The Adjustment

By John Palmer

The Adjustment is a 125,000 word science fiction and historical fiction novel dealing with Human overpopulation and a “Project” conducted by an alien union called the “Societies” to save the planet from damage resulting from the “infestation”. The story line spans the 20th & 21st Centuries, first exploring the Human condition and then the consequences resulting from the solution.

• Language: English
• Publisher: John Palmer
• Release date: Nov 5, 2009
• ISBN: 9781466103238

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The Adjustment

John M. Palmer

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2009 - John M. Palmer

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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Table of Contents - The Adjustment

Chapter 1: The Gathering of Elders

Chapter 2: Joy Ping

Chapter 3: Ramche Bajramov

Chapter 4: Sati Gandhi

Chapter 5: Charles Edward Jameson

Chapter 6: Departure from Joy Ping

Chapter 7: Trends and Patterns

Chapter 8: Preservatoide Earth - The Planning

Chapter 9: The Final Plan

Chapter 10 The Reality

Chapter.11: The Adjustment Begins

Chapter 12: Adjustment - The First Year

Chapter 13: The Adjustor - First Contact

Chapter 14: The Dismantling

Chapter 15: The Election

Chapter 16: Second Coming of the Adjustor

Chapter 17: Shifting of the Winds

Chapter 18: The New Beginning

Chapter 19: Economic Realignment

Chapter 20: Training of the Host

Chapter 21: Decade of Discovery

Chapter 22: Decade of Intervention

Chapter 23: The aging of Grandpa Mahlon

Chapter 24: Liquidation of Grandpa Mahlon

Chapter 25: Conclusion of the Project

Chapter 26: The Questioning

Chapter 1: The Gathering of Elders

Six moons now graced the darkened sky. Soon alignment would be complete marking the beginning of a new Yrutnec and opening of the traditional meeting between Societies. Delegates had been arriving for several periods and were actively promoting their respective agendas. Each Gathering was a time for new ideas, fellowship and a resolution of disputes between the Societies. Disputes were mostly minor with concerns ranging from recreational visitation priority allocations (Odmor as it was referred to by the Societies) to minor boundary adjustments resulting from constantly shifting celestial bodies within Society controlled space. For the most part, Gatherings were a celebration of universal harmony that had been the practice for more Yrutnecs than anyone could remember.

The time finally arrived for meetings to begin. Refreshments were served followed by cultural performances featuring groups from new member Societies. Life was good! Harmonious coexistence for many hundreds of Yrutnecs had resulted in tremendous benefits for all. The Great Hall was filled to capacity with the Committee of Vision prominently seated at an elevated table in the center. The traditional call to order was sounded on the Horn of Ages marking the beginning of business.

Every Society was welcome to petition the Gathering with all business falling within the categories of ‘Disputes’, ‘Suggestions’ and ‘New Business’. Resolution of ‘Disputes’ usually took most of the meeting time but seldom involved more than reaching a friendly compromise following suggestions and direction offered by the Committee of Vision. Anticipated disputes for consideration before the Committee of Vision ranged from territorial encroachments, mining rights infringements and interplanetary residency restrictions to petty bickering over ‘Odmor’ time allocations. The most serious problems involved ownership of celestial bodies in a constantly evolving space continuum.

All objects in space were placed within four categories: ‘Home Planets’, ‘Menoraloides’, ‘Produceroides’ and ‘Preservatoides’. Home planets were the sole responsibility of each Society unless some internal practice infringed upon the rights of another Society. In over two hundred Yrutnecs, there had been no disputes concerning home planet interactions thus this issue was seldom even mentioned as a ‘Dispute’ subcategory.

Menoraloides included all bodies providing production materials or other basic commodities considered by the Societies to be of economic value. Produceroids were those objects in space stable enough to allow for the establishment of permanent production facilities. Although disputes were common, it was typically an easy matter to reach some compromise for joint use during the number of Yrutnecs a disputed body was floating within jointly claimed space.

The last category involved the precious Preservatoides, which were the gems of the universe, utilized by all for recreation and play. No Society was allowed to own a Preservatoide regardless of its location. Disputes, as they were, centered around use rights and not ownership. Recreation was important for all Societies. Severe limitations on supply and strict frequency of use controls rendered Odmor visitation rights allocations to Preservatoides of paramount importance for every Society.

