Fwurg

**Nehket Aeka** » Tue Dec 25, 2012 9:10 pm

((OOC: This thread is private to the Veolian Commonwealth and Bolv'ar.))

As Bolv'ar arrived, a servant was waiting to bring him to the office of senator Nehket Aeka.

"Bolv'ar, thank you for taking the time to meet me.", the veolian senator greeted her ex-colleague. She motioned to the couch in her office: "Please, take a seat."

"So kind of you to invite me Chancellor. And may I congratulate you once again on your election."

The former senator seemed honest in his congratulation, though perhaps he was just a great actor. With politicians at this level, there was no sure way to be certain.

"I pray this is not about administrative backlogs? Such you would have to discuss with the paper-pushers that now fall under your office as Chancellor." he said with a smile to indicate he was possibly merely joking... then again, politician. You could never be certain.

**Nehket Aeka** » Tue Jan 01, 2013 11:42 pm

"Thank you, and don't worry, this has nothing to do with administrative backlogs."

Senator Nehket Aeka smiled at Bolv'ar.

"As I told the senate, I would like to talk through any issues between our worlds. It was not my intention to target you like this, but you left me little options -- and while I appreciate your desire to see the Union protected, we should not forget that we are all part of the Union and that laws have to be discussed before they are put to a vote. The way you handled it, while legal, was rather hasty."

"I am afraid I would have to disagree with you on that Senator. The matter was discussed and all options that came forward in the debate were in the vote. It is my position that the main problem nations had with the vote was not that it had different options or that it was not debated enough, but that all options asked members to pay in order to receiving benefits.

As close as it was, the matter is now mostly academic. It gave you the opportunity to become chancellor. I hope that you will hold the defences of the Union in as high a position as I have. The enemy may be closer than we think." The former chancellor noted ominously.

"You do have plans for the defence of the Union, do you not Chancellor?"

**Nehket Aeka** » Sat Jan 05, 2013 1:02 am

"Well...", the chancellor started, but then she stopped.

"You may be right. It seems that some of the smaller worlds do not yet see that they pay but a fraction of the taxes the larger economies provide to the Union, while receiving the same benefits. This is an unfortunate thing."

The chancellor looked at Bolv'ar. "Of course I have plans for the defence of the Union. For one, I will continue where you left of, your proposal for the Safety of the Union act is a good basis for a further refinement. I hope to promote the cooperation between the different member militaries, but for this, they need to have a military to work with."

"In my capacity as representative of the Veolian Commonwealth I have another project going, something that might interest you. The Veolian Commonwealth and a small group of Inner Worlds is currently working towards the establishment of a research and prototyping facility for military technology and equipment.

We hope that this will help us keep the technological advantage we currently enjoy as a superpower. We are, however, not yet there. In part due to the fact that we have yet to find someone to lead the facility. We are looking for someone with an insight in the defensive strategy and capabilities of the Union, and the knowledge to start up those projects the Union needs most."

The chancellor paused for a moment.

((OOC: I hope you are aware that people proposed looking into expanding the Union military forces as well. I'm not going into it any further, but just to make sure you know that there really was an ignored option... Whether Bolv'ar interprets it as such is another thing of course ^_^))

"That seems like an important institution that could be most beneficial to the Union. Have you established how it will be integrated with the current Union institutions?" he inquired. "And what scale of budget are you thinking of for its implementation?"

The former senator seemed interested to hear more details.

**Nehket Aeka** » Sun Jan 06, 2013 5:41 pm

"We are currently exploring our options for such an institution. To ease the establishment of the institution, we will most likely pick a location in the sovereign territory of one of the participating parties. This eases acquisitions and ensures a certain level of stability in the applicable legislation.

We hope that the institution's leader can be instrumental in positioning the institution within the Union, even though it does not seem that there is much centralized military research going on. Of course, this offers us the intitiative to start such work.

The budget will be roughly 0.15 (:tax)

per week, for running and research cost. However, should discoveries be made that warrant the full dedication of a intergalactic scale research budget, such funding would only be a holonet call away."

"Hmm, I think that would be too little to make any significant headway in fundamental research... however, if as you say such funding could be made available... do you believe the Union would have a proper budget for this?"

**Nehket Aeka** » Wed Jan 16, 2013 10:12 pm

"You misunderstand me, Bolv'ar. We intend for the institution to start out as a private cooperation between a few member worlds. As it seems that the current political climate will make it difficult to increase spendings on such an institute, we decided that it was better to go ahead and get started, than wait for weeks while we process the proposal through all bureaucratic hoops. I'm sure you understand.

Starting out as a private institution does have it's benefits. As the current potential location is within Veolian sovereign territory, you wouldn't be constrained by Unity City law or Sector 10 -6 laws. The only laws applicable would be those of the Veolian Commonwealth, and the emperor can be very liberal with regards to such projects.

The factions I am currently in discussion with have no problem with funding such research out of their own defence budgets. So funding would come directly from the participating Union members. Which means that, instead of going through bureaucratic hoops to get the funding from Union, you would only have to contact the board of oversight to project funding grants approved. And I assure you, we would not start this institution if we did not have the intention of actually funding such research.

I understand that this would be a step down from your normal operating budget, and you probably received offers for other interesting positions. But we are offering you the option of increasing the safety of the Union, without the hassle of bureaucratic tape surrounding Union budget grants.

We have already determined that you are our first choice candidate. So should you accept the position, we will continue this discussion with my partners in this endeavour present."

