Defying Mars (The Saving Mars Series) - By Cidney Swanson Page 0,34

of our world is impossible outside of a walk-out suit. We are at all times constrained by the harsh environment we have chosen to call home.

“Imagine, if you will, how much greater the test of resolve for such a person to contemplate dwelling for weeks at a time upon a small space-faring vessel. And yet Ethan chose to do just this. As you all are aware, MCC sent two crews of Mars Raiders to Earth. Ethan agreed to go when I asked him to accomplish the audacious task of disabling the laser array. This, he did, before he was taken prisoner and re-bodied upon Earth. We owe him an incalculable debt.”

Jessamyn could feel the shift in the mood around her. In twos and threes and then by dozens around the room, people rose from their seats in silence to award their highest form of accolade.

“This ovation and much more, Ethan surely deserves,” said the Secretary. “In fact, it is my hope that you will join me in calling for a rescue to be undertaken to bring back to safety Kipper and Harpreet and Ethan next annum.”

Upon the dais, several board members blanched. Evidently the Secretary had not consulted with them before expressing her hope. But the room went wild with clapping, stomping, and whistling. It was electric and contagious and completely unstoppable. Crusty, catching Jessamyn’s eyes, raised his brows as if to say, Couldn’t ask for a better response than this.

A pair of the more worried-looking members of MCC’s board had approached the podium and stood beside the Secretary. She shook her head vigorously, No. The tension upon the dais thrummed palpably, reminding Jess of all Mei Lo had said about her position being so tenuous.

The Secretary held her hand high for silence, and the audience settled back into their seats. Mars’s diminutive leader spoke softly.

“This is not my decision to make—the sending of a rescue mission. But I urge you, citizens of Mars, consider the contributions made by these lost raiders. Consider what is owed their bravery, their sacrifice. And as you consider these things, remember also how you might alter your own lives to reflect all that is best in these three heroes of Mars.”

Looking about her to take in as many faces as was possible, the Secretary then ended the memorial as she ended all her public addresses. “Work hard. Be courageous. Be bold. And always, be as generous as a dog.” She bowed and exited the dais and the pavilion, leaving a gape-mouthed board to follow her.

“Well, that was unexpected,” said Crusty. “You got time for a quiet word or two?”

Jessamyn nodded and followed the gruff mechanic out of the crowded building.

16

TRYING VERY HARD

Crusty and Jess did not, however, get to enjoy an immediate tête-à-tête. Instead, they were subjected to another round of photographs and interviews, Jess carefully emphasizing the dangers of re-opening relations with Earth.

When the two were finally permitted to depart, Jess stood to one side waiting for Crusty while he joked with a cameraman.

“Excuse me,” said a young man who’d approached Jess very quietly. “Um, good afternoon. Gary Hikari with the New Tokyo Venture.” He flushed and then said, “Forget I said that. This is nothing official. It’s just, well, I knew your brother. We took Combinatorics together. Great guy. And, um, I’d just like to thank you both for your service.” He bowed slightly to Jess and Crusty, who was now paying attention.

“You knew Ethan?” Jess asked, immediately regretting her use of past tense.

“Smartest guy in any of my classes,” said Hikari. “I wondered, that is, well—”

“Spit it out, son,” said Crusty. “’Less you want to choke on it.”

“If you don’t mind,” said Hikari, “Ethan said to me once he’d die a happy man if he could just walk outside without a walk-out suit. Not to imply—oh, Hermes—I’m sorry. I just wanted to know if he got his wish on Earth.”

Something about the deep shade of red covering Hikari’s face softened Jessamyn toward the young reporter. He seemed a very decent sort.

“Yes,” she replied. “Yes, he did. And he enjoyed it even more than he was expecting.” She smiled softly, remembering Ethan on the Isle of Skye. “You can put that in your newsfeed if you want.”

Hikari looked away, flustered. “I’m not authorized to request a soundbite.”

“Well, you got one,” grunted Crusty, as he pulled Jess away with him.

Jess, looking over her shoulder, waved goodbye.

Hikari bowed, smiling sadly.

Jess turned back to Crusty, wishing to prolong her time with him. She dreaded returning