Girl Scout Encounter

The crew of the ISS couldn’t help but notice a spacecraft the size of an aircraft carrier in orbit 50 kilometers behind them.

“Are you getting this?” Commander Lopez asked, trying to maintain composure. It wouldn’t do for a trained astronaut to crack under pressure, even if this was an alien spaceship.

“We started recording the moment Lars saw the object, Jen,” Mika responded.

“Good. Let’s try to contact them.”

Mika made the first attempt. “Greetings…On behalf of the people of Earth, we welcome you. This is Mika Krepic, Communications Specialist on the International Space Station.  Please identify yourselves.”

Mika repeated the message three times and awaited a reply.

Lars pointed out, “If a spacecraft that size can appear out of nowhere, it’s likely 1. They are able to receive transmissions from the ISS, 2. They’ll respond when they’re ready, and 3. If they were hostile, the ISS would now be space debris, and we wouldn’t be here.”

“Thanks Eeyore,” Lopez shot back. “Your analysis is as logical, but gloomy, as ever. So, we’ll wait.”

“Maybe I should try again in Chinese?” Mika ventured.

“They’re not Chinese.” Lopez replied flatly. “They’re definitely not from around here.”

1

[On a faraway world. In the President’s conference room.]

“We think you should visit Earth, Excellency,” Planetary Envoy Essrand began tentatively.

“That backwater planet? For Quarq’s sake, why would I want to do that?”

“Sir, our reconnaissance shows they’ve recently developed a ‘Space Force.’ Perhaps it would be prudent to see for yourself what kind of capabilities they have,” Essrand explained.

“Maybe it would be even better if I stayed here and sent one of you lot to that Quarq-forsaken chunk of rock. What would I learn, really? That they’re generally at war, or on the brink of war? That their planetary governance system is a catastrophe wrapped in chaos? That their technology and wealth are so unevenly distributed it will take them centuries to become an advanced culture? That they’ve been able to visit their moon a couple of times? Space Force…indeed.”

President Cenep scoffed at the mere mention of Earth. For good reason. His own planet was as far ahead of Earth as Earth’s residents believed ‘developed’ countries are ahead of cavemen. Why would anyone want to travel over 11 parsecs to visit an obviously primitive culture when hyper-space telemetry would do?

Cenep continued, “If I visit that miserable excuse for a planet, what good would come of it? I don’t feel like being attacked, imprisoned, or…dissected by those…barbarians…” He shook his head.

Ambassador Ranwer replied in measured tones. “Excellency, I wish to point out this may be a pivotal point in history for them. They are faced with climate change, natural disasters, pandemics, political and social division, economies in distress, and even worse…social media! We could help. Perhaps now is the time to come out of hiding and introduce ourselves. If we wait too long, they might destroy themselves or some other galactic civilization…”

“But they’re NOT a ‘civilization.’ They just think they are. Earth people have no idea what it takes for a technologically advanced society to survive over the long haul.”

“We could teach them.”

“For now, ‘We’…will have to mean…’you,’ Ranwer. I’m still not convinced,” Cenep stated dryly.

Ranwer replied, “Sir, they have Girl Scout Cookies…Ice Cream…Pizza…Oreos…a beverage called a ‘Martini,’ which is commonly thought to be better shaken, not…”

“Stop! You had me at Girl Scout Cookies! Any planet that has Girl Scout Cookies can’t be all bad. I must go there at once.”

2

The delegation arrived in Earth orbit and took a position approximately 50 kilometers away from the International Space Station.

“Is the universal translator online?” President Cenep inquired.

“Yes, Excellency,” Captain Darcip replied. “We are receiving radio transmissions from the satellite now. They want to know who we are. They claim to be an international space station.”

“Radio…how quaint…” Cenep sighed. “Thank you, Captain. Let’s introduce ourselves. Would you like to have the honor?”

“Perhaps Ambassador Ranwer would be a better choice, Sir?” Darcip offered.

“That’s what I like about you, Darcip. Always humble. You may proceed. Please introduce the Ambassador and tell them your President is also on board.”

“Is that wise, Excellency?”

