I do not own anything except the original content I made up in my story. This is my first fan fiction so hopefully I'll only get better from here. This is a short chapter; it is just to introduce the setting of the story.
Chapter 1
The sun beat down on the small farming community of Whistleton. It was nearly identical to the hundreds of other such towns scattered over the agricultural world of Ortis 2. Today the usually quiet town hall was packed with people, there to discuss what to do about recent events.
The trouble had started six months ago when geologists discovered deposits of titanium buried deep within the planet. Further research showed substantial amounts of A-grade titanium. After that the U.N.S.C. had moved in fast. The planet barely held a representative seat in the Unified Earth Government; their representative could not even speak on the floor of the UEG senate much less vote. So when the U.N.S.C. announced plans for a massive mining operation without consent of Ortis's government, people began to become concerned.
They became upset when farmers began losing their homes because the U.N.S.C. wanted to put a mining shaft on their property, and neither the farmers nor the government would receive compensation for the titanium they would be taking out. Then the U.N.S.C. had declared they would be building a new shipyard above Ortis, again without the government's consent. Now, tension was at a breaking point after the announcement that taxes were going to increase exponentially to pay for the space station and a greater military presence was going to be established for security.
Orin Raman squired his way through the door of the town hall and found a place to stand against one wall. All the seats were filled and still more were filing in and searching for places to sit or stand, it looked like the entire town had turned out for this meeting. At the front, the town counsel sat on the stage along with the mayor of Whislteton, Peter Freeburg.
The mayor stepped up to the podium. "Fellow citizens, I have called you here today on very grave business. You all know of the atrocities the UEG has committed and is committing against us. There's been a lot of angry talk in this town, however I wish to stress patience; nothing will be gained by rash action on anyone's part. A petition has been started and a protest is scheduled for next week at the capital. Please help us as we work for a peaceful solution to this crisis, help us avoid needless blood shed. Thank you."
As soon as the mayor finished speaking the town hall erupted into chaos. Dozens of hands shot up with questions, but Orin had heard enough. Exiting the building turned out to be a greater feat then getting in. Once out side he began walking up Main Street toward where he had parked his car.
He had only made it a few feet when Susan Ross caught up to him. Susan and Orin had been friends since they were kids; her parents' farm was right next to Orin's.
"Orin, what did they say?" Orin could see the concern filling her eyes, "It was so crowded I couldn't get in"
"Their trying diplomacy; they think maybe the UEG will listen to reason." Orin shook his head, "I'm not sure they are going to have much luck."
"Orin, I'm worried; my brother and father are speaking of open rebellion. What are we going to do?"
"I'm going to the protest next week. As long as there is an alternative to fighting I will use it, but if it comes to it, we may have to fight."
"Are your parents going?"
"No, they don't see any point in it, but they support me going."
"I want to come with you."
"I'd feel better if you stayed here and watched out for my parents."
Solemnly she nodded as tears began to fill her eyes, "I'm scared."
Orin put his arms around her and held her as she cried, "I know, it's going to be alright though, it's going to be alright."