Defying Mars (The Saving Mars Series) - By Cidney Swanson Page 0,22

red armor and his heart began to beat wildly.

We should be to Wallace by now, he thought worriedly.

And then abruptly they were back to Wallace. Who was pinned against the wall by an officer in red.

10

BUNCH OF BLAMED FOOLS

The sun had risen hours ago and glided now along its summer-arc, warming Mars’s northern hemisphere to just above freezing. Jessamyn stood outside her home awaiting the arrival of her transport. Her time with her parents had left her frustrated, and she kicked at small rocks along the front of their home. When this failed to settle her, she began to pick them up and throw them as far as she could, gazing with envy at the freedom with which the rocks sailed away.

A small hopcraft arrived within half an hour and Jess repeated the unsatisfying experience of not being the pilot inside one of the Secretary’s transports.

Upon arriving at MCC, frustrated and disgruntled, she slipped out of her walk-out suit and was immediately ushered into the private office of Mars’s CEO.

“Good morning, Pilot Jaarda,” said Mei Lo, smiling.

“Madam Secretary,” said Jess, nodding in deference, trying to shed the frown that had taken up residence upon her face.

“I’m behind schedule as usual,” said Mei Lo. “Some things never change.” A swift shake of her head. “I need to discuss a pressing matter with you.” The Secretary rose and crossed to a small window set to overlook the Marsian desert. “In spite of your brother’s efforts, we do not have control of the satellite array.”

Jess frowned. “My parents told me everyone is saying the lasers can’t hurt us anymore.”

“Yes. We had a fine time decoding your brother’s message, I can tell you.” She pressed her lips together. “Unfortunately, that information was leaked to all of Mars Colonial and has now become a banner behind which many rally.”

“I heard about the faction who want to reopen trade with Earth,” said Jessamyn.

“You would have, with Lillian and Geoffrey for parents. They’ve been a great support.” Mei Lo sighed softly. “But merely turning off the targeting lasers solves very little and has created new problems for MCC.”

“I’m happy to tell everyone the truth about Terrans,” said Jessamyn. “The way I see it, we just need to educate the citizens of Mars Colonial as to the true nature of Terrans and that will do two things. It’ll change everyone’s mind about trade relations and convince anyone who needs convincing that we owe it to the Mars Raiders to bring them home.”

“Jessamyn, Jessamyn,” said Mei Lo, sighing. “If only things were that straightforward.”

“It’s very simple, Ma’am,” said Jessamyn, gathering steam. “You’re right that I didn’t tell you everything about my encounters on Earth. But I’m willing to lay it all out in front of you. And when I do, it will be plain as day that we do not want to establish relations with any member of the Terran government.”

“You don’t have to convince me,” said the Secretary. “What you don’t understand is that you won’t be able to convince those who are pro-trade.”

Jess scowled. “You’re right I don’t understand. But it’s pretty basic: Terrans are cruel and selfish and wasteful. What’s so hard about explaining that to people?”

Mei Lo rose and stood before the small window behind her desk. “I can’t send you back,” she said at last.

Jessamyn spluttered, attempting to begin a new argument.

“No—” Mei Lo held up a hand. “I cannot send you back now. If we are very careful and considered in our actions for the next twenty-three months, it may be possible to send a rescue party the next time Earth draws near.”

Jess felt her skin grow suddenly cold. “If I don’t go now, I think my brother will die,” she said softly. “He won’t make it a full annum. I just know it.”

The Secretary shook her head. “If I were to send a ship now, without making allowances for trade, the public outrage would grow beyond what I can contain. My government would fall. I’m doing everything in my power to prevent that, Jess, because if this government goes down, the one that rises in its place will be committed to changes to the Marsian way of life that will destroy us.”

When she finished, the two remained silent, the room echoing with the Secretary’s words.

“I don’t understand,” said Jess at last.

“I know,” said Mei Lo. “There are days I don’t understand either.”

Jessamyn sat still for a moment, gazing at the opaque-glass door sealing off Mei Lo’s office. Shadows passed by in ones