Fwurg

[Nehket Aeka]

"Fellow senators,

The recent words of the Principality of Suma, were wise indeed. In light of this, I wish to explain my actions, and extend an offer of reconciliation to Chancellor Bolv'ar.

First off, I would like to state that the Veolian Commonwealth is grateful for the support and gifts we have received since we joined the Union. And it has always been our intention to fully repay that which was so generously given.

My recent objections to the called vote were not based on economic grounds, but on an ideological ground. At the time, I felt that it was the only option available to me. The discussion on the proposal was still going strong when the Chancellor called a vote.

Chancellor Bolv'ar had made it abundantly clear that he wished nothing to do with the Veolian Commonwealth in his cabinet, and went as far as ignoring all diplomatic channels to speak the my Emperor directly. By doing this, Chancellor Bolv'ar put the Veolian Commonwealth in a position where the only option available was to cede to his wishes. If we were to openly contest our removal from the cabinet, the Union would have appeared weakened with internal conflict to the other superfactions. So my Emperor acted as dictated by Chancellor Bolv'ar -- he assigned someone to take up the position of demissionary minister and oversee the day-to-day operations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."

"In all honesty", senator Nehket Aeka looked directly at Chancellor Bolv'ar, with a hint of a smile on her lips, "I can only applaud this masterful act of political manoeuvring, as it shows the level of insight of our current Chancellor in foreign cultures."

She directed her attention back at the full senate, and continued: "Though this did ensure that the Union appeared strong, we were now a Core World without influence. In light of being unable to vote, and but not having the ability to influence the Chancellor, I resorted to the other available option: to call on my allies. Unfortunately, some of them cited economic reasons for voting 'no'. I called upon them to vote 'no' because I wished to ensure that the law was properly discussed, and the best possible solution was found.

To show our commitment to the Union and her safety, the Veolian Commonwealth will offer the results of our recently completed research into hyperspace signature dampening as a gift to the Union and all her members.

It was not my intention to polarize the Union, but to make Chancellor Bolv'ar see that the proposal needed further deliberation. I promise that if elected chancellor, I will work with my cabinet and senator Bolv'ar to present a new proposal for the act, should the current Safety of the Union Act not pass the vote. Should the Chancellor have to cast the deciding vote, I implore him to cast a 'no' vote. The Veolian Commonwealth will not hold it against him, even though he is legally bound to vote 'yes' as he promised so in his campaign speech.

Furthermore, I wish to offer Chancellor Bolv'ar an invitation to meet in person, and off the record, to talk through any subjects necessary to clear the skies between us and allow fruitful cooperation in the future.

Thank you."