Chapter Five
KIRO-TV, Channel 7, Seattle, WA, February 3
“Closer to home,” Anna St. Cloud reported, “Governor George Shelby has called the legislature together for a special session to debate the 28th Amendment. The legislature was supposed to be on a recess for the next month and a half, but the governor called them back so that the issue could be debated as quickly as possible. Here’s what the governor had to say.” The picture shifted to Governor Shelby, seated behind the desk in his office.
“I hope that our legislature rapidly ratifies this measure,” Governor Shelby said. “As we saw a little more than a year ago, the world is too small for bickering amongst ourselves. The world needs to look at the big picture and move forward together, and the United States needs to lead this process.”
“We have an historic opportunity before us today,” he continued. “So far, 37 states have ratified the constitutional amendment that will let the United States join the Terran World Government. I feel that this is the single most important piece of legislation that has come before me in my entire public service career. My fellow Washingtonians, our world is in more peril now than even at the height of the Cold War, when the United States and the U.S.S.R. stared at each other across the tips of their nuclear missiles. We need this legislation in order to continue to lead this effort. If we don’t lead and bring all of our economic might with us, it is unlikely that the world will be prepared when the Drakuls come.”
“I come before you today to ask you to exercise your rights as citizens and voters of this great State of Washington, a state that has known its share of conflict and war recently, more so than any other state in almost 75 years. Email your legislators and tell them to vote for the amendment as quickly as they are able. If you have a minute, call them and do the same, so that they know you are serious. I have called the legislature back to work to debate this issue; let them know where you stand! I can think of no greater honor than for this state to be the 38th and deciding state to ratify the amendment. I implore all of the citizens and members of the legislature to make this happen, and make it happen now!”
“Thank you for your support,” closed the governor.
“Impassioned words from the governor,” commented Ms. St. Cloud as the camera returned to her. “Generally, we here at KIRO-TV Channel 7 try to report the news, free of commentary or partiality, but I have to say, after listening to the governor, I hope everyone will take the action he recommends. I was here on camera when Chinese soldiers broke into this station and killed my co-anchor. I never want to experience that again!”
“Thank you for those heartfelt words of your own,” said Bob Brant, looking at Anna St. Cloud. “I know those were difficult times here.” He looked back to the camera. “In happier news,” he said, “the Defense Department has announced that Joint Base Lewis-McChord will host a new school to train special forces soldiers to operate in space. Wendy Phillips has the story...”
Assembly Room, Independence Hall, Philadelphia, PA, February 27
“It is appropriate that we are here today,” said the president, “here at this place where 56 courageous men risked everything, their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor, in order to declare their liberty from oppression. Not only was the Declaration of Independence signed here, but 11 years after that, representatives from 12 states gathered here to shape our Constitution, finally creating one unified nation. E Pluribus Unum; Out of Many, One. For well over 200 years, the nation that those brave men created has stood as a world leader. It is appropriate that we are here today, near a broken bell which still stands as one of the most powerful symbols of liberty in the world. Its message from Leviticus, Chapter 25, Verse 10, still guides our actions. ‘Proclaim LIBERTY Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants Thereof.’”
He looked out over the Assembly Room. “We are gathered here among all of these symbols to write a new chapter in America’s history. We look further beyond our borders than we ever have before, bravely daring to strike out in a new direction because that is what is right; indeed, that is what is necessary.”
“The signing of a constitutional amendment is one of the biggest acts possible in our great nation,” the president continued. “In order to achieve it, two-thirds of both houses of Congress had to agree on its exact wording. How often does that happen?” He paused for polite laughter. “I would like to thank the members of Congress for their vision in crafting this resolution.” He nodded to the left of the platform, where the leadership of both houses stood, leading the applause for themselves.
“Not only must Congress agree on the amendment, but three-quarters of the states, or 38 out of the 50, have to agree on it as well. I would like to thank the governors and legislatures of the 46 states that have ratified the 28th Amendment for their diligence and hard work.” The president indicated the group standing to the right of the dais. “I hope that the states that haven’t ratified it so far will join the rest of the states that already have, thereby creating a united front as we move forward.”
“We have come a long way in a short time,” said the president, “but there is still a long way to go. We have much to do, and I am conscious of the passing of time, so I will not waste any more of it in flowery speeches.” He motioned toward the Archivist of the Office of the Federal Register, sitting at a small table in front of him, the original table and inkstand used to sign the Declaration of Independence. “Mr. Archivist, the floor is yours.”
The Archivist held up a single piece of paper, something that seemed far too small for the significance it held. “The 28th Amendment has been agreed to by two-thirds of both houses of Congress, and it has been ratified by three-quarters of the states. I hereby certify the 28th Amendment to be the law of the land in these United States of America.” He set it back onto the desk and pulled an authentic quill pen out of the inkstand. Having practiced for several days until he had it right, he used the pen to sign the document.
The United States of America was now a founding father in the Government of Terra.
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