Passages narrated from download Dagny's pov are in the present tense. On the Moon, the Provisional Trust is what others would call a provisional government. It comprises Selenarchs, Terrans who want full independence and download Dagny. The Lunar legislature has charged the Trust to negotiate with the World Federation. Local magistrates implement its decrees but, if any significant international statute is violated, then the governor will dissolve the Trust and proclaim martial law with his now redoubled Peace Authority forces. The other delegates have chosen Dagny. (We can stop calling her "download" since the original is now dead.) She advises them, holds them together and speaks for them even to the Federation President who calls a special session of the High Council and Assembly while unrest spreads across Earth.
In the Assembly, North Americans and Russians want common heritage maintained throughout the Solar System, therefore, crucially, on Luna whereas Chinese and Australians think that the principle is obsolete. Indonesians remember that their ancestors freed themselves from colonialism. The Assembly agrees to recognize Lunar autonomy within the Federation but the Trust insists on total independence while respecting pledges already made. Constables and Peace Authority forces restrain Terran riots on the Moon.
The President does not disband the Trust but the High Council directs him to call up Authority reserves and some governments offer reinforcements. A fleet of Lunarian freighters returns from the asteroid belt and orbits the Earth-Moon system.
To be continued.
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul!
War between Luna and Earth becomes ominously likely!
Ad astra! Sean
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