Fwurg

[Nehket Aeka]

"Fellow Senators, Chancellor,

It is my pleasure to announce a new minor world that is in the process of joining the Union, the Unified Empire of Azaryan Colonies. I understand they are in the process of reforming their economy, and intend to become an Inner World.

I will let them introduce themselves, but I believe they will become most valued members of the Union. Please join me in welcoming the Unified Empire of Azaryan Colonies!"

[Senator Zalyass al-Chak'zya Azara-ya]

Zalyass had been trained non-stop for this for the past half year. She had practised the courtesies, rhethorics and all do-s and don't-s she needed to know about when she would take her place in the senate. Every single day for the past three weeks she had been praticing and finetuning her speech for this very moment. Zalyass, along with her entourage were taught by some of the finest teachers known in the universe. She even had the honor of performing some of her speeches right in front of the queen. She had performed flawless back then.

But why was she so scared now?

As she walked up to the platform, she tried her very best not to look too impressed with everything that was going on, but deep inside she felt rather intimidated by all the people looking at her. A muscle in her leg twitched.

'Well, here goes nothing' She whispered to herself.

"Thank you, Senator.... Aeka, for introducing us to the Senate. You have our gerattitude in advance, Senate, for bestowing upon us the great honour of letting us join in your ranks. I, Zalyass al-Chak'zya Azara-ya, proposed senator of the Unified Empire of Azaryan Colonies, promises you all our full support in making the Union even more splendid than it already is"

Zalyass hoped that the senator hadn't noticed her hesitance in saying her name. With all the stress she had almost forgotten her name. She looked around at the faces of her future colleagues. All of a sudden, she started to calm down. She could do this.

"I do not think that anyone here had expected us to be here ten years ago. I know for sure that some of you remain skeptic even now. However... Even when we know that our past is one of misgivings, our entire race has put their mind on changing themselves for the better and look where we are right now. The senate can expect the same from the UEAC and myself for the future as we build to an existance elevated above agression and a future of cooperation with the other factions. Senate, I put our future in your forgiving hands and ask of you to allow to to join the Union as a Minor world and prospect Inner world."

Zalyass had been the last one to expect herself to be in the place at this time. How the heck had she gotten this far? How much further could she get as a senator. Would the current Empress be able to suppress the anger of all the people who disagreed with the radical change in politics? Only time could tell...

Zalyass once again looked up at the people of the senate as a small smile appeared on her face. She could do this

[Maria Latharion]

With a warm smile Maria starts to speak.
"On behafe of the Stellarian Triad Federation, I welcome Unified Empire of Azaryan Colonies to the Union.
I am pleased to see new members take their place in our interstellar community and hope for mutual prosperaty thrue traid and coöperation."

[Nehket Aeka]

"I do have a question for you, Senator Zalyass al-Chak'zya Azara-ya. As I have heard it, until very recently a civil war raged on your world, and that this war has just now started to subside.

The declaration of Unity clearly states that members of the Union should be sovereign in their territory, and should have a governmental body that speaks for all of their constituents. As this is one of the few conditions we have for members of the Union, I feel obliged to ask. Do you, as representative of the Unified Empire of Azaryan Colonies, speak for all people on your world?"

[Senator Danar Tassar]

“Pardon me this intrusion, but I have a question too. At first, welcome at the Union, Senator Zalyass al-Chak'zya Azara-ya, we hope that you and the Unified Empire of Azaryan Colonies will be a valuable asset to the Union.

Now my question: Your species were previously known as a violent race who prospered by conquering. If my information is correct, your leader, your queen is responsible for this kind of behaviour. The old queen died and with her the violent way of life, as the new queen prefers co-operation. How long does a queen live and therefore, how long before a new queen rise and with her the new possibility of your species turning violent again because of her conquering point of view?”

[Senator Zalyass al-Chak'zya Azara-ya]

Zalyass hesitated at first. She knew that these questions would come, since the UEAC's situation had only recently become anywhere near stable. Occasionally, there were still massive outbreaks of anti-reformist violence and even though the current regime was dealing with these riots just fine, they only barely managed to meet the prerequisites to enter the Union. The step had been taken relatively soon after the new Empress had taken the throne. Too soon according to some. It was up to her and her alone to defend the honour of the Azarya.

