"I just don't get it. New Jade Gate is part of the Commonwealth, isn't it? Our country is a republic, isn't it? Then why are there still so many damned lords—city lords, clan chiefs, kings—and why are they all honored guests of the colonial government? Why are ordinary Sandfolk no better off than their slaves? This is the modern age! We..."
"With all due respect, Mr. Buska, Marshal Li himself detested identity politics and racial discrimination. When the country was founded, he established a policy of equality among the four classes and abolished all distinctions of status. But the truth is, our Commonwealth is the odd one out among the nations. The Empire aside, even the Alliance hasn't completely abolished slavery. Quite a few senators with considerable influence in the Alliance still retain hereditary titles in remote star systems," Mr. John Prince reminded him.
"Oh, so without even realizing it, our Commonwealth has become the most progressive country in the universe?" Buska exclaimed, then raised his head proudly.
"Uh, in a sense, yes," the reporter replied.
If Marshal Li's vision could truly be realized in its entirety, he thought.
"Then let's not disappoint the Founding Father's spirit!" Buska declared.
For the next ten minutes or so, the young engineer let himself completely cut loose.
He explained that Red Maple Works' investments in New Jade Gate included a metallurgical base, a mechanical-parts plant, and a shipbuilding-materials factory. The investment was substantial: Red Maple Works provided the funding and technical guidance, while the New Jade Gate government provided the land and labor. The new enterprise was essentially a joint investment by the two parties. The colonial government had only been asked to pay the local Sandfolk laborers to avoid certain financial complications.
And now this had happened! What responsibility did the colonial