“We’ve only been hearing from Cochran and the U.S. primarily,” Hart said. “What is the rest of the world thinking?”

Naomi was glad Valerie answered, afraid of accidentally revealing information she’d only received from Evan on the private channel.

“Some deviations. A few countries are more amenable than others. There is the chance another country might start sending ships to us, agreeing to our plans. Russia has more than enough money.”

“That they do,” Lebedeva said, blandly.

“Smaller countries could pool their resources,” Valerie continued. “Europe and its ESA. China has the capital, and India could potentially join them. Or Japan. West Africa has upped their space funding, too. The United States would be angry, because they’ve funnelled so much taxpayer money into the Cavendish probes, Atalanta, and now the Atalanta II. They’re falling into the trap of already thinking of the planet as theirs, even though they know they technically have no legal jurisdiction there.”

“Neither do we,” Naomi pointed out.

“No, but our vision echoes the underlying principles of the treaty, doesn’t it? Res communis. A planet for all of humanity, starting with its children. The United States has always liked to pretend they are the primary players here. They are not.”

A silence tinged with worry rolled off the others in waves. Only Lebedeva appeared unbothered. She hadn’t had a home in the same way the rest of them had, not for years. Being untethered like this was nothing new for her. Naomi almost envied her that.

Valerie took down the message and left the walls on the default grey grid.

“Deep down, you knew they wouldn’t agree, didn’t you?” Naomi asked. “We can’t say we didn’t try.”

Hart pressed the base of her palms against her eyes, muttering something that sounded like a curse.

“Come on,” Valerie said. “Let’s go get some dinner. We can still have the chocolate. This shouldn’t dampen the sense of accomplishment of what we’ve achieved. We already did the impossible today. This will work out. Have a little faith.” Her words were breezy, but it didn’t fool Naomi.

What’s your plan B, Valerie?