Tale of The Broken Sword

Chapter Fourteen : Political Desperation

22nd September, AD 2056

Advanced Research and Development Commission Headquarters

Downtown District, Detroit.

I followed Janice into the Conference Room. It was luxuriously furnished and at the other end of the room laid four holographic screens. Each of them displayed a representative of each party in the United States and their party’s emblem displayed behind them. A Democrat, a Republican, the New American Confederative, and the American States Union representative –all of them strong and influential people. Each of them glaring at me as I walked around the oval table and sat down next to Mr. Simmons.

Janice stood near to the doorway and laid a watchful eye on those around the room. So far, there was only two other high-ranking members of the Commission, Mr. Simmons, I and the four Party Representatives.

I looked out at the direction of the two members of the Commission, both of them discussing quietly in their silent voice and unintelligible words. Mr. Simmons, mean while was dating and signing a fairly large stack of papers. Busy man, he is.

“Now that our esteemed guest has finally arrived, shall we begin the meeting?” The Republican Representative Benjamin spoke out first. An about fifty year old man with a nice piece of suit with an indistinct colour, with slicked-back hair, and he wore glasses that was too small to be on his eyes. “Please state your name, young man.”

“Jeremiah... Kelson, sir.” I responded abruptly. Being in the watchful eyes of these representatives sent the chills running down in my body. I gripped on tightly to my seat.

“Very well,” Democratic Representative Terrence said in response.Rubbing the stubble on his chin, his droopy eyes and worn-out look gave the impression that he would fall asleep anytime. “What is the purpose of this meeting, Simmons?”

“It must be very important,” Benjamin clasped his hands. “Considering that I’ve skipped several of my political meetings and schedules to make room for this one.”

“Yes, it is important, gentleman.” Simmons responded, his voice almost seemed that he was annoyed by the representatives’ lack of respect and behaviour. But he kept it hidden within his tolerance limit. “In fact, it will be a diplomatic mission, for a scientific reason, of course.”

“Explain.” The New American Confederative officer interrupted.

“We’ll be sending a group of our own scientist to Melbourne for the upcoming World Science Forum. They’ll be there not just for ushering new ties with the surviving Commonwealth Nations or the Asian Confederation but to investigate a certain phenomenon that is found to be quite intriguing.” Mr. Simmons spoke with a hint of his heavy accent.

“Would you mind to tell us about the phenomenon?” Terrence replied.

Producing out a stack of papers from the briefcase, Simmons arranged the stack nicely before laying before the representatives. He motioned for another bodyguard to take the papers to the front of the room and displayed it in the form of holographic document.

“All there is to know. Abrupt malfunctioning of electronic equipment, observation of strange patterns in the sky, sabotage, and,” He paused for a moment. “The assassination of high-ranking diplomats. It all happened in the relation with each other and it’s all in there.”

“If this were to be true,” Benjamin cleared his throat. “How are you going to find the perpetrators of these actions? There are over 43 million people in the nation itself.”

“That’s why we’re sending a team to investigate it during the Science Forum under the guise of fellow scientists.” Simmons frowned. “Most of the influential members of the Government are present in there. So there might be a chance for us to apprehend them.”

“Simmons,” Benjamin’s expression turned sour. “You knew that the Prime Minister of Australia is in danger if that assassin is not caught immediately. He is the pivotal point for our current relationship and Australia is our only ally. Make sure you would succeed in this endeavour of yours.”

“You have my word, Benjamin.” Simmons solemnly replied. “The future of our nation depends on what’s at stake here.”

“Oh, and I nearly forgot,” Benjamin shifted his view toward me. “Tell me about yourself Mr. Kelson. A recommendation from the President seemed to convince me that you’re the man for the mission. Actually, I’m curious about your past life.”

Simmons grabbed me by my shoulders. “You don’t have to answer that boy.”

I nodded in silence and the Republican heaved a disapproving sigh before leaning back onto his chair. Seeing him on the screen is scary enough, but seeing him in person would be worst. I knew this type of political discussion would take hours to finish. But I wait, and waited until it was over.

The next two hours spent on discussion national problems and international issues. I sat down there, eagerly waiting for the moment for them to finish up the meeting. All of them including Simmons were once good friends until political careers diverge their paths.

“Very well, we have all the information that we need. This meeting is over.” Benjamin declared. “I really hoped that you would succeed in you endeavours, Simmons.”

“This mission is highly confidential and it must be dealt with among high-ranking members only. Should it be a failure, our country’s future might be bleak.” The Democrat spoke out.

Before signing off from their channels, Benjamin warned his old time buddy. “It better not be known to the public. I don’t want another Michigan City Rebellion to happen again.”

Simmons nodded. “It won’t.”

As we walked out of the large hallway, Janice joined us from behind. “So how was it Kelson? Had a good time in there?”

“He had a rough time with the representatives.” Simmons grinned. “They will grow to like him sooner or later.”

I kept silent. “Michigan City Rebellion?” I muttered to myself.

“You don’t know about it?” Janice asked, perplexed.

“No, all I knew that it was once a state before turning into a major city and it got bombed by those terrorists. That’s all.”

“We’ll tell you about it.” Simmons smiled. “In the meantime, a nice cup of coffee would be enjoyable in this moment of time.”

“Beverages! Now you’re talking!” Janice exclaimed. “I was damn well dehydrated at the end of the meeting and could use some nice hot coffee.”

“Right,” I chuckled as I followed them from behind towards the elevator with tons of questions bickering with my mind.