Chapter Ten: Election Victory

Herschel and Neil discuss the election victory of FAITH, a political faction with restrictive policies. They debate the implications for humanity and the Ever Onward Society, recognizing the need to prepare their descendants to potentially leave Romulus before FAITH's gradual clampdowns intensify.

Herschel, in VR aboard a ship en route to Omicron 2 Eridani, reads news of FAITH's election victory and expresses shock. Neil and Herschel discuss the political implications. While Neil expresses concern about FAITH's track record opposing open borders and free speech, Herschel acknowledges that FAITH's democratic election suggests genuine popular support for their platform. Herschel theorizes that without majority control, FAITH will employ incremental restrictions rather than dramatic moves, gradually tightening their grip until protests become illegal. The conversation turns to the Ever Onward Society's vulnerability. Herschel and Neil discuss the need to alert society members to the danger and potentially facilitate their descendants' departure from Romulus before the political situation deteriorates further. Neither believes immediate action is necessary, but Herschel insists any evacuation must include their descendants rather than representing an abandonment.