“It will be a show of good faith, Captain. I trust you will be prepared to protect me,” Cenep smiled.

“I won’t let you down, Sir.” Darcip composed his thoughts for a moment. “Begin transmission.”

“Greetings. I am Captain Darcip of the Cruiser, Pitendri. We are on a mission of exploration and diplomacy and wish to establish peaceful contact with the people of Earth. Planetary President Cenep and Ambassador Ranwer are also onboard. Please respond.”

Cenep and Ranwer nodded. “Too formal?” Darcip whispered. “No, that’s fine.” Ranwer whispered back.

“Hello, I am Commander Jennifer Lopez of the International Space Station. I’m honored to meet you. Our mission is to conduct research projects related to space travel and technology, weather, climate, biology, and physics, to name a few. We are also here to show peaceful cooperation among nations.”

“We are pleased to learn you are also explorers,” Captain Darcip replied, but then got to the point. “Are you a part of the ‘Space Force?’

Commander Lopez muted the microphone.

She spoke quickly. “How do they know about the Space Force? I told the head shed at NASA the whole thing was a bad idea for this reason. They told me it was a done deal and I should keep my mouth shut if I ever wanted to fly another mission. How do I tell our new friends, Hell no?”

“Well, don’t say that,” whispered Lars, the science specialist.

“Why are you whispering? The mic is off.” Lopez replied.

“You never know…they knew about the Space Force.”

“Point taken.” Lopez unmuted the mic.

“Captain Darcip, and crew of the Pitendri. I assure you we are not part of the ‘Space Force.’ This is a civilian research platform. I am called Commander only because I am currently the mission leader. We are not tasked with any military mission. We are not armed. And you may call me Jen, or Lopez, as you prefer.”

Darcip already knew the ISS had no weapons. “Thank you for your honesty, Commander Lopez. Do you know about any Space Force vehicles or missions?”

Lopez again cut the microphone. “Why is he so interested in the Space Force? What should I tell him?”

Lars spoke up. “This is our first contact with intelligent life from another planet. We can’t lie to them. I’d bet they knew we were unarmed the minute they entered orbit. Just tell him what you know.”

“President Cenep, Ambassador Ranwer, Captain Darcip, and the crew of the Pitendri. So far, the United States of America is the only nation to start a Space Force. Currently, its primary mission is national defense, and its main activities are meetings, with a lot of talk about what they are going to do in the future and how they plan to spend money. We on the ISS try to stick to our mission and leave the Space Force to our governments.”

“Commander Lopez, you honor us with your candor,” Darcip began. “Please allow us to offer some advice. If your Space Force has not yet established a force in space, we recommend caution. Introducing weapons into space is, as I’m certain you are aware, an extremely dangerous proposition. There are other worlds to consider, and any inter-planetary aggression would be met with considerable resistance.”

“Thank you for voicing that, Captain Darcip. You and I agree. However, I think your President and Ambassador should meet with Earth’s leaders to make your point clear.”

“Where can we find your leaders?”

“A place called, The United Nations.” Lopez shared the location and offered to contact the Secretary General during the next few orbits. She asked her new friends to wait in orbit until a meeting could be arranged.

“We have one more question,” Darcip stated.

“Please, go ahead, Captain Darcip.”

Cenep responded. “This is President Cenep. “Where can we find some Girl Scout Cookies?”

3

Top-level officials from NASA and representatives from other nations reviewed the video footage of the Pitendri and listened to the recording of its communication with the ISS. The material was immediately classified, “top secret.” No one wanted a world-wide panic, especially during an already stressful year.

“How the hell did they know about our Space Force!?” the US President exclaimed.

“The real question is, “If they know about Girl Scout Cookies, what don’t they know?” the Director of NASA chimed in.

“Good point,” the head of the CIA retorted, with the heads of the NSA, FBI, and assorted other succinctly lettered agencies nodding in agreement.

“Are you guys sure this isn’t a Chinese hoax?” the POTUS asked.

