"That is correct," Hotbox said. "And I believe that Mr. Strough makes a lot of sense. WestHem is never going to accept losing Mars. They are going to keep sending more and more troops here until they take it back and condemn all of us to an ongoing military occupation. Those of us who fomented the revolt will be tried and executed."
"Our troops did not fight and die out there for de facto independence, Steve," Laura said angrily. "They fought and died so we could be free — completely free — of the WestHem system of government. What he is suggesting puts us right back under WestHem control."
"No, that's where you're wrong," Hotbox argued. "We get to elect our own leaders and the MPG gets to stay intact. They won't send any more troops to Mars to try to liberate it. The corporations get to keep their holdings but the Martian Federation of Labor that Strough is proposing will set all wages and working conditions for every Earth based corporation. In addition, we'll be free to continue trading with EastHem, something we were not allowed to do under the previous system. This will allow the expansion of the agricultural fields and the steel fields and open up a prosperity that will last for generations."
"And we would still be on WestHem's system of currency," Laura said, "and subjected to their corporate mentality." She shook her head. "That is not what we were fighting for, Steve."
"I understand that, Laura," Hotbox said. "Honestly I do. But I don't think we're going to be able to hold this planet indefinitely. A lot of the workers out there are in favor of this plan — more every day."
"We will hold this planet forever if we remain unified," Laura said. "As we speak right now, our factories are churning out tanks, guns, APCs, bullets, aircraft, and every other supply needed to fight a war. General Jackson plans to increase MPG manpower by more than two hundred percent in the next six months and to beef up every aspect of our defensive capabilities. If this is allowed to go forth, the WestHems will be soundly defeated out in the wastelands again no matter what they send here. Their one chance to take this planet back from us has come and gone — unless we fail to remain unified and that is exactly what Jack Strough is trying to do. He is pitting our vital labor force against those of us who are trying to keep them free. And when you allow him into your office and bring his seditious drivel into these chambers you are helping him."
Hotbox looked like he'd just been slapped across the face. He literally couldn't come up with the words to reply to her.
"We don't need to open an issue on this or vote on it right now," Laura said. "Strough is out there trying to turn our labor force against us and to give our planet back to WestHem because it suits his needs. I have more faith in our workers than that, however. If it becomes a truly divisive problem, we'll talk about it then. In the meantime, how about we move onto the next item on the agenda?"
Hotbox gave no protest to this suggestion. Neither did anyone else.
"Very well," Laura said, taking another sip of her tea. "You mentioned trade with EastHem, Steve. Coincidentally enough, that happens to be the next item we're dealing with. We received the following message from the EastHem ruling council yesterday regarding a possible expansion of trade. If they are suggesting what I think they are suggesting, some of these shortages we've been experiencing might just be coming to an end. Let me play it for you."
She pushed the play tab and the face of Anthony Billings — the Chief Executive Councilmember of EastHem appeared. Unlike Loretta Williams, Billings was actually looking quite spiffy compared to the first time they'd contacted him, and with good reason. The influx of Martian food products in exchange for fuel had revitalized all of the EastHem corporations and their economy was booming for the first time in generations. "Good evening, Ms. Whiting and honored members of the interim Martian governing council," Billings said, smiling pleasantly. "We have been following the events on your planet and I would like to be the first to congratulate you on your brilliant victory over those who tried to derail your new democracy in its beginning stages. Several members of our joint chiefs have been much impressed by how you fought your military campaign and have expressed a desire to buy your General Jackson a stiff drink if they should find occasion to run into him.
"Now that you are completely free from WestHem tyranny and it appears you will remain so, it is my suggestion that our two nations establish formal diplomatic channels, including the stationing of an ambassador and staff in each other's capitals. With your permission, we would like to make the first gesture of friendship in this regard and send a complete diplomatic team to your planet. All we ask is that you house them in a manner they are accustomed to until such time as an embassy can be built. If you give the go-ahead, this team will leave immediately and be at Triad in four and a half weeks.
"The first order of business this team would like to discuss with the new Martian government is an expansion of the trade agreement we reached after you forcefully removed yourself from WestHem rule. As you are probably aware, our economy and the famine that existed in parts of our nation — particularly the African portion — have improved remarkably since we entered into this agreement for your food products. And I'm sure I don't have to point out that our hydrogen shipments were what allowed you to achieve your impressive military victory.
"Now we believe it would be in the best interests of both of our peoples to expand trade between us. Mars is most assuredly the breadbasket of the solar system and there are many things besides the basic staples you provide that our food distribution corporations would enjoy purchasing from you in order to feed a market for luxury cuisine. Most specifically, we would like to secure a contract for additional cuts of beef that are above the fine staple items you already provide. We would like to purchase veal cuts, lamb and mutton, turkey, and various high end produce items such as mushrooms, asparagus, lettuce, strawberries, and, most valued, those famous Martian artichokes we've heard so much about. We are also interested in another one of your famous agricultural products: cannabis. Currently there is very little cannabis grown in EastHem because all of our agricultural land is being used for more vital items. We used to purchase cannabis from WestHem but, sadly, they invoked a trade embargo with us when we recognized the Martian government as legitimate and began trading with you.
"In order to keep the trade deficit between our two nations on an equal footing, we are prepared to supply you with some luxury items that you are currently doing without due to your conflict with WestHem. In specific, we would be willing to offer you coffee from Java and other parts of Indonesia, tobacco from our Turkish plantations, and, most important, alcoholic beverages of the finest quality from all over our great nation. We could import to you beer from the Germany region, wines of varying type from the France region, and hard spirits from our finest distilleries in Scotland, Russia, China, Japan, and Australia.
"Under the current political situation we would still not be comfortable offering arms, ammunition, or other war materials, but just about anything else is open to negotiation. The diplomatic team we propose to send would have full treaty making and trade agreement authority.
"If this is an acceptable offer to you, please reply as soon as possible.
"In continued friendship, Tony Billings."
Laura clicked off the tape and looked out at the legislature. "Well," she asked. "What do we think about that?"