It is clear to my fellow listeners that the fate of Earth is a much broader issue than the fate of the Pleasure Zone.
"The proposal in question would have those on the cutting edge of growth and change excavate the moon, Mars, and the asteroids for essential minerals to build a new home for the Pleasure Zone and place it in a geostationary orbit around Earth."
Those on the cutting edge of growth and change are the most advanced BioSynthetics working with the most advanced Synthetics. Most of them had left the solar system centuries ago, but for reasons not yet clear to me, my colleagues, or the Council, they had begun to return.
The Leader is careful not to mention the dangers and difficulties of transporting more than ten billion souls inside the Pleasure Zone into a geosynchronous orbit, and careful not to mention that a significant source of entertainment for those in the Free Zone would be less accessible.
"The project in question would have those on the cutting edge of growth and change clear the necessary space on earth to build a base of operations. The stated purpose of this base is to enhance the security of Earth, and involves the creation of a force field around the Globe of Influence."
The Globe of Influence would include the Pleasure Zone in a geostationary orbit. The mind boggles at the ingenuity and resources required to create a force field that protects the Globe of Influence. The Leader is careful to give the stated purpose of the base, leaving open speculation about its real purpose.
"Those on the cutting edge of growth and change maintain that the course of this project would move too quickly for consultations with Council if course corrections were required. The Council, however, is not yet satisfied that this suggestion is in the best interests of the Solar Federation of Planets."
A shrewd move on the part of Council. Hedging on this one suggestion throws the entire proposal into question. At the very least, it would give us all time to think more clearly and carefully about the consequences of this most radical proposal.
