Shoshone Station: The Galactic Consortium season 2

Episode Four: Meteors #20

Dan stood to one side of the low platform they had temporarily placed on one side of their courtyard in the embassy. He was glad to simply be standing on one side, playing the role of security. The thought of how many people would be watching this broadcast made his stomach roll.

Blumenthal, Arneshi, and the president, on the other hand, did not seem nervous at all as they prepped for the press conference. In fact they seemed at ease as they conversed.

One moment, the press was sparse—lone American reporter, two reporters from Shin, and maybe six from various Saras Station. Holi, the base ship newscaster, was the only recognizable face in the crowd.

Then there was a flicker as the holo-projection cut in, and the entire courtyard became packed. The faces were recognizable too. Several senators, prominent reporters, pundits, and a hodge podge of Washington's who's-who were there. At the very edge of the crowd, he caught sight of Cheyenne, her form glittering slightly. She gave him a smile and a thumbs-up, which made him feel a little better.

"I guess that's our cue," the president said before turning to face the crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen," he began, "I'm glad you could all join us on Saras Station, in some form or another." There was a ripple of laughter throughout the crowd. "I'm pleased to announce that we've reached a historic agreement today. Our entire planet—no, let me correct that—our entire solar system has come together in the spirit of cooperation.

"For those in the audience from the Consortium, the Council of Orbits and Objects might seem like a minor matter, something you've dealt with as a spacefaring race. For Earth, this is monumental. Not because it makes the space around our planet that much safer, and it does, but it also ushers in a new era for our planet. An era where our problems are solved at the council table, not in bloody wars. An era where we work together, not against each other."

The president went on for some time in this vein. He answered questions for over an hour about the details of the agreement.

The inside scoop was that Shin and Mars had won. They let Adari of Mars take the lead in negotiations. America, Canada, and Europe formed a strong alliance at his side, keeping the rest of the world in line. A Shin data company would begin a systematic survey immediately. Mars would foot the bill for the time being, while the many Earth nations figured out exchange rates and how to take on their share of the expense.

The gravy for Mars was a mountain-sized asteroid, heavy with iron, less than 0.5 AU from Earth's orbits. The risk of it striking Earth was statistically negligible, but it would serve as post-facto justification for the council and be removed anyway—a huge prize for the crew that landed the contract.

But the president was right too, Dan reflected. This was a historic moment. They had kept everyone at the table. They'd hammered out a major treaty in a matter of days. Every major power knew they couldn't return to their population without some sort of deal. Russia and China grumbled about Consortium control, but Sarasvat's hands-off approach allowed them to save face and stay at the negotiation table. Petty squabbles over past slights erupted from time to time, but were quickly hushed and smoothed over. It was an amazing conference.

As the gathering came to a close, the president was still ringed by a small crowd of diplomats and security, Dan on the edge. Cheyenne found him there.

"Did I do a good job of standing silently on the edge of things?" he joked.

"You looked very serious and protective," she said a smile on her face.

"Is that—" a voice said. And the crowd split, and Blumenthal and the president were there.

"Cheyenne Walker," the president greeted her. "It's an honor to see you again."

"You as well," Cheyenne replied, blushing slightly. She bowed to him.

"Oleson here," Blumenthal explained to the president, "served alongside Ms. Walker and with distinction on board the Corelean."

"Sir," Dan said, saluting the president.

"And the two are good friends."

"Whatever your reason for coming to the conference, I'm still honored," the president said.

"Walker is on Shin now," Blumenthal commented. "I assume this is big news there, as well."

"Very big. People all over the station are quite pleased and honored to be part of this project," Cheyenne said.

"A big boost to your economy, I understand. Everyone must be very happy."

"Almost everyone," Cheyenne said. A smirk threatened on her face. "I was just going to tell Dan, but . . ." She blushed again. Clearly she hadn't expected to find herself face to face with the president. The president cocked his eyebrow. Dan gave her an encouraging look. "Well, it seems that Tarkana's part in starting the rumor has gotten around. Seems that fearmongering, excuse me, a primitive people isn't something the average citizen of Shin approve of. And," she fought the smirk again, "they've discovered Earth slang."

"They have?" the president prompted.

"Janda Mosvin is surging in the polls, with his new campaign slogan, 'Bye, Felicia.'"

The president roared in laughter.