Over several periods, each ‘Dispute’ was addressed and disposed of in an orderly manner until all were resolved. It was now time for ‘Suggestions’ and there was little in the offering except for the usual desire for more ‘Odmor’ visitation allocations and higher credits for ‘activities of benefit’ - a euphemism for work within Societies.

The meeting now turned to ‘New Business’. The Committee of Vision stood as the Honored Visionary formally welcomed new member Societies to the Gathering. Refreshments were again served as Elders from the various Societies extended greetings to the newest members.

Will all members representing their Societies now bring forward any additional ‘New Business’ for consideration by the Committee of Vision and the Elders present at this auspicious Gathering? announced the Honored Visionary. Only one group, the Astrological Society from planet Zata, came forth with a request to present preliminary research findings for consideration; research concerned disturbing discoveries pertaining to a newly identified Preservatoide located at the fringes of controlled space. Anything pertaining to Preservatoides was always of paramount importance thus causing all Society Elders to quiet immediately so they could hear every word of the presentation.

The lead member, from the Astrological Society of Zata, began by explaining that their Society had first discovered and began studying a seemingly beautiful Preservatoide six Yrutnecs past. Up to the last Yrutnec, information had been obtained using primitive light wave technology but recent improvements in methodology now allowed them to greatly expand their information gathering capabilities.

As you are aware, began the lead member from the Astrological Society of Zata, light wave research techniques are very slow resulting in findings that are difficult to verify therefore we did not previously come before a Gathering. During the early part of the last Yrutnec, a mission sponsored by our Society successfully completed installation of Astro Reflective Centrifugal Generators over the entire void between our home Societies and the newly discovered Preservatoide. This technological advancement has allowed us to partially confirm our original suspicions. Evidence is now strong that an infestation of a pest, referring to itself as Human, is systematically destroying this precious Preservatoide.

When the gasps of disbelief subsided, the presenter went on to explain that admittedly their conclusions were preliminary but it appeared the damaging effects from the ‘Human creatures’ was accelerating to a point that the Preservatoide itself might be at risk: We fear inaction may result in the complete destruction of this Preservatoide; consequently, we are requesting early counsel from the Committee of Vision and the Elders representing the Societies before all facts are fully known.

This is very unusual, stated the Honored Visionary. The Committee of Vision is unclear as to what you are requesting. Had it been anything but a Preservatoide, replied the lead Astrological Society member, the Astrological Society of Zata would have continued studies for a few more Yrutnecs before presenting suspicions before the Committee of Vision and the Society Elders. Our early indicators suggest the situation upon the Preservatoide is an emergency of the highest degree. We fear the Preservatoide may be destroyed before the next Gathering. In desperation, we are requesting guidance at this time so required actions may be initiated while options still exist.

Great technological advancements in travel and exploration had been made over the past few hundred Yrutnecs. Travel by Society members was now mostly by essence projection using Astro Reflective Centrifugal Generators with short distances still utilizing older methods of physical transport. When long distances were involved, transfer by essence projection was by far the preferred method of travel. This procedure involved the conveyance of one’s consciousness using a series of Astro Reflective Centrifugal Generators which would accumulate, reinforce and project one’s essence to its ultimate destination. Upon arrival, the essence would share a predetermined host organism. Society members’ essence possessed the ability to remain undetected or could exert influence, as desired, upon a host organism. Travel times, by essence transfer, were almost instantaneous hence physical transport was mostly reserved for permanent relocations and family visits to nearby planets.

Several questions were asked by the Honored Visionary and other Elders in attendance but answers were in short supply. The only conclusion of near certainty was that a Preservatoide risked being damaged and the Human creatures appeared to be the cause. Many suggestions from Society Elders were offered but it was soon apparent that far more information would be required before corrective actions could be authorized or even considered.

Following consultation with the Committee of Vision, began the Honored Visionary, I instruct the Astrological Society of Zata to formulate plans for a research mission to the newly discovered Preservatoide. This plan should be submitted for approval by the Committee of Vision at the earliest possible moment and we expect the mission itself to be dispatched immediately following Committee of Vision approval. At the conclusion of Astrological Society on-site evaluations, findings and recommendations, the Committee of Vision will assess the situation to determine if intervention is warranted. If our decision is such, recommendations for a Project will be presented at the next Gathering. If the situation on the Preservatoide requires action before the next Gathering, the Committee of Vision will convene a special Gathering to provide guidance.