“This is not a hoax. NASA has examined video. Lars Engstrom took close-up footage with the ISS telescope, and we have UV and infrared images. The computer translation used in their transmissions is far beyond anything Google or Microsoft can do. Their spacecraft is the size of a freakin’ aircraft carrier, except it’s shaped like an elongated disk. No. This is not a hoax,” General Biehn, of the Joint Chiefs, repeated.

“So, you’re saying if I make first contact with this…Cenep, it might help me get re-elected?”

The General patiently continued, “Commander Lopez has already made first contact, Sir. What I’m trying to say is that we need to be extremely careful. If things don’t go well, we could make them our enemies – extremely powerful enemies. If things go right, this could be the start of a new era.”

“At this point, we don’t even know what they look like,” the POTUS observed. “I think Lopez and her crew should have a video conference, so we can see them face-to-face. What if they look like lizards or praying mantises? Can you imagine the panic?”

“I’m not going to comment on that,” the NASA chief replied. “I’ll have Lopez contact them and arrange a little face time.”

“OK,” the POTUS agreed. “Now, does anyone have intel on where we can find some Girl Scout Cookies?”

4

Jen Lopez felt optimistic. This was the first time she had met anyone who didn’t make a joke about her name being the same as the famous singer-actress or ask to call her ‘J Lo.’ The aliens seemed sincere, and had been cordial, even if their male version of Alexa made them sound a little stiff. She was pretty sure her voice had sounded that way too, even though Lars assured her that she sounded “fine,” and their translator was “damn good.” So, with as little apprehension as she could feel, she requested a video meeting with Captain Darcip and the dignitaries onboard the Pitendri.

Cenep, Ranwer, and Darcip were aware of the appearance of Earth people. Over the years, they had observed video transmissions through hyper-space telemetry. They had reviewed Earth television broadcasts and had some idea the different shapes, sizes, and skin colors of humans. In this sense, Lopez, Engstrom, and Krepic were at a distinct disadvantage. Indeed, what if their new friends were little green men, or grey men, or didn’t even resemble men at all? All the ISS crew could do was take a collective deep breath, hope to remain calm, and carry on.

“Captain Darcip, are you receiving our video feed?” Lopez tried to maintain composure.

The screen flickered to the Pitendri’s bridge.

“Yes, Commander Lopez. We have a stable image. On my right is President Cenep and on my left is Ambassador Ranwer.”

“Very well, Captain. We are…pleased…to meet you…face-to-face.” Jen glanced at Mika, whose facial expression could best be summarized as, Oh. My. God. “On my right is Science Specialist Lars Engstrom and on my left is Mission Specialist Mika Krepic.”

Throughout the tele-conference, Jen and Mika found it a little difficult to breathe normally. After the transmission ended, they agreed the aliens were indeed three of the ‘hottest’ milk-chocolate confections they could have imagined. Darcip bore an uncanny resemblance to Idris Elba. Cenep favored Chadwick Boseman, and Ranwer appeared to be a youthful version of Denzel Washington. They found them all incredibly attractive, and even Lars admitted if he were a woman, he would have as well. Far from being put off by strange-looking space aliens, the ISS crew were a little tongue-tied because of their striking physical beauty.

The Director of NASA spoke with Lopez after he watched the footage.

“Come on, Lopez. I never took you for the star-struck schoolgirl type. I also never saw you work so hard to keep it together. You’ve always been outspoken around me, but you looked like a deer in the headlights. I’m glad you were able to at least try to sound professional. And was it really necessary to ask Darcip to come over for dinner?”

“Well, sir. He reversed the invitation. It appears I will be picked up in one of their shuttles in about an hour.”

“Are you sure you want to risk it? We know next to nothing about these people. The image on the screen could have been fake.”

“How else will we know for sure?”

“I could order you not to go. Aren’t you scared?”

“Yes, but I am going, unless you can get up here in less than 53 minutes to stop me.”

“Then, good luck, Lopez.”

“This will be a story I can tell my grandkids someday.”

“Just make sure all those grandkids are conceived on Earth, Jen,” the Director smiled and winked.

“You know me better than that, Paul.”

“Yeah, but I don’t know Darcip, and neither do you. So, be careful.”

