Dateline: Mars

"Dateline: Mars" by Richard Wilson is a science fiction story set on Mars, likely from the mid-20th century, that explores the search for genuine democracy on a world struggling due to past Earth colonization. Scott Warren, a Galactic News reporter, finds himself caught between the polished image of peace spread between Earth people and Martians, and the unsettling truth of Martian politics. During the Landing Day celebration, Scott uncovers a conspiracy involving Rastol, a former official from the old government, who is being offered a high-profile role. Rastol's son, Acton, presumed deceased, appears at a secret meeting, revealing he is alive and exposing horrifying crimes committed under the previous government. Scott faces a dilemma, as he knows he has a very big story he must report, while the political situation on the planet threatens to erupt.