The Honored Visionary instructed the Astrological Society lead member to formulate plans for an observation mission and advised that the Committee of Vision would be awaiting their proposal. With the conclusion of this piece of business, the Gathering adjourned with the usual pledges for cooperation and friendship.

Preliminary studies, by the Astrological Society of Zata Planning Committee, indicated that Human creatures lived in family units within group communities scattered throughout the Preservatoide. There was also ample reason to suspect that Human creatures possessed violent tendencies for they often displayed aggression toward other creatures and their own kind. Large numbers of Human creatures readily participated in structured conflicts between opposing Human creature group communities in seemingly ongoing efforts to gain or maintain advantage. Human creatures also displayed some ability for reason but this apparently was frequently suppressed in the interest of a greater group community objective.

The Astrological Society Planning Committee first needed to determine how they would conduct their evaluation. It was decided that passive observation utilizing Human creature hosts would provide the most complete information. Technological safeguards had been discovered, hundreds of Yrutnecs past, allowing for protected essence intermingling with lesser creatures during visitations to Preservatoides. When dealing with non-reasoning creatures, additional safety was afforded by a ‘Field of Perception’ provided to Society travelers during all essence hosts mergings. This technology simply projected a protective field that rendered predatory beast fearful and reassured the harmless. It was a wonderful development allowing ‘Odmor’ travelers to wonder the wilds without fear of personal harm or the necessity for inflicting avoidable damage on other lesser creatures in self defense.

Most Society members enjoyed interacting with wild creatures during Odmor visitation allowances but many chose to remain passive and undetected by their selected hosts. Either way, the experience allowed for a true uninhibited observation of alien life. The Astrological Society Planning Committee determined that the most reliable information would be gathered if the Human creatures were unaware of their presence so determined that observations would be designed utilizing passive merging of essences.

As a final protective measure, the essence of any Society traveler would be automatically recaptured by the Astro Reflective Centrifugal Generators in the event their host was unexpectantly liquidated. This was of particular value to the Astrological Society members because of the suspected Human creatures’ violent nature.

In the final analysis, due to group tendencies and primitive cognitive development, it was feared the Human creatures might not respond to a ‘Field of Perception’. If this proved to be true, suspected violent tendencies could present special dangers for any discovered intruder. The ‘Field of Perception’ technology focused on animal instinct. It was feared that the limited intelligence possessed by Human creatures just might nullify the fields’ protective effects. Even if detection posed no danger to Society member essences, Human creature awareness of Society essences might compromise study results in a thinking creature. Responses by lesser creatures to a ‘Field of Perception’ initiated by an occupying essence might alert the Human creatures that something was amiss. Objectives for the study were to accumulate unaltered information about Human creature life cycles, interactions with other creatures and the Human creatures’ overall impact upon the Preservatoide. Detection would surely influence Human creature behaviors consequently altering study data resulting in mission failure.

The Astrological Society Planning Committee decided, early on during their planning, that essence merging would remain passive except in the case of emergency. The ‘Field of Perception’ would not be utilized during initial Human creature studies. For protection, the Astro Reflective Centrifugal Generators would be calibrated with redundant recapture capabilities; essences would be recaptured and transported to alternative hosts or returned to the home Societies prior to liquidation of their primary host. It was believed this approach would yield far more accurate information on the true nature of Human creatures. It was agreed the safest and best tactic would be to observe Human creature activity without risking detection therefore observation from passive essence was selected as the means for investigation without the benefit of a ‘Field of Perception’. The plan was submitted to the Committee of Vision for final approval.

After review, the Committee of Vision specifically directed the Astrological Society Planning Committee that their involvement with any Human creatures was to remain completely passive. During the initial mission, the Astrological Society essences would have no authorization to influence events affecting their Human creature hosts. Following consultation, it was also agreed the safest methodology would be to transfer essences into unborn Human creature babies. These target hosts were selected from various group communities so the widest possible range of Human creature activity could be studied. It was believed, by doing this, the essences from the Astrological Society of Zata could observe Human creature behaviors during various stages of the entire cycle of existence without detection. The Human creature life cycle was thought to be somewhat less than one Yrutnec allowing for the initial study to be easily concluded before the next Gathering.

