Chapter 22

‘The smell,’ thought John. The raw, unfiltered cologne and perfume lingered in the senate room, filled with the Federation’s top leaders. The Senate consisted of one Senator from each body of government within the Federation. Two hundred and five Senators representing each country on Earth, three from Luna countries, fifteen Martian Senators, four from Venus, sixty-two from Orion, and eighty-one from Sirius. Plus forty-five representatives from the outer-rim territories. The outer-rim territories consist of the various stations in orbit around each planet beyond the asteroid belt, and a few mining outposts within the belt itself.

‘Where is the restroom?’ John thought, as he could not get the smell out of his nose. “The fact of the matter is….” a senator said. John did not know who was speaking, as he was too busy scoping out the exits hoping to find a quick path to a toilet to relieve his stomach, in case the nauseating stench emanating from the room continued.

“Earth has finally made first contact with intelligent life outside of the human race. We have officially moved to a new era!” the Senator from the United States continued. John wouldn’t have paid attention to what he was saying as he sat there, still unclear as to why he was here in the first place, but there was something about what the U.S. Senator said. No, not what was said, but how it was said. He was talking sarcastically, like he was lying. He knew he was lying. But what was he lying about?

John’s train of thought was interrupted when the Senate called on a surprise visitor.

“Admiral Enki from the Sumerian Defense Fleet,” the U.S Senator called out. “Greetings,” Enki replied as he walked up to the main podium.

“Enki,” the president of the Federation, Jeffery Hammond, stood up to greet the alien. “We welcome you to the heart of our Great Federation!”

The rest of the meeting went surprisingly well. John had figured there would be some sort of uproar or protest. However, most of the Senators did not even look surprised.

Enki went on to describe himself, and who he was. He was a top-ranking member of the Sumerian Defense fleet, their version of the Federation Navy. He also represents the Sumerian people, a species that resides on the planet Sumeria, which is also part of a Galactic government known as “The Alliance.”

‘Sumeria.’ John had heard that name before. He remembered it from the multitude of documentaries Robert used to watch when they were kids. He seemed to recall an ancient Earth civilization that referred to themselves as ‘Sumerians,’ who also resided in the country called ‘Sumeria.’ John would have to ask Robert about this later. Right now he was waiting for Rear Admiral Hopkins, chief commanding officer of the entire Navy. As a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the only military leader higher than him was the Commander in Chief himself, the president of the Federation.

“Captain Henderson!” the admiral spoke, surprising John as he shot up in his chair to deliver an impromptu salute.

“At ease,” Hopkins replied to the impressively quick salute. The admiral did this purposefully, a little fun he likes to play on many of the captains and junior officers he encounters. “Come on in,” he said to the clearly nervous captain.

“Sir,” Henderson said while standing at full attention right in front of the admiral’s desk.

“Sit down, son, relax! Have a Scotch!” John’s favorite drink, and Admiral Hopkins seemed to just have a bottle on hand!

John was blunt, he didn’t really want to be there. “Sir, may I ask why I was present during the Senate session?”

“Straight to the point,” Hopkins said as he took a sip of his whiskey. “I like it. Son, you were there because the alien requested it.”

“Enki,” replied Henderson.

“Excuse me?” the admiral replied, a tad insulted.

“The alien’s name, sir, is Enki.”

“Whatever.” Finishing his glass of Scotch, he seemed to not care.

“Whoever he is, he likes you. God knows why.”

Henderson was a bit taken off by this. The admiral was on the border of insulting John’s character.

“He wouldn’t talk unless you were in the room.”

“I see,” replied Henderson.

“”He knows too much, John, you need to keep an eye on him!”

“Me?” Henderson replied, in shock. As a brand-new commanding officer, it was unusual for a high-ranking admiral to impose such a request.

“Two reasons. First, you saved his life. He claims he owes you a debt.” That makes sense, John thought. However unnecessary.

“It’s also saving your ass right now.” Hopkins’ tone changed quickly.

“I’m sorry?” asked Henderson.

“You just had to use the FTL drive in front of him.”

“Sir, that was a tactical decision …”

“You used classified. Military. Technology,” Hopkins raised his voice as he interrupted the captain, articulating each word very precisely.

“It was a tactical decision, and one I would make again. Not only did I save the WarpStar, but I saved the Independence as well!” John had never learned to not talk back, even to a superior officer. He had no bounds .When he was right, he knew it, and he was not afraid to correct anyone who thought otherwise. A trait taught to him by the now retired Captain Mahoney. Perhaps that is the reason Mahoney never reached admiral.

“That you did, son. That you did.” Hopkins seemed to have calmed down and began to pour himself another glass.

“The WarpStar is undergoing repairs. When she’s done, you are going to deliver the good admiral back to his homeworld. Since he already saw the FTL drive, he’s refusing to give us his HyperBuoy coordinates. Also, learn as much of their culture as you can. Try to open diplomatic relations. Maybe we can open doors for trade or become allies!”

John’s orders were clear. At least he had another chance to fully test out the FTL drive. He was excited for that, excited for the chance to be the first human to explore the culture of an alien civilization. With all the exciting new adventures ahead of him, he still couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. They were hiding information from him. He had a terrible gut feeling that humanity’s long, lustful era of peace was about to hit a very bloody end.