She waited for the room to settle down before she started her reply.

"I can assure you that all Azarya stand behind our new Empress and the Empress stands behind both me and the UEAC. I speak in her name just as she speaks for all Azarya. I can assure the senate that these uprises are just the last spasms of an old belief. We are dealing with them as we speak."

'And it's Empress, not Queen, you ingrate'

Just barely managing to keep those final words to herself, Zalyass waited to see if any more reassurance was needed. Assuming this will be enough, she continued.

"And to answer your question, Representative. I am afraid you got it the wrong way around. Our people have allowed Empress Shaleen al-Zya Azara-ya to become Empress because we wanted the change. If one doesn't speak with the voice of the people, one cannot become Empress. The Azarya will not allow it. We may be a... passionate people, Representative, but we do not have a death wish, I ensure you."

[Nehket Aeka]

"Thank you for your explanation of the matter, Senator Zalyass al-Chak'zya Azara-ya. Given your explanation I see no reason to withhold membership of the Union from the Unified Empire of Azaryan Colonies.

Should a new Empress be bold enough to ascend to the throne, she will surely be wise enough to see the benefits of Union membership.", Senator Nehket Aeka took a moment to look over the Azaryan senator intently, "If need be the Veolian Commonwealth will send an envoy to gently remind her highness of this."

[Senator Danar Tassar]

"I understand, thank you for the explanation."

[Senator Gregory Konev]

"In the name of the Unified Republic of Darya I wish to welcome the Unified Empire of Azaryan Colonies to the Union. May this be a prosperous colaboration for us and our new comrade."

[Lady Peinaili de Montrève]

"The Sundarian Federation extends her greetings and a warm welcome to the Unified Empire of Azaryan Colonies and congratulates them on achieving Union Membership.

We hope this lead to mutual prosperity and a cooperation beneficial to all. "

[Senator Acehtoo of the Miomanian Colonists]

"The Unified Empire of Azaryan Colonies is most welcome and we look forward to our close cooperation!"

[Senator Harek]

“First of all the Hiocan Society whishes to welcome the Unified Empire of Azaryan Colonies and thank senator Zalyass al-Chak'zya Azara-ya for her words.

We see that the Azarya are hard working people who are trying to change. The Azarya have taken a big step and will see that by working together the Union will become peaceful and prosperous.”

[Senator Zalyass al-Chak'zya Azara-ya]

Zalyass could feel her anger boil up. How did this woman have the nerve to threaten her with military actions? She shook her head and breathed in deeply. Now was not the time to become angry. She had to show the Union that they had changed, even if most of the Azarya were still struggling with the change, including herself. Even so, she couldn't just let the remark go. The welcoming words of the other groups could only partially calm her down, but it was enough to not make her lash out.

"I ensure you, Senator, we have the situation under control. Though I appreciate the Veolian Commonwealth's offer to aid us in keeping our peace, I strongly advise you against doing so without our consent. Other factions of the Union might get the wrong idea about that and of course we do not want that to happen."

Zalyass paused for a while to look at Senator Nehket Aeka. She wanted to judge her response, but she didn't want to wait long enough to allow the Senator to respond.

"Having said that, I am glad to see that the Veolian Commonwealth also welcomes us into the Union. The Veolian Commonwealth is the Union member closest to our home world and a valuable future partner for us. If we would ever need assistance, I shall remember your offer."

If Zalyass wasn't mistaken, the Veolian Commonwealth was the faction that had captured and enslaved the people on board the Sha'at Kimer colonisation ship. Even though she really didn't want to admit it, they were partly to thank for the change of her people. She couldn't be grateful to a faction that had captured fifty thousand of her people though.

Time to change the subject before she exploded with anger.

"I also wish to extend my gratitude to the numerous other factions who have welcomed the UEAC and myself into the Union.
I have no doubts that we will all benefit from this expansion of the Union. If you have questions or an offer, do not hesitate to contact me."