“Thank you. I will. By the way, we found one box of Girl Scout Cookies squirreled away in the pantry. I’m taking it as a gift to my hosts. I’ll report back in a few hours.”

5

President Cenep was visibly excited by Jen’s gift. He told her that he hadn’t expected to find what he was seeking so quickly. In return, he was happy to share some Sheywik, a mildly alcoholic drink much like Kahlua. Jen found it delicious, but not as delicious as Darcip. She had to work very hard not to follow him around like a puppy when he took her on a short tour of the Pitendri. She was offered a few delicacies from his home world, Maoba 4, and had a chance to meet several members of the crew.

If the crew of the Pitendri was an indication of Maoban society, they were an androgynous-looking species, all dark-skinned, and elegant in manner, reminiscent of Earth royalty in the 18^th Century. But they weren’t sissies, not by any stretch. Their muscles were well-defined – ‘chiseled’ was the term Mika used – and Jen had to resist asking Darcip if he worked out. She kept thinking, this is not a singles bar, Jennifer.

As well-treated as she was, Jen had a bad feeling about her new friends, not because of anything they said or did, but because she was growing more concerned about their potential reception on Earth. The Maobans lived in a world of the future, while the people of Earth continued to deal with a past of racism. She reflected that the “Black Lives Matter” movement had ample reason to exist in the 21^st Century, mainly because attitudes which should have become relics of the past lived on.

Jen became worried that the Maobans would be greeted with hostility or even be mocked by those who use skin color to judge others. She really wanted her people to become friends with them. “We have so much to learn from you,” she told Ranwer. However, they were not white, and many ignorant observers would label them “gay.” She thought of all the times black men had been needlessly shot or cruelly tortured just because some white people believed they were sub-human. Yet, she was having a wonderful evening with actual aliens who happened to be black. Prejudices like these could be the way the Earth becomes known across the galaxy as not only primitive but intolerant. Don’t we have enough enemies on our world, she thought, without making more enemies on other worlds?

She told Cenep about her concerns. He tried to be understanding, yet he had anticipated the problem.

“All we can do is try, Commander Lopez.”

“Please, call me, Jen.” She paused. “Tell me, Cenep, did your world also endure a time of bigotry and prejudice, and if so, how did your people overcome it?”

“That is an excellent question…Jen. It took us centuries, and a lot of intermarriage. Our people do not currently have a sexual appearance as…differentiated as humans, however, in the distant past, the differences were more pronounced. Females were once thought to be inferior, as were lighter-skinned people. For example, in our past, it would have been extremely unlikely for a female to command anything. I am pleased you are the Commander of the Space Station. This means your species is more advanced than we understood from our telemetry.”

“Please, President Cenep, don’t get carried away. On Earth, many women are still struggling for recognition, as are people with darker skin. I’m afraid we have far to go. I hope you won’t be too disappointed. Many residents of Earth will reject your people for your appearance and pay no attention to the fact that your technology is centuries ahead of ours.”

“Thank you for your honesty, Jen. On my planet, it was the scientists and travelers who first began to break down old prejudices. Then business leaders, entrepreneurs, which in my language are now called, ‘community builders,’ began to see bigotry as bad for business. They no longer tolerated intolerance. So, things began to change. Perhaps on your planet, the same will be true.”

“I sincerely hope so.”

Commander Lopez was escorted back to the ISS without incident. She didn’t know whether the Sheywik had something to do with it, but she felt a little more optimistic now that she had met the Maobans in person. They may have thought that she was just a primitive woman from a backwater planet, but they treated her with dignity and respect. God, I hope the people of Earth treat them as they treated me, she thought.

When Mika and Lars greeted her at the airlock, they both exclaimed, “Good News! We’ve found a supply of Girl Scout Cookies in New York, and they will be ready when needed.”

6

“No, it’s not an invasion, Mr. President.” Jen declared. The Maobans want to establish peaceful relations with Earth.”

“Then why are they so interested in the Space Force, Commander Lopez?”

“They are concerned, Mr. President, because one day we might present a threat to others, not only on Earth, but across the galaxy.”

