Defying Mars (The Saving Mars Series) - By Cidney Swanson Page 0,28

in all of this is that you’ve got an excellent argument against the humanity of Terrans.”

Mei Lo turned her gaze swiftly to meet Jess’s eyes. “This secret must not leave this hopcraft.”

“This secret’s your best chance to shut up the pro-trade faction, wouldn’t you say?”

“What do you think would happen if one of them decided to try to bargain with Brezhnaya using this information?” asked the Secretary.

Jessamyn frowned. “What, you mean like, tell the Terran government, ‘Trade with us or else?’”

“Trade with us, supply us with technology,” replied the Secretary. “If Lucca Brezhnaya received such an offer, framed in friendship or threat, how do you think she would respond?”

Jessamyn didn’t even have to consider her response. “She’d annihilate us.”

“This is the fear that keeps me up nights,” said Mei Lo.

It was awful, thought Jess. Mars’s leader had one foolproof reason to avoid contact with Earth, but she didn’t dare expose it. Not until Mars Colonial could defend herself, at least.

“You must look very backward-minded and stubborn to a lot of Marsians right now,” said Jess.

The Secretary laughed. “I’ve been called far worse these past two weeks. This Terran fever is no new thing. Or not entirely new. A smaller group has argued this way for the past decade. But no one really listened until word got out the lasers were down.”

“And we know they’re really down?” asked Jess.

“I’ve been putting off testing until after you returned. Arguing that only a test with a large vessel could be used as conclusive proof, that sort of thing. And of course we don’t want to send the Galleon as test-material. I’ve got things tied up for the next half-annum at least.”

Jess felt her heart sink. “You don’t want proof until after it’s too late for the Galleon to go this annum.”

“I need time, Jessamyn. I’ve got our brightest minds working on the problem of how to gain control of the lasers. I need that control before I can tell Mars Colonial the truth about Earth.” She paused, sighing. “Your brother said it wouldn’t be possible to gain that control anywhere but on Earth. Ares and Aphrodite, I hope he was wrong.”

Jess felt a knot twisting her stomach. “Me too,” she said. But it wasn’t the kind of thing her brother got wrong.

The Secretary placed one of her small hands upon one of Jessamyn’s. “I am so very, very sorry Jessamyn. But you can see what this means—”

“I think so,” Jess replied, cutting her off. Staring out at the darkening sky, she formed her thoughts. “But spell it out for me. If you were to authorize a mission for rescue without authorizing a mission for trade, what would happen?”

“In the current climate? I would face a vote of no confidence. Informal polling suggests I would lose.” The Secretary rested the base of her palms upon her lap. She extended her fingers and stared at her outstretched hands. “The Rations Storage fire was the beginning of a shift, Jess. People saw the truth more clearly: we are vulnerable. No one likes being vulnerable. Trade with Earth seems like a good way to stop being vulnerable.”

“We’ve always been vulnerable,” said Jess.

“Well, now it’s on everyone’s mind. Thanks to a handful of very loud voices.”

“Then you must not send me.” Jessamyn heard the words coming out of her mouth as though they were formed by someone else. “Mars Colonial won’t stand a chance without you at the helm.”

It was the end of Jessamyn’s hope for a return to “normal.”

“Thank you for understanding,” said the Secretary.

“Is there anything I can do to help?” asked Jessamyn.

“Speak honestly about the hostility you encountered. About the military strength of Earth.” The Secretary’s sober face softened into a small smile. “But most of all, Jessamyn, you can inspire others to hope for the free and independent Mars we all want. You’re a hero. Choose your words and actions wisely. The eyes of the world are upon you.”

Jess nodded. She would carry herself differently. She’d been sullen—peevish, even—at the earlier recording. She couldn’t afford to indulge in such selfish behavior. The fate of her world mattered more than that.

“It’s time for us to return,” said Mei Lo.

“I won’t let you down this time, Madam Secretary.”

“You never have, Pilot Jaarda.”

They flew back to New Houston in the light of early evening. Jessamyn did her best in the studio to focus upon what was important, to be sober and engaged, to speak honestly her concerns about the hostility of Terrans towards those who didn’t think