The Saga of the United States of Africa: An Elephant in the Sky

“Earth orbital supremacy, and establishment of successful mining colonies in the Asteroid Belt and expansion of our deep oceanic research stations on Jupiter's moon Europa are the real answers to maintaining the sovereignty and economic prosperity of the United States of Africa and its esteemed allies in Europe, Asia and North & South America. Thank you.”

Applause.

The keynote speaker, a dark skin, very stern man signaled to his entourage that the question and answer period was over. The overflowing crowd in Howard University’s Cramton auditorium had to be moved to the luncheon – an outdoor affair, risky in Washington, DC, during  November's temperamental weather – on the main quadrangle where multi-colored tents abundant with food and beverages were available. Lively African music commenced with fervor.

“Very impressive. This guy is much better than the other candidates we listened to. He might actually get elected as President of the United States of Africa despite being born in New Jersey. But I wish the Africans had chosen a more original name like Supreme African Union Federation or something.”

My seat mate was one of those highly intellectual Howard University women who would become esteemed professors or prominent government officials working for the people. Well respected, honest, dedicated. However, in  my current social status, my preference leaned towards women who were more monosyllabic in short dresses. “His daughter is a real cutie,” I said mindlessly.

NOTE: This is my response to the movie "Avatar"; I offer a very different tale.

THE PLANET REVIVAL: THE BEGINNING

As both suns set, I fled our military base, disappeared into the darkening jungle, never looked back. On an active-conflict planet more than 300 light years from earth, this was a flagrant dereliction of duty punishable by firing squad. Discipline was necessarily severe. Most of our sparsely populated colonies in this galactic quadrant were staffed by untrained, very reluctant, conscripted civilians who were required to perform guard duty, oversee emergency medicine, cook, laundry, torture the natives or fulfill any odious task requested by corporate, government representatives.

Desertions were frequent.