The veolian woman measured Bolv'ar reaction, before continuing.

"As you are probably already aware, veolian culture has a very liberal view in things like signing bonuses and fringe benefits, especially for those in leadership positions.", the intonation of the last few words made it clear that signing bonuses and fringe benefits could mean a rather large array of things.

((OOC: I'm sorry, but I'm not going to pay 1+ (:tax)

upkeep for to have a good IC reason to think up new military technologies. We didn't seem to need a reason in the past, and I think that 0.15 (:tax)

is an enormour heapload of money for a research institute... Unless I am sorely mistaken about the value of 0.15 (:tax)

, this is actually something roughly equivalent to 150.000.000€ / week.))

"Ah, forgive me Chancellor. I was under the impression you were proposing this department would do the actual research, but if I understand correctly you are looking for someone to explore the possible avenues of future research, would that be correct?"

He looked at the Veolian woman a moment.

"I did receive an option for a lucrative position with an Excarian defence-contractor. But your offer does sound attractive. That said, I am not sure my wife would be comfortable in the Veolian System. I am sure we can find a solution there, though. Who did you say were your partners in this endeavour?"

**Nehket Aeka** » Thu Jan 24, 2013 11:50 pm

"I did not.", the veolian senator replied with a smile. "However, I would be glad to introduce you to them. I will arranged a meeting in a few days."

"Our idea is indeed that this institute will explore the possible avenues of future research. However, once it has been determined that that a project warrants further development, you would only have to draw up a project proposal. If the proposal is approved by the board of oversight, the necessary funds will be made available to develop the technology.

You can expect a sizeable part of the actual research to be completed at the institute as well, both theoretical and practical work. Of course, large construction projects will have to be outsourced. But I assure you, you will have the opportunity to complete projects and attach your name to the work."

"Bolv'ar", the veolian senator started, "I do not know your wife, so I have to ask: what can we do to make her feel comfortable? The location we are looking at is relatively close to Unity, so she would have access to all that the Union has to offer."

((OOC: With regards to the next meeting: I will poke you when that thread is ready to have Bolv'ar walk in. For now, let's continue this thread as if that meeting hasn't happend yet.

EDIT: the thread is ready.))

"My wife is very much into non-profit causes, and I'm afraid she simply would not take well to slavery in her presence. She can be quite vocal on matters she disagrees fundamentally with and I would not want an incident to jeopardize our relationship."

The former chancellor explained.

"So you can see Mirda with its abundance of slaves, would be an issue as a location... In fact, if this offer had come from the Veolian Commonwealth alone, even if it were not on Mirda, I would have to decline, no matter how generous the offer.

I believe family is very important. I understand you do not have your own family yet, but that your house is quite important in the Veolian Commonwealth, correct?"

**Nehket Aeka** » Sun Jan 27, 2013 6:36 pm

"I am afraid that I do not share your wife's sentiments towards slavery. Though I appreciate the fact that she speaks up about her beliefs. I can give you some assurances. My partners were very adamant that no slaves be employed by the institute, and as this is a research institute, the Commonwealth saw no reason to object to the request. After all, if we wish to cooperate, certain concessions have to be made on all sides.

House Nehket is one of the six great houses, and has a seat on the Imperial Council. The Imperial Council determines the general direction of the Veolian Commonwealth, though the emperor can veto any of their decisions. In practice, this happens rarely, as House Saret has a seat on the council as well, and the empresses can be very persuasive.

As to my personal situation, I can be simple: family is very important, unfortunately, I have yet to meet a perfect match."

Nehket Aeka paused for a moment.

"Maybe it would be wise to arrange for a member of House Iaat to be the veolian liaison to the institute? House Iaat has abolished slavery in their territories. I am sure that your wife would feel more comfortable with them?"

"That would indeed be advantageous. At the least, it would help with the transition."

The former senator seemed quite pleased with this proposal.

**Nehket Aeka** » Fri Feb 01, 2013 1:14 am

"Very well then. Should you take up the offer, I will advice the emperor to appoint the new position to a member of House Iaat."

The chancellor smiled.

"Once again, you display a remarkable insight into the workings of the Veolian Commonwealth. I am sure you won't forget to mention your influence in arranging this newly created position to the appointed liaison.

On that note. The empress has informed me that you were apparently aware of the Saśakta hai Vyavasthā. I would love to hear what your interest in them is."

"I have heard of them, though I am not sure if I ever had the pleasure of meeting one. At least I never met one who openly introduced themselves as such. They are an interesting order. The Force has their followers on many worlds, and though few are as skilled as the Jedi, they each have their own merits.

My interest is primarily in their ability to help the Union. Or hinder them. Other factions have elite operatives and one day we may be forced to face them. It is my fear that though the Jedi are powerful, they may not be numerous enough to counter everything our enemies can throw at us. With that fact, it would be good to know that there is a second line of defence."

The former Chancellor spoke from the heart, and the current one could detect that his desire to protect the Union was genuine.

**Nehket Aeka** » Fri Feb 01, 2013 10:43 pm

"Well, I think that we have covered most issues.

Thank you for coming down here. I'll have you informed of the time and date of the follow-up meeting."

With that, chancellor Nehket Aeka stood, and led Bolv'ar out of the embassy.

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

"Thank you Chancellor. It was a pleasure to speak with you as always." And Bolv'ar let himself be led out, returning to where he had come from.

Fwurg

[ Veolian Embassy ] Meeting with Bolv'ar <private>

[ Veolian Embassy ] Meeting with Bolv'ar <private>