Fwurg

[Nehket Aeka]

((OOC: This thread is private to the Veolian Commonwealth, the Praetorian Empire, the Stellarian Triad Federation, the Miomanian Colonists, the Holy Heimgolean Theocracy and the Divine Fiefdom of Highmons.))

"Fellow senators,

It is a pleasure to receive you all, here in the veolian embassy, to discuss our campaign plan for the upcoming elections.

I am happy to announce that senator Acehtoo has accepted my offer to be my second running mate, and with her she brings expertise and her allies in the Heimgolean Theocracy and the Divine Fiefdom of Highmons."

Senator Nehket Aeka continued to introduce all parties at the table, and allowed each of them to speak about themselves or their interest in the campaign should they wish so.

[Maria Latharion]

When she was introduced, Maria made a curt bow to the other senators.

"For those of you who don't know me yet allow me to introduce myself again.

I am Lady-Senator Maria Latharion, representing the Stellarian Triad Federation and first running mate of Senator Nehket.

I look forward to working with all of you."

[Senator Acehtoo of the Miomanian Colonists]

"As do we all.

In regard to an earlier question which was asked of me in private, I thought it prudent to respond in person.

I will not be taking up a position as minister myself. Having lost the previous election quite clearly, a more humble role as senator would be more appropriate for me. Instead, I have asked Senator Mathi-ey to retake her position as Minister of Justice with the Holy Heimgolian Theocracy providing the Minister of Foreign Affairs once more.

Now, as to our campaign plan...

I would like to propose a renewed focus on the growth of the Union instead of a military focus as Chancellor Bolv'ar has worked on."

[Senator Ardios Eldrilith]

"As representative of the Praetorian Empire I agree with Senator Acehtoo that we should focus on the growth of the Union instead of a large military force. We would like to implement this as stronger economic bonds between the Union members by expanding the trade in the Union.

When possible we would be interested in trade with the Slave Rebellion and Echani as well. I don't think we can promise this to the senate but we could talk to the other super powers about trade relations. "

[Nehket Aeka]

"Thank you all for coming. I am sure that together we can come up with a strong election program.

One of the things that I want to emphasize is the fact that I do not think the Union benefits from the single-issue candidacies I have seen over time. We should be careful that we don't focus to much on a single issue. Though I do not agree with the way Bolv'ar handles things, unfortunately he does have a point that not all conflicts can be resolved with diplomacy.

Intead of focussing solely on the growth of the Union, or focussing only on the military power of the Union, we should bring balance and stability to the Union. Growth of the Union, and an increase in commerce do have a place, but this will be as facets of the larger picture."

Senator Nehket Aeka looked at the participating senators. ((OOC: Are heimgol and highmons represented in person?))

"With that being said: I agree that we should look to increasing commerce and cooperation. The current focus on military, to the detriment of other facets, is not healthy for the Union. I think one of the spear points of the campaign should be a stable and balanced Union, which will probably offer some contrast to the other candidates. Combined with renewed attention to internal growth in the areas of technology and commerce, we will convince the smaller economies of our plan. Our promise of stability and lawful conduct will convince those that desire stability and rationality, such as Niom and the Hiocan Society.

The commonwealth is currently in conference with some of the newer factions to gain their support. What other factions can we count on, with our combined political alliance?"

[Senator Acehtoo of the Miomanian Colonists]

((OOC: They are both present but keeping quiet atm))

"I shall naturally use my pull to bring in more votes behind the scenes."

[Maria Latharion]

"I believe the best way to gather votes is by having a better election plan than the competition. I agree that focussing on a single issue won't benefit the Union."

Casting a glance at senator Acehtoo, Maria continued.

"While growth is good, we should not neglect the military. Expansion can very easily be seen as a sign of aggression. The twelve Union fleets already can't defend the entire Union. I believe we should stimulate the strong to help the weak. The Union already does a few things in this regard but it can still be improved upon."

[Nehket Aeka]

An aide of the veolian senator entered the room, and handed a datapad to her. After reading the pad, senator Nehket Aeka stood up, clearly angry.

"Fellow senators, it seems Chancellor Bolv'ar is trying to use the voting law to side-step proper discussion on his Safety of the Union act. He just called a vote on a law proposal that has not yet sufficiently been discussed by the senate. He hopes that, by offering all these alternatives, he can remove the 'No' option in the second round of voting.

Instead of bringing us closer together, he specifically crafted several alternatives to divide the Union on the subject, in hopes of being able to force acceptance of this law by playing members of the Union against each other, only so he can save face!

