Fwurg

[Nehket Aeka]

"I see. It is good to hear that your opinion is valued, and influential. I must admit that the commonwealth does not see the value of large-scale votes. We do however, respect the cultures of others, and see how such diversity strengthens the Union."

Trying to get an idea of the personal likes and dislikes of lady-senator Maria, the veolian senator switched the subject a little.

"Lady-senator, during the previous elections we discussed a mutually beneficial deal. What is your opinion so far on chancellor Bolv'ar?"

[Maria Latharion]

"I think he's been doing quite well until now. While I don't agree with all decisions he has made, he seems to have the Unions best interests at heart."

Maria sighed.

"However he has yet to full fill the promises he made about the threats outside the Union. If he is unable to keep those promises, I fear the STF vote could be against him. The Admiralty Board has been debating on this for some time now, they also fear the Core Hegemony might go warmongering. As the STF is the closest Union member, we would likely be the first to get hit."

[Nehket Aeka]

"You are remarkably positive. I feel that I should apologize to you for asking you to vote for Bolv'ar. In my opinion he has already had considerable failings, failings that do not become a chancellor. For example, he delayed the vote for improving the position of minor worlds. He failed to note the availability of the Union Grant to the Teprogranaian consensus, and he called the former head of senate security out of the senate, thereby depriving other senators the chance to question him.

And, as you said, he has yet to make good on his promises. I would like to point out that those promises that are legally binding, according to the union election laws."

"Because of such things and our firm belief that a chancellor should not focus on a single issue, as all other candidates have done, we have decided to run for the position of chancellor ourselves. We think we can bring punctuality and balance to the Union, and we see the benefits of cooperation, but we are also belief that the differences between factions makes the Union stronger.

I hope to count the Stellarian Triad Federation amongst our supporters, and would like to hear your opinion on our candidacy."

[Maria Latharion]

Maria was not surprised when Senator Nehket said the veolians would be running in the next elections.

"The Stellarian Triad Federation's support would largely depend on what you plan to do.

I agree that a chancellor should have a broader view than just a single subject. But I also believe in fairness, we would need the guarantee your actions as chancellor would not merely benefit your supporters. If you can give us this guarantee, I am sure the STF would be delighted to second your candidacy."

She knew she had basically committed the STF to seconding the candidacy. However she hadn't committed their vote.

[Nehket Aeka]

"I will do my utmost best to be a fair and just chancellor, and to see to the benefit of all Union members, and not only those that support my candidacy."

Senator Nehket Aeka seemed to relax a little, with the agreement of the STF to second her candidacy.

"I am happy that you are willing to second our candidacy. While the electoral law does not require it, it is tradition that the worlds that second a candidacy are running mates. These running mates will then become ministers in the newly formed cabinet. So, which ministry would you be most interested in?"

((OOC: Link for your convenience: Union Electoral Process. Specifically article 1, section II.))

[Maria Latharion]

"I believe we would be most interested in the Ministry of Defence. Our current development plans include a radical reorganisation and expansion of our military shortly after the elections."

Maria paused.

"If you would rather have an other faction that is better prepared for such a task, the Ministry of Commerce would also be satisfactory. I leave this choice up to you.

If I may be so bold to ask if you already have plans for if you are elected?"

[Nehket Aeka]

"One of the things I hope to find support for is the terraformation of Unity. As it is know, Unity is a marvel of engineering. Literally, a city among the stars. Even though Unity might not benefit from the protection of a star, it is a place of great importance.

To show what the Union can achieve through cooperation, I propose to terraform Unity. Not only will this advance the technological border in a multitude of fields -- I have no illusion that this will be a simple endeavour -- it will serve to show the other superpowers that we should not be taken lightly. After all, if we can cooperate on such a project, it is easy to imagine what a warfleet created with the same dedication might accomplish."

[Amilia]

"That sounds like it could be very difficult, but I am sure Unity would be very grateful for it. With or without protection.

I am certain the other Union members would see the benefit in this endeavour as well. The costs might be great, but the scientific and industrial cooperation it would stimulate should outweigh that."

[Nehket Aeka]

"It is indeed a grand endeavour. Which is precisely why it should be done. But enough politics, I would rather talk about culture and technology."

