The Order of Tomorrow - Part III

12th March

Staghead, Artemis, Freehold territory

After returning to the apartment, Jaime and I were visited by Chee Soon Mei, a member of the first twenty, and the founder of the Justice Association. It would seem that she has something very important to discuss with Jaime, though I don't know what that is, and how it relates to the events of earlier today.

"So as you've probably already guessed," Mei begins, "Frank Scuderi's announcement today was pre-planned. He approached me last week about the idea of using a protest like this, and I agreed with him. Sorry for lying about the purpose of the protest."

Jaime nods, as if she had indeed already guessed that Chee Soon Mei was working together with Frank Scuderi to make this happen, but this was all news to me. Mei set up this entire protest solely for the purpose of allowing Frank Scuderi to make that announcement? Just how long has this been planned for? Surely it would take weeks, months, if not years, to plan something like this.

"Frank Scuderi has informed me of a provisional government that will be set up in a few days' time, with elections to be held sometime in the future. The Justice Association has been invited to participate in the government, and I want to offer you a position."

Jaime looks startled, "why me?" she asks, and I have to wonder as well. True, Jaime is part of the leadership for the Justice Association, but she isn't really that high up. She's just one of a number of Deputy Chiefs in Dunstan, working under the Association's Chief for Dunstan.

"The Dunstan Chief is heading back today, and she recommended you as her replacement. I met you the other day as well, and I agree that you'd do a good job. Your likable and well spoken."

"I see. So if I did accept, what exactly would I be doing?" Jaime asked.

"You would be passing any laws that Frank puts before us. But it probably won't matter whether we support them or not."

"Why's that?"

"Before I came here, Frank sent me a file containing his plans for the government of his nation of his, and its' future. He intends for this 'Freehold of Artemis' to rule not just the moon, but the entire solar system one day."

"What?" Jaime's eyes are wide open. Me and Jaime both can't hide our shock at this. A nation spanning the entire solar system? Frank Scuderi believes he can achieve something like that? Something so unattainable that it sounds fantastical.

"Under the Freehold, each planet will have its' own independent and unique system of government to pass laws that effect just that planet, and will send representatives to a Senate to pass laws that effect all planets. Above the Senate is the executive office, which he calls the Consulship. There will be two Consuls who can veto decisions by either the Senate or the independent governments if they both agree, though the law will still pass if one of the Consuls agrees with it."

"That seems fair enough," Jaime nods, "but, why do you say it won't matter whether we refuse to pass laws in this provisional government?"

"The Consuls will also have the power to write up their own laws. Meaning, if the two Consuls are working together, they can bypass the Senate entirely. On top of that, Frank Scuderi has already claimed on of the spots as Consul for himself, and I imagine he has someone else in mind for the other spot."

I could see Jaime thinking hard about this. If Frank Scuderi chose who the other Consul was, and it was someone who shared his views, he would have complete control over the moon. Is that what he wants?

"You think he wants to be a dictator?" I speak for the first time.

"I think he has a very clear idea of what he wants not just this nation, but this world, to be. To be completely honest, I would say that he's rather childish. So, yes, he probably does want to rule as a dictator. But he's set up this provisional government, and intends to give each planet at least a modicum of self-rule, so I would guess he's at least going to give people enough choice and say to satisfy them."

"And you think we should go along with this?" Jaime asks.

"Well, I think he has a bit too much leverage at the moment," Mei sighed, "I thought it would probably end up somewhat like this, but I didn't expect him to move so fast. If we don't go along with him for now, independence will become impossible. And who knows what will happen in that scenario? If I had to guess, we'd be living under a police state of some sort for a couple of years, at least, if not indefinitely. Controlled by some organisation from Earth. So, at least for now, we have to do as he says. And personally, I don't think that sounds too bad. We'll have to deal with him when we come to it. Until then, however, it's fine."

Mei left shortly afterwards, with Jaime saying she would think about whether she wanted to take up the position or not. Meeting the Chee Soon Mei had taken all the energy out of me again, even with the coffee. I slump down in the couch, even though I know I'll have to get right back up to start packing before I go to sleep. Come to think of it, the coffee seemed cold, but maybe I just left it for too long. Jaime didn't complain about hers at all, so it was probably fine. Cold coffee just doesn't taste right, after all. Jaime drops onto the couch next to me, and sighs.

"What's up?"

"Nothing, really. Just thinking about whether to take the job or not. I guess I'm going to be here for another couple of days. so it would be fine going to one meeting, but if they want me to stay longer than that... I don't know if I'll be able to do it. I'm not sure if I'm capable of what she's asking in the first place."

"Hmm... it's a really important job, right? She wouldn't have offered it to you if she didn't have high hopes for you."

"I suppose so."

"Thanks for allowing me to listen in. I didn't know you trusted me that much," I say, remembering to thank her.

"Oh, that was more just I knew you wouldn't tell anyone because you don't have any friends," she says harsh words, but I know she's joking from the smile on her face, "but if you insist on asking whether I trust you or not, then yes, I trust you."

"You didn't have to say it like that..." I begin, but then something stops me. I look away from Jaime, as she looks at me quizzically. So that's what this is. I had been wondering, why does it make me so happy whenever I see Jaime smiling? Why did I agree to play volleyball that time? Why did I come all the way to Artemis for her? I get it now. I think, maybe, that I'm in love with Jaime. Her bright eyes, and her wide smile. Her laugh, and her captivating personality. The way she looks out for other people. How she's always keeping busy, too busy in fact. I love all of it.

"I guess I will join the provisional government. It isn't like they won't let me quit if I change my mind, and you're right. Mei wouldn't have offered me the job, if she didn't think I was capable of it," Jaime says, looking out toward the window, almost to herself.

I'm not sure if now is the right time, but maybe... maybe when Jaime comes back to Dunstan, then maybe I could ask her out. I don't know how she feels about me, if she thinks about me that way at all, or if she's just nice to everyone like this, but I want to ask her. I want to know.