Following final approval from the Committee of Vision, volunteers were selected and dates were finalized for the exploration. Four members from the Astrological Society of Zata were assigned hosts from group communities on the Preservatoide known by the Humans as China, India, European Gypsy and the United States of America. Time periods were studied and it was determined one Yrutnec was equal to 106.4 time units known as years by the Human creatures. The count of years was somewhat inconsistent between group communities so the United States of America was selected as the base group community for Preservatoide time calculations. The year for the initiation of the study in the United States of America was determined to be one thousand nine hundred and three.

What fragile creatures, these Humans, expressed the lead essence to the others merged within the home host! Nothing but water transferring materials within an easily damaged network of tubes regulated by impulses transmitted over poorly protected electrical networks. Look at the millions of non-Human life forms living within this pathetic creature; some symbiotic, some parasitic and others waiting dormant for an opportunity to cause harm. This Human creature organism is truly a biological disaster. No wonder these Human creatures are forced to replenish on such a short cycle.

The four essences had all located within the same unborn Human creature in a group community called China. This was to be the home host and base for the lead essence. Once all was established and systems were verified, the essences departed for their assigned hosts therefore initiating the observation.

A standard security network was established utilizing the Astro Reflective Centrifugal Generators. This network allowed thought intermingling, blending and essence transfer between hosts. The network also facilitated information sharing and safe relocation if something unexpected happened to one of the hosts; the essences would be automatically recaptured in the event of unexpected host liquidation. The members from the Astrological Society of Zata were anxious to study this new creature called Human but had no desire to have their essences scattered about on some distant Preservatoide awaiting future recapture! When all interactive functions were operative and security systems had been tested, it was time for the observation to begin.

Chapter 2: Joy Ping

The Human creature infant host from the group community known by the Human creatures as China was a female of the species named Joy Ping by her family. She was very helpless during the first few Earth years and her essence often wondered how such a creature was able to survive let along evolve into the dominant species upon the Preservatoide. The essence observed that Joy Ping appeared to be happy during her early years but could never quite comprehend why. The total existence of Joy Ping revolved around a very mundane family routine of working to produce a food substance called rice, eating, sleeping and cleaning along with short periods of family interaction. It seemed like an existence without purpose to the essence and the appearance of satisfaction within the family was an ongoing source for confusion.

When Joy Ping was six Earth years of age, a great epidemic swept over China resulting in the early liquidation of her brother. The essence sensed new emotions within the host which later were identified as confusion, fear and sadness. The event was also observed to be a time of extreme fear within the entire group community with those coming in contact with Joy Ping speaking of little else. No one was sure how many people were liquidated during the epidemic but it was believed the number reached one and a half million.

Joy Ping was infected by the killing virus organism but the threat was easily eliminated by her essence. Although the Committee of Vision had stipulated there would be no control over the actions of the hosts, it was understood essences could provide undetectable protection resulting in extended host value to the Project.

As Joy Ping progressed through her early years, several events within China presented potential risks to her existence. Fortunately for Joy Ping, her family lived in a rural isolated area thus, without knowledge or forethought, was able to avoid many potentially harmful situations.

The Chinese Revolution took place when Joy Ping was eight Earth years of age and this series of events resulted in the liquidation of two million four hundred thousand members of the Chinese group community. It was a terrifying period of rumor and fear but Joy Ping’s family fortunately remained untouched by the upheaval.

The Astrological Society Planning Committee had suspected Human creatures would liquidate other Human creatures for increased advantage but the scale of this slaughter was unforeseen. The realization that Human creatures would willingly liquidate large numbers of their own community group was noted as being particularly revolting and despicable. Is there nothing these loathsome creatures will not do to advance their personal power or material wealth?, thought Joy Ping’s essence as entries were being entered into the record.

Drought and floods were a constant threat but Joy Ping’s family was resourceful and prudent enabling them to put away enough supplies for survival during times of stress. The routine of life went on relatively undisturbed throughout Joy Ping’s teenage years.

As Joy approached twenty, the family decided it was time for her to accept a mate and inquiries were made for an acceptable suitor. The essence recalled the excitement and happiness associated with this partnering of the Human creature and observed with amazement as new life began to grow within the host who had been new life herself just a short time before.

At twenty one, the first child of the host was born and the essence recorded that Joy Ping’s family accepted the new member without question or reservation. Another child was born two years later when Joy Ping was twenty three.

