Chapter 1
Summer on Mars was supposed to be a fun time: it was festival season outside. The Old Earth traditions of Mardi gras survived here and were very popular. The lasciviousness of the locals only enhanced the allure of the event outside. The local Vid channel could not do the floats and parade justice. Unfortunately, I did not get to see any of it. No, I was stuck inside the Hong Kong Embassy until further notice at the direction of the ambassador.
The most recent courier ship from home had interesting news for me on board. Our home Assembly, worried about rumors of aliens or hidden enemies, were recalling the James Cook. They needed to leave anyway to take their prisoner home. I and my new protection team were staying on Mars. The Assembly had made me the new Ambassador to Mars.
