Free Solbidyum Wars Saga Book 1: Battle of the New Orleans by Dale C. Musser

alcoholic beverages,” Kala began , “ I had ordered our meal through Piesew before we showered and when you mentioned your planets attitudes about nudity I became concerned as most of the cultures that have nudity issues and taboos also seem to have alcohol restrictions as well.”
    “It’s the same on Earth,” I replied “we have numerous cultures and religions there that ban the consumption of alcoholic beverages as being evil, while yet others use them as a part of their religious ceremonies.”
    “That interesting,” Kala began “When we have the time I really want to hear and learn as much as possible about your planet and its cultures.”
    “Any time madam.” I replied with a smile. Her words had given me the impression that I would be spending a lot of time with her in the future.
    Before I r ealized it we had finished our meal and Kala indicated it was the appointed time for our meeting with the Captain. I was not sure how she knew this as I saw no time pieces about that I recognized.  We got up from the table and went to the door where we were immediately joined by the two guards on duty.  Kala led us through the large common room and to the right to a door about mid wall.  We entered what turned out to be an elevator and went up about eight or so meters to a second level that looked out over the common room.  The conference room itself was sort of recessed with a balcony that extended out from it so the edge of the balcony was flush with the wall of the common room.   We had arrived before the Captain and others had so I took the opportunity to investigate the conference room.  The conference room had a large table able to seat at least eighteen people, there was a podium at one end of the room and I assumed that behind the wood paneling that covered three walls of the room that there probably were viewing screens as well.  The wall separating the balcony from the conference room was glass with a glass door in the middle of it that didn’t seem to have any hinges that I could see or detect, yet when one pushed on the door it swung open easily to allow access to the balcony.  One of the stewards assigned to my accommodations was in the room and asked if we would care for a beverage. 
    Kala explained , “While is it not exactly a ritual, traditionally at many meetings people drink a beverage we call Foccee, it’s made from a plant originally from the jungles of the planet Epur, but today it is grown commercially on many worlds.  It has a mild non-addictive stimulant in it that increases alertness and reduces fatigue and also seems to enhance mental acuity.  Would you like to try some?”
    “Sure,” I answered, “I’ll give it a try.”
    My first thought was that the people of the Federation had found and cultivated coffee, but when I saw the purple liquid that looked more like burgundy wine that was handed to me that image quickly dispelled.  I was surprised however when I took my first sip and it reminded me of a Coke from back on Earth with a twist of mint added. It left a cool refreshing feeling and aftertaste in the mouth and I could feel a relaxed feeling spread over my body.
    “H-h-mmm… I think I like it, ” I offered after my first sip “it is very refreshing.”
    “Just don’t drink any for a few hours before going to bed or you will be tossing and turning for hours , it has a tendency to keep one awake.”
    “We have a beverage on Earth that is used in much the same fashion, but it is a dark black in color and served hot, but it too serves to keep one awake if taken shortly before going to bed .  I think, however, I like this Foccee much better though.  It has a nicer after taste to it.”
    Just as I was finishing my comments Captain Maxette and two other officers entered the room. Both Major Kalana and the trooper guard assumed a stiff posture and placed their right hand on their left shoulder across their chest. The Captain and the other two officers repeated the