Civil unrest was again casting a long shadow over China and the Chinese Civil War began the following year. Little news made it to the rice fields of the Ping family and this proved to be a tremendous blessing. Over two million members of the Chinese group community were liquidated during the uprising while Joy Ping and the other members of her village blissfully occupied themselves with the routine required for survival. Raising children and managing nature were full time challenges for the Pings. War and civil unrest were stories told by strangers and it was the hope held by all Ping family members that fighting such wars would remain the concern of others.

A wide ranging drought covered most of China when Joy Ping was twenty five. This event became a serious threat to her family and many nights her children went to bed crying for food. It was a terrible time. Had it not been for the sound planning of the Ping elders, all would have perished. Many within China weren’t as fortunate as the Pings. When the drought finally ended, over three million had succumbed to starvation.

As if the drought hadn’t inflicted enough pain upon the Human creatures within the group community of China, massive flooding occurred when Joy Ping was twenty seven. Thanks to good planning by their ancestors, the Ping family lived on higher ground so their lives were never at risk from the waters but valued rice patties were completely destroyed. It was a time of severe financial hardship for the Ping family but they persevered with a spirit of acceptance. The Chinese group community members, in general, paid a far higher price with over three million seven hundred thousand liquidated by the rising waters.

Joy Ping and her family had a way of accepting hardship as an unquestioned condition of existence or life as they referred to the condition. They could accommodate hardship without bitterness or enjoy prosperity without self adulation. There was a love and respect for some non-descript ‘Supreme Being’ that the Pings credited for all that was good but never blamed during periods of stress.

What an illogical approach to existence, noted the essence. Suffering is an accepted condition of life but good fortune is the result of being blessed by the unknown? This characteristic, of the Human creature, was puzzling to the essence but was suspected as being one of the attributes that might eventually help explain Human creature overall success upon the Preservatoide.

The time period, referred to in Earth years by the Human creatures, was now 1939. Joy Ping had approaching the age of thirty six. She was living a modest but happy life raising her two children while caring for aging parents. For years, rumors had reached Joy Ping’s village telling of troubled relations with a group community called ‘The Japanese’. As always, the isolation of their village appeared to render everyone immune from involvement with outside conflicts so life continued unaltered with routines unchanged from the past.

First came word of the Japanese Manchurian War which reportedly resulted in the liquidation of one million one hundred thousand Chinese community members. What a tragedy for our people, muttered Joy Ping as she went about her daily chores. Why must so many always die? We are all Chinese with families to care for. Why can there not be understanding and compromise like we have in our Village?

The essence recorded that the sentiment was real but without emotional commitment. The thoughts of Joy Ping were expressions without passion in contrast to the emotions following the great drought which directly impacted her family. Humans can be thoughtful creatures but their concerns are greatly magnified by direct experience, recorded the essence.

Soon to follow was Mao’s Long March where another two hundred thousand Chinese group community members were liquidated for reasons never understood by Joy Ping’s essence. Adding to this carnage, the Chinese Civil War continued over the entire period adding to the count of those Human creatures sacrificed for objectives of questionable value. The Human creatures may disappear by their own doing, commented Joy Ping’s essence to the other essences blended for progress evaluations.

The Pings often discussed the insanity sweeping over China and how their God had blessed them with a safe home. Will this insanity and butchery ever end, Joy Ping expressed to her Mother as she placed the last cleaned dish into the small kitchen cupboard.

Rumors were carried across the mountains telling of an invasion by the Japanese but again, no signs of conflict reached Joy Ping’s village so everyone dismissed this new story as something happening to others in a place of no concern.

It was now the Earth year 1943 and Joy Ping was forty years old with children looking forward to families of their own and parents nearing the end of existence. On a quiet day unlike most others, sounds of dragons roaring in the distance caused Joy Ping to stop cleaning rice and listen intently. The roar became louder with occasional interruptions by sounds of huge drums and firecrackers. What could this be, Joy Ping whispered to herself. There is no festival, wedding or anything which would warrant such a celebration? For awhile, the roar became softer and appeared to be going away. But then, over a distant hill, Joy Ping saw two small specks appear accompanied by the intensifying sound of the dragons bellow. Watching as the specks became larger and the sounds louder, images of small winged insect-like objects began to appear.