“But the Space Force is purely for defense.”

“That’s what a lot of countries claim about nuclear weapons. Aren’t you opposed to Iran and North Korea having nuclear missiles?”

“Yes, but that’s different.”

“How so, Sir?”

“Well, they are led by rogue regimes. They’re not ready to be trusted with weapons of mass destruction.”

“Mr. President. With all due respect, put yourself in the place of the Maobans. Here we are on what they probably think of as a backwater planet – primitive by their standards. And we want to build a Space Force? Sir, we can’t make peace among nations, or even peace among US citizens. We still have armed militias, police brutality against black and brown people, and neo-Nazis, for God’s sake! And didn’t you once call certain countries “shitholes?”

“Take it easy, Commander Lopez. I didn’t mean it that way.”

“Sir, it doesn’t matter how you meant it. My point is the Maobans probably think Earth is a shithole planet and not to be trusted with a Space Force, much less nuclear weapons. Ambassador Ranwer told me nuclear energy has far more potential than to be used just to make things explode. If we had spent as much time researching how to use the power of the atom to propel spacecraft as we have building bombs, we could have a colony on Mars by now. To the Maobans, WE are the rogue regime.”

“Watch out, Commander Lopez. I could have you fired for insubordination.”

“This is what I was afraid of,” Jen sighed. “Have you even read my report? So far, I’m the only person on this planet who’s met face-to-face with the Maobans.”

“I appreciate that, Commander Lopez. I just don’t appreciate your tone.”

“I apologize for my tone. Please forgive me for having a strong opinion about first contact with an intelligent species from another planet. With all due respect, Sir, I don’t want us to blow this.”

“Apology accepted. So, how do we not blow this?”

“Mr. President. You and the other world leaders are key. You all must work hard to reach new agreements. The Maobans intend to observe us up close for an indefinite period. It’s all in my report. Keep in mind, at this range they can monitor communications in considerable detail. Previously they had only sketchy information. Now, they will be able to monitor EVERYTHING, from news outlets to social media, to CIA and FSB internal communications. If you think Snowden was bad, their surveillance capabilities are your worst nightmare. They expect to see progress, not posturing or foot-dragging. So, get it in gear, Sir. And don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“What happens if we don’t make progress?”

“They will leave. And Earth will be quarantined. No spacecraft will be allowed to leave our solar system and any deployment of weapons in space will result in the destruction of ALL Earth satellites.”

“Even communications and GPS?”

“ALL is what Cenep said. I don’t blame them. Maybe a species that refuses to communicate productively shouldn’t have had access to the tools of communication in the first place. Thoreau outlined the problem with the advent of the telegraph.”

“This hardly seems fair.”

“Fair or not, they can do it. So, if you’re going to fire me, just do it before the Space Force puts a weapon in orbit.”

The transmission ended. At least the POTUS knew where Commander Lopez stood. And at least this was a head’s up on next weeks’ meeting at the UN. There was no way the US President could spin the appearance of aliens at the General Assembly other than to denounce them as a hoax. They are black, after all, the President thought. He got it in gear, and leaked images from the ISS video feed, carefully edited to make it look like the visitors from 11 parsecs away were “only African actors in front of a green screen.” News media ran with it. The discrediting machine revved up its engines regardless of the risk of being monitored.

By the day of the meeting, protestors on both sides had circled the UN property and clogged the streets. Signs that read “deep state hoax” competed with “welcome friends.” In the words of Lawrence Peter, “Incompetence plus incompetence equals incompetence.” This would be a fair description of the scene. Regardless of the openness of the esteemed representatives to the UN, the Earth revealed its status as a shithole planet. Many upright apes were flinging verbal shit and there was nothing the more advanced apes could do about it.

Except for maybe the Girl Scouts.