The veolian senator visibly relaxed, now that the stellarian triad federation has pledged its support of their candidacy.

Looking at the priestess, and then at the stellarian senator, Nehket Aeka asked: "As I already told you, I am very interested in your experiences with same-sex reproduction." Realizing that her question could be interpreted as a rather personal one, the veolian senator quickly added: "I read that the stellarian triad federation has extensive experience with such, and that it is actually a very common occurrence, as more than half of your population is in lasting same-sex relations? What is the impact of this on a social level, and what technologies are being employed?"

[Amilia]

Amilia fidgeted a little, a barely noticeable blush appeared on her cheeks.

"I'm not sure. I'm not well versed in that subject." She said and glanced at Maria.

[Maria Latharion]

With confidence Maria responded.

"Luckily I am, in fact I can speak from personal experience." She said. "My partner and I are expecting our first child in a few months. She really wanted to carry it."

She looked out the window, for a moment, with a distant look in her eyes. Looking back at the senator she continued.

"Well before I go any further on this, you must know Astrians have rather rational point of view on reproduction. Intercourse is more seen as a pleasant way to spend with someone, or to share your feelings about your partner with him or her. Accidental pregnancies are rare. We have children because we want them, not because we slept with someone. Before we developed the technology for same-sex reproduction, such couples would make a reproduction contract with a third party."

Maria paused a moment.

"As for the technology itself, it's pretty straight forward. DNA samples are taken from both parents. Where this sample comes from doesn't matter, so cybernetics don't cause trouble for the process. With the exception of full cyborgs, but they often have their DNA material stored away. Of coarse we never take the sample from a persons brain."

Maria sounded a bit excited, she considered this a very important technology.

"The DNA pairs are then separated. The parents can have some input in certain external features of the child. Gender, hair colour, eye colour, they can specify these or can let them be randomized. The pairs are identified, which pair creates what. If any genetic disorders are found they are filtered out. The specified pairs are combined with the basic Astrian sequences and the rest are appropriately randomized. The finished DNA string is then implanted in a blanc cell and activated. That cell is then either implanted in the mother, one of the mothers, a consenting carrier or a birthingvat. Those last two are for male couples. Then the cell is allowed to grow and divide naturally."

[Nehket Aeka]

"That sounds an awful lot like you are genetically engineering the next generation... Are you sure that it is wise to take such direct control of your species' evolution? Do not misunderstand me, I am very intrigued by your technological insights in this process, but it seems unwise to deny the influence of evolutionary mutations and other mishaps.

Maybe you can explain a bit about your views on this, and afterwards we might look into combining our scientific might to to collaborate and exchange advances in this field of same-sex reproduction. I am sure that the Veolian Commonwealth has some insights on genetics to offer you."

[Maria Latharion]

"Well first, you should know that all the genetic material used in the process comes from the parents. There is no 'stock' DNA.

Do you have children, senator? Wouldn't you want your child to be healthy? Instead of sick because you or your partner have, or are carrying a disease? I know I would. Any chronicle illness can utterly destroy a person and I'm not talking about death. If preventing something like that is unwise, than wisdom isn't worth it."

Maria spoke with a vigour that she usually didn't show. She wouldn't give a millimetre on this subject.

After a moment her features softened.

"I am certain the Science Board would be happy to collaborate with the Veolian Commonwealth on this matter. A lot of Astrians think this is a technology that needs to be shared with others."

[Nehket Aeka]

Seeing the severity of the stellarian senator's reaction, senator Nehket decided not to explain how such things are done in the commonwealth.

"I look forward to hearing about a succesful scientific collaboration between our factions."

With those words, the Veolian senator rose.

"I am afraid that my other duties prevent me from spending more time in pleasant company. High Priestess, Senator, it has been a pleasure."

The veolian senator made to leave.

[Amilia]

Amilia stood and bowed to the senator.

"The pleasure was all mine, senator."

[Maria Latharion]

As the High Priestess stood, Maria stood as well and also bowed to the veolian senator.

"Good day, Senator. I'm sure we will speak again soon."

[Nehket Aeka]

With a bow to the high priestess and the senator, the veolian woman left.