Chapter 177
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In early March 2024 president Odonnell negotiated with the Ambassador about an official alliance between America and Antarctica. The main point was whether Magneto and his mutant followers were willing to fight alongside the americans, given how many americans still feared and hated alien refugees in general.
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Odonnell: You say that Magneto and his followers are willing to fight alongside America against Evil.
Ambassador: Yes, in exchange for recognition of his mutant homeworld in Antarctica.
Odonnell: Antarctica is your territory, not mine.
Ambassador: Indeed, but you can afford him diplomatic recognition, help in persuading other governments to give recognition. You can agree to help defend against other nations that seek to destory them. And ofcourse safe passage for any mutants who seek to immigrate to Antarctica.
Odonnell: That all seems reasonable. However, what would happen to non mutants in this state?
Ambassador: Magneto and his lieutenants are still discussing this. It is possible that they will not allow non mutants to live there at all. If they are, chances are they will have limited rights.
Odonnell: I have my doubts about allying with such a state.
Ambassador: I share your concerns. But how exactly could we interfere?
Odonnell: We could try to persuade Magneto, he seems suprisingly reasonable. But his power over his followers is less than absolute. Even if he were to agree, would he be able to implement these reforms?
Ambassador: I don't know. But we need them as allies. Even if we were to fight him to force these reforms...
Odonnell: That sounds like a mistake. I have serious doubts that we could even win the war.
Ambassador: Agreed. But he has agreed to not hurt any non mutants already living in this area.
Odonnell: I thought you'd found an uninhabited area.
Ambassador: We believe this area is uninhabited. I thought it best to make certain. And Magneto also says that non mutants will be free to visit their mutant relatives. We still need to work out the specifics but we're on the right track. There's something else. Magneto accepts that his people are physically stronger, and might be required to go on more dangerous missions than the average humans. He is however worried about his people being used as cannon fodder. He wants mutant units placed under his control, or the control of other mutants such as Charles Xavier.
Odonnell: I supposse that's reasonable. Mutant commanders would be less likely to place their people in unneccessary danger.
Ambassador: They are, I assure you, willing to do their part.
Odonnell: There will likely be times when our two armies will be required to fight in the same battle. Unfortunately some of my soldiers are uneasy fighting alongside mutants. I've been trying to reform them. I'd like to arrange some informal gatherings between mutants and my soldiers.
Ambassador: Hopefully that will work, but will it be enough?
Odonnell: We can only hope.