7

The shuttlecraft landed near the steps of the UN. Police had cordoned off the area as requested by the Maobans. Cenep and Ranwer, followed by Commander Lopez and 4 members of the Pitendri’s crew, entered the building and were escorted to the meeting of the General Assembly. The Maobans were dressed in azure blue robes, with little light blue caps resembling yarmulkes, which they had explained to Jennifer were signs of their respect for the people of Earth. Jen wore her best uniform, which the Maobans had made sure was clean and crisp. A little siren was blaring in Jen’s head. Warning. Trifecta of impending neo-Nazi prejudice. Black. Gay. Jewish. Danger. She refused to listen.

The little delegation was well aware of the controversy surrounding their appearance but tried hard not to show either disappointment or annoyance at being described as a hoax. It fell to Jen to introduce her friends to the Secretary General, who introduced Ambassador Ranwer to the Assembly. Representatives of various African nations were arguably the most intrigued, as was the representative from Australia, who happened to be black. They could be seen exchanging nodding glances, as if to agree, Now, this is more like it.

Meanwhile, outside the building, the police line was holding, but the crowd was getting more agitated. There was talk among the Hoaxers that they should rush the building, and there was talk among the Welcomers that they should resist. The police did an admirable job of maintaining an open space, like a moat, around the grounds.

Ranwer spoke. “Representatives of Earth governments. We have come to establish peaceful relations with the people of Earth. We wish to exist in harmony with other worlds and for Earth to become a part of the galactic community one day. We have observed your world, at a distance, for a long time. And we have noticed your technological progress as well as your social development. We do not wish to interfere in that development, nor do we wish to dictate terms. However, we believe we must warn the people of Earth that your problems may in time become the problems of others in the galaxy. While we wish to welcome you with open arms to the galactic community, we must at the same time point out that it is never too soon to correct injustice. One of your great thinkers, one known as Doctor King, has said, ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.’”

Upon hearing this, many members applauded. Some in the crowd outside, who were watching a live stream of the meeting, shouted “Hoax! Anyone can quote Martin Luther king.” Others said, “It doesn’t make him wrong.” The crowd grew more restless.

Ranwer continued. “We have no desire to quarrel with the people of Earth. We are not here to judge, but to encourage. We are here to declare that with perseverance and vigilance, many of the social problems that now confront your planet can be overcome. There is no necessity that brother should kill brother, or sister should kill sister. There is no justification for treating some as superior and others as inferior. While people on both our worlds differ in background and genetic makeup, we firmly believe these differences have no place in deciding who is to have rights. We believe both our worlds should remain committed to equal opportunities and equal treatment, regardless of differences in skin color, gender, or personal beliefs. We hope the people of Earth agree to work with us towards these ideals. We believe your cooperation is essential to the preservation of peace in the galaxy. Thank you.”

While the representatives inside the building greeted Ranwer with cordial applause, and Jen thought all was well, outside many were chanting, “Proof. Proof. We want Proof!” Just as many were chanting “Go back to Africa” and “Fake. Fake. Fake!” Those chanting “Justice. Justice. Justice!” had a hard time being heard. The situation was coming to a boil.

8

President Cenep was introduced. “People of Earth. About one Earth month ago, I was asked to travel here in person to see for myself what your planet was like. I confess, at first, I did not want to go. I thought Ambassador Ranwer was fully capable of making the journey and reporting his findings. I also must confess that having learned something about what your planet has to offer, I was curious about such delicacies as ice cream, pizza, Oreos, Martinis, and your galactically famous Girl Scout Cookies.”

The assembly chuckled at Cenep’s confession. Outside, an actual troop of Girl Scouts approached the police barricade carrying several cartons of cookies. The police were about to turn them away when some of the Hoaxers started throwing eggs and tomatoes at them. The police sheltered the kids and their leader behand their riot shields. At this point the crowd began to surge forward, a fact not lost on Darcip, who had been monitoring the situation from the bridge of the Pitendri, now stationed in the stratosphere above 405 East 42nd Street. A force-field solution had been calculated. “Execute,” Darcip commanded. The UN building was now cordoned off from the crowd and the rest of the world, leaving the police with nothing to do other than take a needed rest. The Girl Scouts headed towards the main doors.

Cenep was not pleased to learn of the situation outside the building. Darcip had acted to protect the Planetary President and his Chief Ambassador. Jen asked the crewman beside her what was wrong. She didn’t like the answer very much.

