[In September 2023, I ran across a journal of mine from my days as youth minister with Brownstown (IN) Christian Church. The following beginning of a short story, written in spurts from October 6, 1991 to January 23, 1992, was written as a way to process some conflict happening at the church focusing on the "kind of people" my youth ministry was attracting to our congregation.]
"Destroy the invaders!"
The greasy, too-high-pitched voice of Lord Grane, High Commander of the Planetary Forces for Peace, bounced off the back wall of the council chamber.
After an uncomfortable silence, Lt. Thirm ventured, "Uh, sir...with all due respect, it may not be in the best interests of the PFP to launch an all-out attack without considering --"
"Don't give me excuses! I decide what the Forces' best interests are, and we cannot let a minor gang of star-hopping gypsies upset the economic and social balance that we have so recently achieved!"
The young officer tried once more: "But High Commander..."
The words had barely begun to form in his mind when the deep-green-gloved finger of Lord Grane pressed a release button that resulted in the evaporation of the floor beneath Lt. Thirm's seat, sending him spiraling into the wispy-clouded sky below the floating fortress.
The forehead of the High Commander lifted to reveal his icy stare. "Any other dissenters?"
Yewed Htor had been witnessing the meeting from his normal vantage point three seats away from Lord Grane's right side. This was not the first time he had seen the Commander commandeer compliance through coercion. Something cracked open with Htor, and he stood to speak.
"High Commander Grane...respected council members...as Second Assistant morale Captain --"
Lord Grane cut him off. "As Second Assistant Morale Captain, you have very little to say about this matter."
"In that case," returned the younger officer, "it won't take much of your time to hear me out."
"Now see here..."
"Let the man talk!" It was the deep voice of the Forces' past commander and strategic touchstone, Nor Snilloc.
Lord Grane demurred. "Oh, very well."
"Thank you. As you know, the Planetary Forces for Peace have a rich history. We were formed as an outgrowth of a few men's dogged determination to see the whole globe live as one...with Truth as a watchword and love as an umbrella. And from the genesis of our endeavors, it has been a goal to not only include all higher life forms of our planet but to become a blessing - a shining beacon - to all star systems everywhere; to see our watchword and umbrella both enthuse and protect every living thing.
"Why then would we want to exclude these newcomers?"