What a wondrous sight, thought Joy Ping as she looked toward her children, husband and parents who had also stopped working in the garden to observe the approaching dragonflies. Joy Ping’s delight turned to horror as she watched the roaring beast drop close to the ground and spit fire in the direction of her beloved family. A large red circle, tattooed on the dragon’s torso, passed in a split second and the roar became silent as the beast disappeared over a distant hill. That which was Joy Ping’s family lay silent in the garden.

Elder women from the village prepared the bodies for burial and the younger men dug graves in a row above the home on the highest ground. Simple markers were fashioned from scrap boards. All was ready within a day and the burial took place early the next morning. When the screams subsided and village neighbors returned home, the essence sensed an emptiness within the host. Joy Ping was drowning in hopelessness and despair wanting nothing more than to join those who had just departed.

Family relationships appear to be the driving force behind the Human creatures’ will to compete and survive, noted the essence as Joy Ping’s deterioration approached self liquidation. Joy Ping was now emotionally a hollow shell questioning her God and wishing for death. It was important for the essence to complete observations and this unexpected event threatened to liquidate the host less than one half Yrutnec into the mission. This can not be allowed to happen, argued the essence with himself. My host will surely self liquidate if I don’t intervene to save her at once. But what of the directive? The Committee of Vision has clearly stated that all essences must avoid active involvement with their Human creature hosts.

The essence paused for a moment attempting to evaluate the consequences resulting from action and the known consequences from inaction. The mission is in jeopardy if I remain passive, considered Joy Ping’s essence. What harm can follow if the host is unaware of my intervention? Surely the Committee of Vision will agree that my intervention is warranted and not a violation of their directive if care is taken so the host remains unaware of my presence.

The essence decided to interact with Joy Ping, potentially violating the directive, believing the Committee of Vision would understand that without active involvement the mission would fail. With the essence subconsciously directing Joy Ping’s activities, she ate her first meal in two days and consumed several glasses of water. When finished, sleep began and continued through the night for a total of twelve Earth hours. Upon awakening, Joy Ping visited the fresh graves of her family, worked for several hours in the garden and then again followed the evening ritual of eating, bathing, cleaning, praying and sleeping.

Neighbors from the village began to question whether Joy Ping had gone mad with grief but the involuntary routine served as a respite for Joy Ping, allowing time for her to achieve acceptance with life’s new reality. For two weeks, the essence maintained full control then gradually began allowing return of conscious control to the host. Tears and depression were slowly replaced by confused acceptance of God’s plan in the belief that an unknown higher purpose destined her survival. At the age of forty, alone and with no children or family, Joy Ping began her new life determined to become a valued member of the village and not just an object for pity.

To aid in her survival, Joy Ping’s essence bestowed heightened intellect along with enhanced physical endurance. Such a pitiful organism, complained the essence as adjustments were finalized. Fluid flows and organ efficiencies have been maximized but little else can be accomplished without completely altering the creatures’ physiology. Hopefully, the improvements will have noticeable results.

As the years passed, Joy Ping became the trusted advisor for all and freely provided consul to those requiring help with everything from planting cycles to family relations. School children regularly congregated at Joy Ping’s door with questions and to hear stories describing far off lands, gigantic battles and the greatness of the Chinese people.

Chung Ty, a small boy of six years old and a personal favorite of Joy’s, was always the first to arrive and departed only when forced by his Mother. Chung would listen intently to what he called ‘Pingsay’ and then repeat everything to anyone in the village who would listen. ‘Pingsay this’ or ‘pingsay that’ was such a common occurrence that the term ‘pingsay’ became synonymous with good advice and thoughtful guidance by all within the neighboring communities.

Joy Ping’s position as the premier village elder was unquestioned by her fiftieth birthday. Floods and droughts came and the inevitable epidemics killed many but Joy Ping remained the focal point for advice in her village and beyond. She maintained an almost unnatural energy and none within the region could remember a day when she was too ill for service to her community. The essence observed with interest and took satisfaction in knowing the community which held Joy Ping in high esteem also served as her motivation for continued existence.

The World Wars had now ended and the Japanese dragons were no longer in Chinese skies. Since that terrible day, no additional dragons had been seen and Japanese troops never bothered to come by Joy’s village. China was changing and many of the young looked to the expanding cities for opportunity. Your home and future prospects for happiness may be closer at hand than you expect, Joy Ping would consul to those blinded by false opportunity. Our village is your home and you are always needed and welcome. Return in due time if what you seek is not found. With deaf ears, blind eyes and all-knowing grins, the youth departed the village to make their fortunes in the new China; leaving its care in the hands of the aging.