Cenep continued, “Representatives of the United Nations, and people of Earth. Captain Darcip has taken the unusual step of erecting a force-field around this building. It seems the crowd outside was becoming unmanageable, leaving him no choice. You are all safe. To those outside the United Nations building, please return to your homes. No harm will come to those inside. To those observing these…proceedings, please be aware that we take no pleasure in using our technology for defensive purposes, and even less pleasure in using it for offensive purposes. Like many of the people of Earth, we would rather use technology only for peaceful purposes and never be called upon to use it as a threat. But, make no mistake, we can defend ourselves and we can prevent the Earth from becoming a threat to the galaxy, should we be called upon to do so.”

There was a commotion at the back of the hall. A Sergeant-at-Arms was escorting a troop of Girl Scouts and their leader towards the dais. “These young ladies have a gift for President Cenep.” The girls brought several cartons of assorted types of Girl Scout Cookies and presented them to the Maoban President and his entourage. Jen winked at the scout leader, who stage whispered, “Hi, sis!” “Thanks!” Jen returned. President Cenep was speechless for a moment. He thanked the Scouts, motioned for them to remain by his side, and turned towards the assembly.

“I am moved by these young people making the effort to bring us a gift of cookies.” He regained his composure. “It seems the rest of Earth could learn from them. I have learned their Scout Laws, and I must say they are not that different from certain words in our world constitution.” He looked at the Troop. “Would you care to recite them?”

The Troop faced the audience and began, “I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.”

Cenep made himself clear. “Your Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts and other organizations for young people have the right ideals. Why doesn’t the rest of your world practice these? How is it honest that untrue stories about us were circulated in Earth’s media? How is it fair that some of you live in palaces while others live in cardboard boxes? How is it friendly or helpful to stage protests against guests, whether or not you approve of them? How is it considerate or caring to treat some races as second-class citizens while others claim supremacy? Commander Lopez was courageous and strong when she visited our vessel in orbit. She could have reacted in fear and weakness, but she believed building relationships was worth the risk.

There are those among you who are not responsible with their words and actions. I include many of the Earth’s leaders in my assessment. And, how can you teach your young people to respect authority when that authority does not respect others? Even now, people in authority treat those who have darker skin colors with disrespect and in some cases murderous cruelty. How is this acceptable to you? How can you demand compliance from those you have already deemed unworthy of your respect? And how can you expect to become an advanced world if you squander your resources in a relentless competition for profit? You must learn to make your world better than you found it. You must learn to be sisters and brothers, not warring tribes.

I am grieved to admit, the behaviors we have witnessed here were once all too common on our world. But with the humility to follow the lead of our own Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, and a great deal of effort, we were able to change. You too can one day voyage across the stars, but to do so, you will need to follow better stars than greed, bigotry, and self-interest.

Soon, we will leave this world. But we will be watching and waiting. Should you decide to make progress towards justice and equality, mutual respect and cooperation, we will return. At that time, we would be pleased to help you become the kind of world we believe you can become. But we can’t do this work for you.

Should you decide to weaponize space, we will return to resist you. We believe we must stop space-based offensive weapons from threatening peace. We do not wish to destroy all Earth satellites, but we have the capability. The Pitendri could return this world to its pre-satellite era in a few minutes. If you do not establish a military presence in space, all will be well. Pease do not test our resolve. We have allies among the stars and they will stand with us.

People of Earth. There is much good in this world. The Girl Scouts here today give us hope that the good will prevail. I ask you to follow your best instincts. If you remain divided, you will perish. I encourage you to work together and thrive.”

Cenep and the rest of the delegation left the hall. After returning Jen to the ISS to complete her mission, The Pitendri left Earth orbit. The rest of this story is up to the people of Earth.  

———-

Did you notice I used anagrams for the alien proper names in Girl Scout Encounter?

In order of appearance,

Essrand – “Sanders”

Cenep – “Pence”

Ranwer – “Warren”

Darcip – “Picard”

Pitendri – “Intrepid”

Sheywik -“Whiskey”

Maoba – “Obama”