Epilogue

"Welcome to the historic election results program," said Tim. "I'm joined by William Black our own polling expert. Chelsea Hunter, our foreign correspondent and Adeel Rahman our newly appointed galactic correspondent."

"In ten minutes, the last polling stations will close, and the count can begin. There have been polls throughout the world, ignoring undecideds, the indications are that it is too close to call. However, the undecideds are still a sizable percentage. It might be those that swing this vote.

"The question on the ballot was a simple question. 'Do we join the Rohastin Council'. A vote either way will have ramifications for everybody on Earth not just today, but for our future going forward. Chelsea, where are the final polling stations?"

"There are a few, but the one of note is in Pago Pago in American Samoa. Their neighbours in Apia, Samoa, which is only 122 kilometres away, were one of the first to start the poll. This is the first Earth-wide poll and the first in some countries using the Shang Voting Machines. Eight years ago, it was confirmed as being secure and their use of quantum chains made every vote not only secret but also tamper proof."

"Thanks for the reminder. Let's go to New York City, where the UN has been administrating this unprecedented vote. Something six months ago people would have said was impossible. Gail Carslake, what is the atmosphere there?"

"It's been one of the biggest events the UN has ever hosted. Every news outlet from around the world is here to witness the result. I'm told the result is about to be revealed."

There were audible gasps in the background.

"And the result is Yes. 76.3% voted Yes."

William Black, the polling expert looked shocked, before commenting, "That's a huge endorsement. Much bigger than some of the polls predicted."

Tim asked, "Adeel, do you think the Rohastin Council will have been watching?"

"Indeed, Humanity will be the first race to join the Rohastin Council for over a century. This is a jubilant time for them too. But the Human Race won't be taking up our position just yet. We have to fulfil the requirement of a single voice. We're going back to the UN. Gail, what do you have for us?"

"A huge cheer just went up in the hall as the large screen showing the vote has just changed to display two logos. The first is the logo of the soon-to-be Earth Government. The second represents the Human Race. This will be used by the overarching council. At the moment it's just Earth on that council, but as humanity leaves Earth's cradle and spreads amongst the stars, those planets will join too."

Tim said, "This is a momentous day. The next era for the Human Race. Over the next eighteen months, nation states will pass laws recognising the Earth Government. A year ago, we found we weren't alone in the universe. Today we put aside our differences to walk into the future together."

Georgina Harries switched off her television. Eighteen months ago, that result sent shock waves around the world and beyond. The jubilation on Earth was nothing compared to the party she heard took place on the Rohastin station. It was nice to be reminded of the hope that came from it, but today was the start of her new job.

"Good luck," the new Prime Minister said, rising to his feet. "I wish Rupert hadn't decided to follow you."

Rupert looked down at his feet, embarrassed to be talked about like this.

"I don't know where I'd be without him," Georgina said. She then shook the new Prime Minister's hand. "The country is in good hands with you Lewis."

Georgina walked out of the hotel. The world's press shouted questions as she walked towards the new spaceship waiting for her, gleaming in the morning sun.

"Ambassador Harries," the voices clamoured, trying to get her attention. She might have a new title, but the press never stopped wanting to ask her questions.

She stopped. One of the voices had caught her attention. "Tim?"

"What's your first job as Ambassador to the Rohastin Council?"

"To find out why the Yvestigans continue to threaten us. Since the Australian Event, they've worked via proxies. Understanding is always the first step to lasting peace."

With that she went to her Ambassadorial ship, Rupert two steps behind. She had a new mandate and a new zest in life. No longer looking for World Peace. With the military under the Earth Government, she had that. Her new goal: Galactic Peace.