Defying Mars (The Saving Mars Series) - By Cidney Swanson Page 0,33
brave souls.
“I first met Cassondra Kiplinger when she was a girl of four winters. Cassondra, or Kipper, was a child of Squyres Station. Any of you who have visited this austere settlement know that to pass even one Marsian winter in its harsh environs is a noble accomplishment. Daughter of tellurium miners, Kipper showed an early aptitude for
leadership in a settlement known for the orneriness of its residents. To lead anyone in Squyres Station in any direction is no small thing.”
She paused for laughter.
“And yet Kipper organized activities that brought life and joy to those around her. Her ‘Inspire a Child to Read for Life’ program is in use throughout the settlements of Mars Colonial.”
Jess’s eyebrows rose in surprise.
The Secretary continued praising Kipper’s other accomplishments and ended with a call to action. “Ask yourself what good you can undertake within your own school or neighborhood. How might you contribute to the bettering of your settlement? Be inspired by her example, as I have been.”
Jess allowed that she might have misjudged her captain in some regards.
The image of a smiling Captain Cassondra Kiplinger was replaced by a photograph of Harpreet caught with her head thrown back in laughter. It was a familiar sight to all who had spent any time in the old woman’s presence. A murmuring sigh passed through the Crystal Pavilion.
“I can only say that if you haven’t met Harpreet Mombasu, you must be a cave-dweller of the most reclusive order. More than anyone else I know, Harpreet stands as an example of all that is kindest, wisest, and most giving among our people. A Mars Raider upon not one but two missions, she is surely among the most fearless of us all as well. Many, many of you here today found the courage to follow your own dreams as a result of one of Raider Mombasu’s inspirational school visits.”
A round of thunderous applause rumbled through the building, and Jessamyn joined in.
“As an advisor, she has been worth far more than her weight in water. As a friend, she has brought light and laughter to many.” The Secretary paused to turn her gaze to Harpreet’s shining face upon the wall. “Very wisely, it has been said of the peacemakers that they are blessed. Harpreet did more than just help those of us who keep the peace of Mars; Harpreet Mombasu created peace wherever she roamed.”
“It is spoken among us, ‘Be as generous as a dog.’ At times, it can seem as if our lives as Marsians are composed of lack. I’m the first to admit our descendants will enjoy a life richer and more comfortable than that which we know.
“But Harpreet Mombasu placed little value upon riches or comfort. Instead, she valued the ‘wealths’ of friendship, peacemaking, and sharing with others. Might we find our lives enriched if we acted as she did?”
The Secretary turned aside to cough and a young boy stood to offer his water packet. Smiling, Mei Lo, knelt, accepted the packet and took a slow sip.
“Mmm,” she said to the child. “That’s very good water. I am grateful for your generosity. You remind me of my friend Harpreet.”
The Secretary, standing once more, spoke in a voice that betrayed how close she was to wasting water in a very public way. “And a little child shall lead them,” she murmured. “And now, if you will allow me to bring to your notice another selfless young man, I would like to say a few words about Ethan Jaarda.
“There are many ways to be brave. But where we see someone who acts in spite of great fear, we say: that is courage. I have known many brave adults. Many brave children as well. Yet I have met few who walked so willingly into the heart of what unsettled them as did Ethan Jaarda.
“Ethan could have settled for a life of ease and prosperity upon Mars. In his twenty-two years he invented more useful objects and found more solutions to problems than most engineers will in an entire lifetime. We have no patent system upon Mars. But if we did, my associates at MCAB tell me Ethan would hold more such claims than anyone in the history of Mars Colonial.
“This young man had another compelling reason to remain at home. Ethan bears an alter-ability which profoundly affects his daily life. Those of you who live with claustrophobia will recognize at once the challenges of a Marsian lifestyle. Our dwellings are by necessity of compact size. Travel upon the surface