Chapter 3: Chapter 3: Briefing Room
I arrived at headquarters near the moon of Mars. The Galactic games near Alpha Centauri, this was more conservative, and everyone dressed up in their uniforms. Inside the space station, I see people wearing regular clothing, including myself. As I walked through the hallways, I noticed that people were whispering and getting looks from my fellow female officers. As I reached to the briefing room, my commanding officer, Zander Slade, a tall and handsome looking commander in his late 40s, his brown hair and slightly grayish beard attracted a lot of ladies, including myself. I never even dated him, but I do think he’s hot.
“ Officer Lily sunshine, meeting is about to begin.” he said while we were waiting.
“ so how was…you know…”
I responded without embarrassing myself. “ it’s just a job. it’s my duty it’s nothing personal.” Zander Continued talking about the conversation about the galactic arena and their games.
“ before you took the job. I was supposed to be assigned there.”
“ why didn’t you?” I replied with curiosity.
“ my wife just had a baby, and I don’t want to let her know what the assignment was going to be.”
After hearing his story, I can’t understand why he did not want to go undercover and participate in the galactic orgasmic games. He had a family. I can imagine what his wife and child would find out if he did participated. It’s like being a porn star hiding their profession to their families especially their kids. Lucky I’m single and still in my mid 20s. I had a few hook ups and a couple boyfriends in the past, but my duty as an officer and astronaut for the Terran Alliance comes first.
Being a spy agent, Zander didn’t want to reveal anything to his family, especially to his new born daughter. “What if she grow up finding out her father was a pornstar in the intergalactic games?” I thought aloud. Zander had a serious look on his face, but his response surprised me.
"What if she grows up and finds out that her father is a pornstar in the intergalactic games?" I asked Zander, not expecting such a candid reply.
The corners of his mouth twitched, and he met my gaze with a wry smile.
“A pornstar?” he smirked. “ it’s not porn it’s more like hand to hand combat prostitution.”
“ yeah sure,” I giggled.
“ My daughter would not talk to me. Especially my older sons who are graduating in elementary school.” Zander replied.
The door opened, and the commander exits from the room. We are ready to speak with the council about my upcoming progress. When I walked in, Zander said something before he went inside the briefing room.
"A pornstar? Is that what you think I am?" He chuckled softly, shaking his head. "I suppose I can understand the confusion."
There was an unspoken understanding between us -- the weight of secrets and the burden of responsibility. Despite the awkwardness of the moment, we found solace in our shared silence. Our voices faded in unison, replaced by the hushed whispers of passing officers.
Zander shifted uneasily in his seat, his posture rigid.
The council is led by Admiral Thomas Mace, A black American, five star admiral in his late 50s. Sitting beside him were a group of both humans and aliens who are reviewing my reports.
“ Officer Lily starshine, you volunteer to investigate a conflict at Alpha Centauri Galaxy. Instead, you were competing in the Galactic games. One of them is called orgasmic gladiators, can you explain your actions?” The admiral asked.I was trying to find a more diplomatic way
to answer his question. Zander stepped up to address the council.
"Gentlemen (and Ladies)," he began, addressing the esteemed panel seated before them. "Officer Starshine and I both agree that we should put our best foot forward and discuss the events that transpired during the Galactic Games. We believe that honesty is the best policy, even if it means admitting our mistakes."
The room fell silent, the atmosphere thick with tension. Admiral Mace scrutinized us carefully, his gaze unwavering.
“ it’s true. I did compete. But there’s more to it. Several months ago two of our officers went missing to investigate the Galactic games. That is why I volunteered.” I responded.
“ throughout my investigation, and my participation at orgasmic gladiators, I believe that someone is planning an invasion against earth, and start a galaxy wide conflict. My contact, Vang, informed me about this.”
His face bore the weight of years spent serving the Terran Alliance, and his stern demeanor made it clear that he expected nothing less than absolute dedication from his subordinates.
"Very well," he finally declared after a brief pause. "We shall hear your account of the Galactic Games and any information you believe to be relevant to our investigation."
As we recounted our experiences, weaving together facts and speculations, the council members listened intently. Each revelation seemed to cast further doubt upon the nature of the Galactic Games.
“ commander Slade, I need you to go to the Alpha Centauri galaxy and monitor officer Lily starshine activity. If anything goes wrong, I’m pulling you out and we will handle it swiftly.”
We presented evidence of the suspicious circumstances surrounding the disappearance of our two officers. Their cases remained unsolved, leaving a bitter taste in our collective conscience. It became increasingly evident that the Terran Alliance had been blind to the impending danger brewing within the intergalactic community.
The council members appeared troubled. Admiral Mace's countenance was grim, his gaze shifting between us and the other members of the assembly. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table.
"You claim that the Galactic Games harbor nefarious intentions," he stated gravely.
"Yet, the Empire presents a peaceful facade; they deny any plans for invasion, calling it a mere tale spun by spies seeking to sow discord. Are we truly prepared to wage war over a matter of trust?"
Admiral Mace's words echoed ominously around the chamber, his tone filled with apprehension. The council members exchanged hushed whispers, their faces betraying their uncertainty. I glanced at Zander, his expression stoic yet anxious. His eyes locked onto mine, communicating volumes without uttering a word.
"The Galactic Games have become akin to a powder keg," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "One spark could ignite a conflagration that engulfs the entire galaxy."
"We cannot afford to ignore the possibility," I added, gazing intensely at the council members. "Lives hang in the balance. We must uncover the truth behind these sinister machinations."
Admiral Mace pondered our plea, his brow furrowed in deep contemplation. After a prolonged silence, he rose, his decision announced through his deliberate action.
"In light of the growing concerns regarding the Galactic Games," he proclaimed, his voice reverberating in the chamber, "we hereby establish a task force dedicated to uncovering the truth behind the alleged conspiracy. We shall dispatch Commander Slade and Officer Starshine to conduct a thorough investigation."
The council erupted in applause, their enthusiasm palpable. Satisfied, I allowed myself a small smile, grateful for the opportunity to delve deeper into the mystery. Zander, standing alongside me, clapped along with the others, his eyes meeting mine.