Based on the garnetiferous schists found near the new mainland position of McMurdo town, five black bands represent the five political Families. Every citizen of the AFS belongs to one of them. Once membership was hereditary but now it’s elective. The red stars, symbolic of the garnets, are aligned in the Southern Cross constellation.

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Each Family was originally headed by one of the revolutionaries, Gordon Murcheson – Glencor, Leon Palma – Larsen, Daniel Ektov – Lomonsov, Clarissa Roth – Moss, and Domingo Torres – Torres. The remaining conspirator, Captain Arne Dale became a Glencor Senior Senator.

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In the prequel, The Main Event, coming some time soon, the story of how the Antarctic Free State comes about is told. Events that are hinted at in the already published novels are explained. We see history, as told by the survivors, isn’t always the truest version.