While I am in favour of ensuring that the Union is safe, we should not stand for such tricks, as this is bordering on abuse of power! I implore you all to vote 'No' to send a clear signal that such behaviour is not appreciated.

Should you think it necessary, I am willing to reopen the discussion on the proposal should I be elected chancellor."

[Maria Latharion]

Maria remained calm, she was certainly angry that the law had been proposed as it was. But she would not let it cloud her judgement.

"I agree. While the safety of the Union is important. This law undermines some of the basic principles of the Union. It doesn't promote cooperation and favours the larger economies over the small.

That being said it's probably a good idea to reopen the discussion if you are elected, Senator Nehket. It seems this is a last minute attempt to uphold the promises Chancellor Bolv'ar made during the last elections."

She hoped her calm demeanour would help Senator Nehket to calm down as well.

[Nehket Aeka]

The calm demanour of Maria did have an effect, as senator Nehket Aeka sat down again, looking much relieved.

"I shall present my policy tomorrow, in the afternoon. I will take into account all of your input, and will be sure to mention the growth of the union, the economic potential of the union, and the fact that stability and cooperation are necessary to attain such goals.

Thank you."

[Senator Mathi-ey C'b'rton of the Divine Fiefdom of Highmons]

"My government believes the position of Chancellor is one which requires taking into account the interests of all Union members. Not just of the smaller more vocal members but of the more quiet larger members as well."

[Senator Acehtoo of the Miomanian Colonists]

"Indeed Senator." the former chancellor agreed. "Moreover, tactics of anger and crying foul are not very dignified. While I do not fully agree with his methods, I do not believe Chancellor Bolv'ar is acting maliciously here. He listened to the argument, and proposed a law, with various alternatives, based on the comments he received."

She paused a moment.

"More politically, Mioman and Heimgol make very large contributions to the Union. But we cannot be expected to pay for everything - if this law should fail and a new one is made, we expect any proposal to take our interests most seriously."

[Maria Latharion]

"I highly doubt anyone expects that senator Acehtoo." Maria said. "Nor do I believe the Chancellor has anything but the Union's best interests at hart. But a law that benefits all Union members the same, should also affect all members the same."

She paused and looked at the Highmonian senator. She couldn't shake the feeling that last comment was directed at her.

"Of coarse I believe the chancellor must look out for all members, but being vocal about it is one of the few ways smaller members can make a difference and isn't it a senator's job to look out for his or her people?"

[Nehket Aeka]

"While I am still of the opinion that the current vote is below all standards of correct and honourable leadership, I concur that it chancellor Bolv'ar not necessarily acts out of maliciousness."

Senator Nekhet Aeka sighed.

"It seems that Union politics are indeed much different from the politics at home. I am very glad that I find myself surrounded by insightful colleagues who can offer sound advice. I am sure that together we can lead the Union into a prosperous period.

Senator Acehtoo, I assure you that any new proposal will take into account the interests of every Union member equally."

[Senator Mathi-ey C'b'rton of the Divine Fiefdom of Highmons]

"Senator Aeka, would you be willing to put 'taking into account the interests of every Union member equally' in your campaign speech?"

[Nehket Aeka]

Senator Nehket Aeka looked at the highmonian senator, "I am, otherwise I would not have said such. Unrelated, I would much prefer if you address me by my family name, senator. It is a cultural thing."

[Senator Mathi-ey C'b'rton of the Divine Fiefdom of Highmons]

"I apologise for the mistake, Senator. I was under the impression 'Aeka' was your family name. Could you enlighten me as to the exact way in which you wish to be addressed, so as I do not make another error?"

[Nehket Aeka]

"Depending on the circumstances, either Lady Nehket or Senator Nehket. In veolian culture it is always acceptable to address someone by their title and full name, which would be Senator Nehket Aeka in Union context, or Lady Nehket Aeka in other contexts. In my culture, addressing someone by their given name implies a certain level of intimacy."

[Senator Mathi-ey C'b'rton of the Divine Fiefdom of Highmons]

"Thank you for explaining this to me Senator Nehket. Your clarification has much enlightened me." the Senator bowed "Again, my apologies for the mistake."

[Nehket Aeka]

"Thank you all for your input. We shall reconvene when the election results are in, or when an urgent matter requires our attention."

After her last statement, senator Nehket Aeka accompanied the different senators to the embassy doors for a last few words of goodbye.

((OOC: I consider this thread finished.))