[ WP ] Earth has finally reached complete peace and operates under a single unified world government . However , it was not a painless journey to get here .

* “ Ladies and gentlemen of Earth, I come before you on this most historic occasion…* 
 
 The recording had been playing on repeat across every channel for the past week. Inside the cramped smoky tavern someone reached their limit. A glass soared over Jason ’ s head to smash against the steel mesh enclosing the screen. Jason chuckled as the bartender threw a towel at the perpetrator and threatened to end his night, and his life, if the television broke. 
 
 * “ …have worked tirelessly with your leaders across the planet to ensure a swift and pleasant… ” * 
 
 The man sitting to Jason ’ s left let out a grunt. “ Damn grey-skins, think they can come down here and take our planet, hell no, fuck ‘ em all, I say. ” Jason nodded along. The ‘ grey-skins ’ as he had named them had landed on Earth several months previously, bearing gifts and promises of paradise amongst the stars. 
 
 * “ …welcome your species into the Federation, where you will be elevated to respected vassals… ” * 
 
 Jason unconsciously rubbed his jaw, the scar from the plasma bolt having faded to a sickly mottled red. He was sure the greys had expected a fanfare, coming from a species with a pop culture so deeply vested in science fiction. But no, humanity doesn ’ t like change. 
 
 * ” …forgiven of all past transgressions and welcomed with open arms. Enlightenment is upon you, Humanity, how will you… ” * 
 
 It had ended as quickly as it had begun. How could we have expected to hold out against an invader capable of faster-than-light travel? Like dominos, the armies of Earth had fallen. 
 
 * ” …join us among the stars, and together we might experience… ” * 
 
 To be honest, life under their watchful eyes wasn ’ t too bad; crime was dropping, food was plentiful, at least what they passed for food, disease was on the way out, hell, they would even house you in their colony camps. At least, that was the image they presented. 
 
 * ” …however, I must reiterate; there are those among your species who do not agree with the proposed integration… ” * 
 
 Jason knew the truth. He had been to the camps, he had seen the horrors, the experiments. For all the self-aggrandizing they spouted, their conquerors were far from benevolent. 
 
 * ” …and so I appeal to you, the populace. If you know an instigator, or anyone who has not seen the light that we offer… ” * 
 
 The doors of the tavern swung open, and every head swiveled. In walked three of the tall, graceful beings, respirators humming quietly, large knowing eyes surveying the simmering crowd. The troublesome. The rebellious. The *instigators*. 
 
 * ” …you can convince them of the truth. It is every Human ’ s duty to help lift their species to the next… ” * 
 
 The three aliens stood in the doorway, flanked by several heavily-armed and grim-faced human militia. The tension ran thick, and only the drolling prerecorded surrender speech broke the silence. 
 
 * ” …together we will stomp out this petty rebellion, and your species will know paradise. And, to the instigators I say this; you have a choice to make. Will you join your fellow Humans in enlightenment among the stars? Or will you carry on this pathetic struggle, to fight and die in vain? ” * 
 
 A glass flew from the back of the bar, seemed to hang in the air, and with a sickening crack it took the lead alien in the face. 
 
 It was time. 
 
 
 *** 
 
 *If you liked what you read, be sure to check out my [ subreddit ] ( https: //www.reddit.com/r/Irishpersonage/comments/4i1vq9/welcome/ ) for more of my prompt responses. * 

