Classical: MARS: Book 3 of MARS
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Notah said, “So it has a benefit for the Martians.”
Rich said, “Only a sort of benefit. They get immediate communication with Earth, including television, radio and internet signals. In return, I get to monitor everything they do, and all of their communications.”
Notah said, “They’re going to figure that out pretty quickly.”
Rich said, “I’m aware of that, but before they figure it out, I’ll collect tons of information.”
Notah asked, “How do you know they won’t figure it out immediately and feed you false information?”
Rich answered, “That’s part of your job. You will report to me the moment they have it figured out.”
Notah said, “Okay.”
Rich ended the call and returned to monitoring his devices. Notah cried into his pillow. He was torn.
Chapter Forty-Eight
Signing
The Congress and Senate of the Republic of Mars joined Scout and Jordan for the signing of the Treaty of Alliance with The Nation of Red Craters.
Scout said, “We’re here to celebrate an awesome event in the history of our republic. This is our first alliance. The Nation of Red Craters has agreed to terms on this alliance.”
All eleven Redcrates and the former refugees joined Scout on the stage. Jordan gave each of them a pen.
Wendy said, “We’re proud to be your ally.”
She signed the document, then the other Redcrates signed it. Elaine, Michael, and Andres stood before Scout.
Scout said, “We offered you a choice. You can live with us and be citizens of the Martian Republic, or you can live with the Redcrates and be one of them. Which have you chosen?”
Wendy said, “We choose to become Redcrates.”
Scout said, “Then sign on the left side with your new countrymen.”
Elaine signed first, then Michael and Andres followed her. There were 14 signatures on the left side of the document.
Jordan said, “The Republic of Mars is happy to sign this document and make it law.”
He handed Scout a pen and he signed the document. Jordan signed it, and then the other officials of the Martian Republic signed the document.
Scout said, “The treaty of alliance is now law. Everyone greet our new allies.”
Everyone in the chamber stood and applauded the Redcrates. Once the signing ceremony was complete, Notah took the Redcrates to their colony.
Wendy said, “Thank you, Notah. We appreciate everything you’ve done for us.”
Notah said, “It’s no problem. We need all the friends we can get.”
Elaine said, “You have 14, and soon to be 15 friends on this side of Mars.”
Andres said, “Do you mean that you’re pregnant?”
Elaine said, “I am. I was waiting until everything calmed down.”
Andres hugged Elaine. Notah returned to Freedom. The Redcrates went to their home.
The next day, The Republic of Mars held its elections. The polls in Freedom were open from 0:00 until 24:58. The votes were tallied the day after that. Voter turnout was 98% of all eligible voters. Scout was easily re-elected as First Consul and Bob became Second Consul. Most of the other incumbents were also easily re-elected. Scott, however, was defeated by a new citizen.
Scout gave his re-election victory speech that night.
He said, “I want to thank all of you who came to the polls. You showed the rest of the solar system how to run a smooth election. Even though some of you vehemently disagree with our policies, no one lost control of their temper. It was civil and smooth. I promise that even if I’m not the candidate you voted for, your voice was heard. Security in The Republic of Mars will get stronger, especially now that we have a strong ally. We will make this the greatest nation in the solar system, and you can be a part of it. Thank you.”