As if in celebration of her fifty-fifth birthday, Mao’s Great Leap Forward began, resulting in massive changes within China. As with most transformations within China, the ‘Leap Forward’ came at a high price for the Chinese group community members. Before the Great Leap Forward ended, over thirty eight million Chinese were liquidated.

Approaching sixty and at an age considered old by the Human creatures, Joy Ping often wondered if China would ever become a land of peace. She counseled the young to stay in the village where they could provide for their families and enjoy the protection of isolation but this ‘Pingsay’ was most often dismissed as outdated teachings of the elderly. Joy took her failure to persuade as a personal failing and was greatly saddened upon hearing accountings of the death experienced by many who ventured to cities in search of something new and unknown. I should have done more. Said more! Been more persuasive, she scolded herself as the evening fires cooled. If I am thought to be a trusted advisor then I should have found ways to sway our young from their folly.

An undercurrent of unrest hung over China and in 1964, the Quotations from Chairman Mao Zedong were distributed widely to the group community membership. The ‘Quotations’ were the new ‘bible’ and considered must reading for all Chinese. Even Joy Ping’s village wasn’t immune for the regional Government provided several little red books so the people could know what was good and correct.

Strangers, from a far off city, appeared one day to work in the village rice paddies. Why would anyone be sent such a distance to work at a job they know nothing about when our Village has more than enough qualified workers?, thought Joy Ping. She tried to talk with the newcomers but their language was unfamiliar plus they rudely refused to enter into even the most mundane exchange. Visits by strangers finally ended with Joy Ping remaining ignorant as to why they had occurred in the first place.

How Joy Ping loved the spring with quiet days interrupted only by sounds of new life. This was her favorite time for she could roam the countryside in comfort without coat or suffering the heat of summer.

On a day of particular beauty, strange sounds of shouting and screaming shattered her thoughts as she began the short walk back to her cottage. Outside her home was a group of thirty or so young people shouting while waving, over their heads, the little red book of Mao. As Joy approached, the apparent leader yelled for her to hurry.

Come quickly old lady for I want to question you about subversive anti Chinese activities you are conducting within this Village, screamed the leader in a purposely rude manner. Your activities are an affront to our beloved Chairman Mao. Joy had no idea what the young man was referring to so attempted to speak: Young man, will you please explain..., but, before finishing her sentence, was slapped hard across the face causing her to fall heavily upon the ground. The essence observed with confusion as the group cheered the beating and demanded more punishment for Joy’s sins against the State.

Beat the traitor. Kill the traitor. Remove this filth in honor of our beloved leader, chanted the crowd as the grinning young man stood over Joy Ping relishing in their approval. Joy was stunned but soon regained her composure and rose to her feet in a style physically uncharacteristic for a woman of sixty five years old. The leader first looked at Joy with bewilderment then disgust and hit her again on the head with a large stick offered by a colleague. He then cursed the old lady for her treason and spat on her limp body lying unconscious at his feet.

Quoting Mao to his followers, the young man instructed everyone to follow him to the home occupied by the next enemy of China. Come, we have more important work to do. Enough time spent with this filth. Let us hope her death serves notice to the other traders and troublemakers hiding in this village. Come my comrades, there is much we must do. Everyone departed with cheers and song leaving the old lady to die amongst the flowers gracing her front yard.

Joy Ping’s essence had little time to evaluate the wanton disregard for one who had given so much to her community. Existence threatening damage was detected in the region of Joy Ping’s head. Fluids were flowing internally toward places that would result in liquidation of the host if allowed to continue. Joy Ping was the primary host for their mission and the lead essence considered her continued survival to be crucial for success. Following an instantaneous evaluation, by Human creature standards, the essence initiated alterations and repairs within the host. Interventions were continued until the process resulted in a return to normality. After a short period, Joy Ping awakened and rose to her feet. She had a large lump upon her right temple and cuts on her arms but felt reasonably well, considering the beating! China has gone mad, she whispered to herself. Is there no respect for one’s elders? Is there no honor?

Joy’s Ping’s concerns turned to the welfare of her neighbors but luckily word had preceded arrival of the young group leader with his thugs and all in their path had gone