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.

Cynthia frowned, “As usual, you display typical male sexual response.”

“I am an Journalism Major. His daughter probably has an interesting story that I could pull out of her. Science majors take things too seriously.”

“Well, it’s a good thing you and I are just friends.”

I had known Cynthia since the 4th Grade at Madison Elementary in Capitol Hill. Despite being a petite girl, she was loudly vocal and fearless and  managed to scare school yard bullies away when I was in trouble. She took on the task as my brave big sister. I was her cute little brother she loved to cuddle. However, as puberty set-in and I soon towered over her, our relationship became awkward.

“Cynthia, you know I want us to always be friends, forever.”

“You keep reminding me. But what do YOU really, really want?” She waited as I tried to piece together an answer to a perplexing question.“I want to be a writer. And, the candidate’s daughter would be a good person to interview.”

“And take her to your off-campus apartment for more in-depth probing? Her father would murder you! Think! Jesus, I can’t protect you all the time. I must establish my own life.”

For some reason, the thought of being apart from Cynthia or even losing her permanently to another man shivered me. “You and I willl get together later for study. Promise.  I will tell you everything. The United States of Africa Department of Space Technology is looking for scientists and researchers. I might be able to get a contact for you. Heck, we could both go to Africa. I could be an English teacher. You could visit me in the presidential palace.”

Cynthia’s eyes swelled wetly with deep sadness as she stood and abruptly walked away. I realized I must had said the stupid thing, again, but I didn’t know what it was.  Oh well, she would get over it. She always does.  But this time, Cynthia had left without saying a word; not even a single stinging rebuttal. However, as I had hesitated, the U.S. of Africa's  leading presidential candidate was being promptly ushered away along with his beautiful daughter. There was still a chance to get close to her and request a private interview. The candidate traveled with a large group of advisers, armed bodyguards, campus officials, and close family. Using the back stairways, I leaped down several flights. Nothing could go wrong.

Well wishers, staff, suck-ups, and security were clustered about the famous man as he squeezed into the elevator. I was already on the ground floor near were he and his daughter would emerge.  However, as I pushed opened the door to my destination, I noticed that three  HU policeman were laying faced down on the floor, copious amounts of blood was pooling. A solitary white man armed with a large military rifle was waiting by the elevator. He turned and saw me.

All I could think of was, "WTF!"