Two posts in one month, not my usual form.
First the start of a French Embassy and second a little mystery.
Working from the 'TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL MARTIAN GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY'
EDWARD’S GUIDE TO SYRTIS MAJOR: THE LEGATION COMPOUND
19. FRENCH
LEGATION
Second only to the Russian Embassy, the
French Embassy sits in the southeast
corner of the Legation Compound. They have
built an Louis XIV Embassy
in all the glory that was France of the end
of the last century. Adding
to the splendor is the Ambassador’s
residence in Martian stone and French
gilt. The Trade Delegation is almost as
large as the Embassy, but it was
constructed in a imitation Martian style
that some have found offensive in
middle of the Legation Compound. The French
reason for building it in this
style is quit pragmatic, as they would say,
“We trade with Martians and they
feel more at home here so they are more
willing to bargain.” The French
have a full platoon of infantry stationed
here, the largest of the garrisons. To
house them they have built a two story
barracks.