yet another broadcast about sorting out Africa's enviromental issues. It was icy cold and he pulled his furred hood around his neck as the snow continued to fall over Washington. For once in the 3 months since the Visitors first arrived, the mothership was invisible to the human eye.

Gerald stepped out of the Senate building and looked about him.

Ralph shivered and rubbed his hands together as he approached the Visitor flagship commander under the over-hang of the foyer.

"Have you seen snow before Gerald? Does it ever snow on Sirius...?"

Gerald broke into a smile, "Once it did...in the high mountains...", he had faraway eyes, "...but all that was such a long time ago..."

Ralph cleared his throat, "it is remarkable what you have planned for Africa...that continent has been a problem for as long as I can remember...with your help, we can finally help these people"

Gerald chuckled, he decided to sound sincere, disguising the fact that as they spoke, most of the African tribes were being massacred for sport...he and his Visitor fellows at arms found that the tribal warrior instinct in these black skinned creatures was just perfect for target practice and the strongest could be used as cannon folder against the 'enemy'

"those poor people are starving Ralph...it pleases us enormously knowing we are helping those who are unfortunate in your world"

Ralph bit his lip. He had made the decison to 'keep in' with the Visitors. Afterall, Gerald had been quite clear about whose side he was on and there was still the fact about the missing Susan Feldman...a vacant seat beside him at the news center was all what was left of her.

He moved Gerald inside the foyer inner and turned, "Gerald I have some concerns..."

Gerald tilted his head, "Oh? What kind of concerns...?"

The newsman's voice became a hush, "At my building, I think...or I believe...it is being used as a safehouse for scientists...you know, those who don't want to register..."

Gerald broke into a pleased smile, "Your loyalty to us is profound - now, tell me exactly, in full detail, what you have seen..."

VVV

Randy Revell, in Visitor youth scheme uniform, went into the locker room to get undressed and take a shower.

He was feeling quite pleased with himself, especially since Ben hadn't shown up for practice.

Greg was suddenly in the doorway and watched him undress, then he stepped in and shut the door making Randy turn quickly, "Sir...I never saw you there"

Greg approached him frowning, "No? Tell me, why do you like to intimidate Ben Greene?"

Randy opened his locker and pulled out his 'Star Wars' themed towel and slung it across his shoulder, "because he is a queer fuck...a faggot...the most disgusting creatures you'll ever encounter on this planet", he chuckled casually.

Greg folded his arms across his chest, "really? You find being different, disgusting..."

Randy frowned at the alien, now conscious that the alien male could see his nakedness, "yeah...don't you?"

Greg chose his words carefully, "not really...I find it interesting...", then he stepped forward and placed his hand onto Randy bare chest, his eyes meeting the humans - just to let the human understand what he meant.

Randy stepped back, he shook his head in sheer shock, "What? You sick fuck - faggots on Sirius?", he glared at the alien, "...get your dirty hands off me...you just wait till I tell everybody else!"

Randy turned pulling his jeans on and reaching for the door. He heard the alien call his name.

"Randy?"

Randy turned to give the Visitor some much deserved attitude, but gasped out in sheer horror of what was in front of him.

Those eyes! What the hell had happened to Greg's eyes...they were like...he gasped again staring...frozen to the spot.

"Do you think that Ben was frightened when you preyed on him?"

Randy turned and tried the door, "Jesus H Christ...what the hell are you?!"

The locker room door wouldn't open, "I have locked it...twisted the locking device right off in fact"

Randy slowly turned around to face the alien, "but it's made of steel or something...", he trembled.

Greg came forward, those snake like eyes boring straight into him...and then the alien grabbed him by the neck and lifted him right off the tiled floor of the locker room.

Randy couldn't breath, the aliens superhuman strength closing in around his windpipe...and then it closed its grip further and crushed every bone in Randy's neck...

...and finished off with hurtling Randy's lifeless body across the locker room, landing in a crumpled heap on the floor...

VVV

Ross Morrell flicked through the TV channels as his wife was in the bedroom packing. He sat down on the sofa with the remote control in his hand as Kristine Walsh was finishing a report.

"...and there was fewer terrorist attacks today led by the ever growing scientists conspiracy...this comes after a report that details any scientist that has not registered their whereabouts by the weekend will be automatically arrested..."

Toni was in the doorway leaning on the frame, "Where are we going to go? We can't just run with a two year old...it's not fair on her...anyway, this is our home, why should we have to go?"

Ross jumped up and held his wife's shoulders tightly, "Didn't the other day tell you that? The fire bombing? And what about last week when you said you felt like you were being followed home and I said that you were just being paranoid..."

"You think that I was followed?"

Ross shook his head, "I just don't know what to believe anymore honey...all I know is that the world has gone completely mad...and what about these 'friendly aliens'...when ever did you see as much as a weapon on them when they first appeared...look at them now...they are virtually posted on every street corner watching your every move with a rifle slung over their shoulder..."

Toni was close to tears, "But where Ross...where are we gonna go..."

Ross cupped his wife's cheek with the palm of his hand, "I know someone..."

VVV

Sam Walker was happy for them to stay as his apartment in Maryland, but as Toni went into the spare bedroom and saw to a grizzly Carla, Sam pulled Ross into the small kitchen, "You can stay, like I said...but keep the fact that your wife is a scientist quiet from Kath...she wouldn't understand like I do..."

Ross slapped a hand over Sam's shoulder, "thanks buddy, I really owe you for this...plus if what you say is true about a hiding place deep in the smoky mountains, hopefully it won't be for too long..."

CONTINUED IN PART FOUR: BROKEN PROMISES