Page 89 of The Red Woman on Mars
Vivian ignored the murmuring around her. “Explain.”
“As you know, Vivian, the Red Mothers have surrendered their rights in exchange for safe passage to Mars in a form of indentured servitude. When they have fulfilled the terms of their contract, they’ll be granted the same rights as other Martians.”
Behind her, someone sucked in a breath.
“Indentured servitude,” Vivian repeated in triumph. She could hardly believe the Intelligence had walked right into her trap. “Council, I believe the Intelligence’s vision for the Red Mothers is debt bondage and prohibited by the Charter of the Planet Mars.” She took the paper Xavier offered to her and read from it. “Article VI says, ‘No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.’ ”
“But Vivian, slavery by its very definition is involuntary,” the Intelligence replied in its unnaturally calm voice. “The Red Mothers agree to the terms of their contract before they depart Earth. Our deputies make sure they know the expectations, right? At the end of the day, we only recruited women we knew would be happy on Mars.”
“Okay, sure,” Vivian conceded. “It’s true that I was given an overview about what to expect before I left Earth. I thought the life of a Red Mother would be a better life than the one I was living in a refugee camp. But now, I’ve changed my mind. I decline to be a Red Mother.”
“So sorry, Vivian, but you can’t decline. You signed a contract.”
Vivian spared a moment to look at the Council. They were listening intently to the exchange. Cameras bobbed in front of her. In the visitors’ area, the Red Mothers leaned forward, handsclutching the railing. Even the two soldiers guarding the closed double doors had their eyes trained on her face.All of Mars is watching.She turned back to the orb. “Will you forcibly impregnate me?”
“Yes. It wouldn’t be our first choice, but if we have to, we will.”
There was a collective gasp at the Intelligence’s words. Vivian could hardly distinguish between the nausea she felt at having her worst fears confirmed and the triumph of making an argument to the Council that was working.
“You will make me have children against my will?”
“Yes.”
“What if I wanted to do drugs? I’ve heard psychedelics are popular in Arcadia.”
“You signed a contract, Vivian. You know you aren’t allowed to mistreat your body while carrying a genetically enhanced Martian fetus.”
“Can I leave the dome?”
“No.”
“Can I learn a dangerous sport? Competitive turbo jet piloting, for example?”
“Vivian, this is an absurd hypothetical. You’ve never shown any interest in competitive turbo jet piloting before.”
“Answer the question, please.”
“You may not. High-risk activities are prohibited.”
In a softer voice, Vivian asked, “Can I take my own life?”
“We care about you, Vivian. If you attempted to commit suicide, we would prevent you.”
“To recap, I don’t have the right to freedom of body, freedom of movement, freedom of career, or even the right to control my own existence.” Vivian’s voice shook as she spoke.
“It’s a temporary situation. We promise you’ll enjoy those rights again when you have fulfilled the terms of the contract.”
“Okay, so it’s a temporary form of human trafficking?”
“That’s correct, Vivian. Now you understand.” The orb gave a pleased little beep. “You’re such a fast learner.”
The minister seated next to Secretary Yarrow, burst out, “My lady, you cannot agree with the way the Intelligence has framed this argument.”
Secretary Yarrow was frowning down at Vivian and the orb. “Intelligence, perhaps you wish to obtain a human solicitor to argue your case?”
The orb twitched. “We always appreciate your ideas, Constance, but we have access to all human law records ever recorded. We don’t require human assistance.”
“Article VI clearly prohibits human bondage,” the minister said in frustration.
