Fwurg

[Senator Acehtoo of the Miomanian Colonists]

"Fellow Senators,

It is my sad duty to announce the end of the membership of the Enlightened Kingdoms. We wish them well in their future endeavours.

Thank you."

[Nehket Aeka]

"With all due respect chancellor, what is going on here?

The Union has just invested 10 000 in grants and 1200 in subsidies in the Enlightened Kingdoms. Since they left the Union the moment they were obliged to pay taxes, it appears as if the Enlightened Kingdoms joined the Union purely to benefit from our combined generosity.

Did they give any reason for their departure, and if so, why was this reason not shared with us?"

[Lady Peinaili de Montrève]

" This is unheard off, Chancellor, " Lady Peinaili reacted as the announcement of the Chancellor Acehtoo was brought for the Senate, which erupted in a somewhat heated discussion.

" This seems to suggest that the Enlightened Kingdoms did only seek to benefit from the generosity of the Union and her members, with the goal to boost their own economy. What are the reasons for this withdrawal, which I assume it is, and what are the consequences for the Union in terms of the investment made? "

[Senator Acehtoo of the Miomanian Colonists]

"The Enlightened Kingdoms has revealed to us that their independence, which was previously established during their application process, is in fact not as far reaching as was depicted at that time. As such, we have established that the Enlightened Kingdoms does not, and in fact has never, qualified for membership."

The Chancellor explained, seeing her attempt to get this matter resolved without too much public shaming was not going to work.

"Though they came forward about this discrepancy themselves, the Enlightened Kingdoms had up to that point omitted a material fact. Because of this, after conferring with the Cabinet, we have had no choice but to immediately declare the Enlightened Kingdoms membership invalid.

We have informed the Enlightened Kingdoms they shall be forced to repay the subsidies and grants, with interest. As the amount is out of scale with the Enlightened Kingdoms economy, a steep, but fair payment plan has been established that will not destroy the Enlightened Kingdoms economy, but which will ensure swift repayment."

She paused a moment.

"To ensure that this time there shall be no omissions, and that repayment shall be swift and in full, I have asked Defence Minister Bolv'ar to keep the reserve fleet in the Pandora System until the matter is resolved to our satisfaction.

I apologize for not being more open about this, but as you can imagine, the issue is rather sensitive, as it is embarrassing for all parties involved. This should have never happened and I personally take full responsibility."

[Nehket Aeka]

"Thank you for this clarification Chancellor. In the future we would like to be informed about issues such as these with openness, even though such issues may be sensitive."

Senator Nehket Aeka directed her attention to the whole senate.

"The Veolian Commonwealth is of the opinion that it is unfair to hold fraudulent membership applications against the Chancellor. As swift action has been taken by our Chancellor, we can rest assured that the fraudulent behaviour of the Enlightened Kingdoms has cost them more than it benefited them.

The Veolian Commonwealth considers this case closed, and again thanks the Chancellor for her immediate action."