Eventually, the roar diminished, and people began to listen. The plan called for children of twelve to enter the program. The program was more of a school, at least when they were young, but one that taught humanity comes first. The Terran Space Command principles were formed and followed; that began a culture that will hopefully be at the heart of all nations.
At eighteen, the child could opt out of the program and do something else with their lives, no questions asked. If they chose to continue, they would enter a military college of sorts, but they would have to sign up for ten years first. That first group of twelve-year-olds reached eighteen two years ago, and eighty percent of them signed up for the TSC. All the children, including those who moved on to civilian life, were brought up to believe in the idea that protecting humanity is the first and only principal that matters.
Hundreds of thousands of orphans were placed in these schools after failing to find any of their families. Strict guidelines and protections were placed on them to make sure they were safe and cared for. Nobody wanted to see these kids suffer more than they already had. And the TSC paid for all of it from their budget.
President Rosita also gathered hundreds of generals and admirals from all over the world in one room and asked them one question. What do soldiers fight for? The answer was unanimous that they fight for their fellow comrades. I know you Americans don’t like that term. Smells of Lenin. (She smiles.)
The President then gave them the task of finding the best way to do that. And they did. A training system and a hierarchy of command were laid out, with most of the military leaders agreeing on it. We did hear that several fights broke out, and even an ambulance was called, but not one military leader ever said a word about it. (She smiles.) The news cheered President Rosita immensely, not because of the actual fight, you understand, but because they kept it to themselves and protected each other. She said it was a start.
Another unpopular decision forcing out of the previous military. If you’d served in your countries military, you couldn’t stay in the TSC permanently. Of course, those soldiers and sailors would remain in place until the cadets were brought up slowly to replace them. It has been done very slowly and with the thought of teaching them all they need. The TSC was created with a layered approach because there are still dangers out there and we’re the new kids on the block.
President Rosita recommended an American Air Force general to be the first leader of the TSC, a decision which went down like acid to many countries. As the President of Mexico, she pointed out that there was no love lost between their two countries, and if she could support it, others could as well. It only made sense, despite what many leaders felt. The U.S. military had more training and experience than the next dozen countries put together, with their propensity to stick their nose in other people’s business. (She gives me a wink.)
The General, to his credit, vowed to command by the spirit of the new TSC. More than one officer turned down command at the new postings, not being able to remove the flag of their home country from their arm. The President understood this and was always very thankful for those who considered it.
As the young members of the TSC grew older and gained rank, they would serve under those officers and eventually replace them. Many of the non-rates have already cycled out, being replaced with the young recruits. The first batch of 2nd lieutenants is two years away from finishing their university degrees and taking their posts as officers. It will probably take another 15 years before most of the previous military is gone, but it will happen. We can hope the President’s dream of being united flows down to the rest of the world after that.
Governor Terry Aycock
Raleigh, North Carolina
I met Governor Aycock in the historic Governor’s Mansion. I was ushered into a large study, resplendent in dark, oak bookshelves lined with an impressive collection of leather-covered books. The Governor stands and greets me with a calloused handshake. In his late 50s, Aycock would have easily been mistaken for a man ten years younger except for snow-white hair that seemed styled by a professional. He dressed casually for the interview in a black polo, brown khakis, and flip flops.
In addition to being a war hero, Governor Aycock led the charge in dramatically reducing the role and power of the U.S. federal government and giving that power to the individual states. He’s become an almost mythical figure in many parts of the country, with one side praising him and the other demonizing him.
There are two reasons why I championed the reduction of the federal government. First, it needed to happen, or America would have broken. Our country had been growing apart for the last fifty years. Different cultures, values, and histories all bowing down to a bloated, inefficient federal government that spent most of its time fighting itself instead of serving its people. Something had to change.
I don’t believe our founding fathers, including Thomas Jefferson, intended for the federal government to be so strong, so overpowering. So, as I said, it was time. The people wanted it, and the states wanted it. More than that, I believe we needed it. The legislation was put forth and it was ratified quickly and with little debate. States got most of their power back, and people got to keep more of their money. Win, win.
Now states can manage their education, immigration, welfare, and social laws the way they choose as long as they meet basic statutes that were put down in the legislation. If someone doesn’t like the laws or culture in the state where they are living, then move, no problem.
The second reason it happened was because the war set conditions for change. As horrendous as the war was, I don’t think the change would have happened without it. Before the war, Americans were spoiled, fat, and oblivious, which is what they wanted. They each had their little pet cause they fought for but never looked at the broader issues. Why would they? They had it easy compared to most of the world.
I don’t say this to blame the government for their response to the Veech. No reasonable person could blame the federal government for V-day. How could they? It was as astonishing as it was ridiculous. Were we prepared for an alien race to attack us with sonic weapons? Anyone that tells you we should have been is not being honest with themselves. The war years and revealed the goliath bureaucracy for what is a was—a relic and a warning for the future.
Change happening in this way is not a new phenomenon. Throughout history, change has always followed upheaval. Look at the breakdown of the Ottoman Empire after World War 1 or creating the Department of Homeland security after September 11th. I could give you dozens and dozens of examples, but what it comes down to is that the war allowed us to change, and in my opinion, change for the better.
Did anyone oppose the change?
Ironically enough, my state did. Not just North Carolina, but most of the South. To many in the South, defending the country is the most essential role of the federal government. Because of this belief, they wouldn’t let the federal government be neutered until the Terran Space Command came into existence. Pre-invasion, the South made up roughly forty percent of the military, after all.