The year is 2537, you have found yourself in the middle of the Martian metropolis during the most controversial debate of the decade. 

XXX

"The outer colonies have wanted independence for decades, It's time they've received it." The Mars ambassador spoke directly at the camera, knowing full well that everyone on mars could hear him. The debate was public, as a way to get the martian citizens on their side. 

"We wanted Independence before the covenant began attacking humanity." The outer colony ambassador replied, "to grant it to us now is to deny the responsibilities that were promised since the formation of the alliance." Citizens from across the globe could hear the fear in his voice. The outer colonies won't survive without the Martian central government.

XXX

- CODEX UPDATE -

2494 was the year the first outer Martian colony declared their independence. This lead to a movement that spread throughout most of the outer UNSC colonies. The declarations of independence was a direct result of UNSC war crimes surfacing to the public.