[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/gAKgCQg.jpg[/img][/center] [b]--=Federal Quarter, Couerlene, Horizon, Tau Ceti.[/b] [i]In the Federal Council Chambers.[/i] The Federal Council Chambers were nowhere near as busy as they could, or should of been - but it wasn't necessary for everyone to attend to the minutiae of the day to day affairs of state, that was after all why the Assembly existed. It was why information was distilled into succinct reports for everyone that had an interest. For once, however, there was a minor impediment to the agenda not to mention news came from places of unwelcome developments, but you could only summon so many ministers and secretaries so fast. It was, however, politics, so Alanna Descoix, although only six months into her term as Chancellor of the Federation of Nations, had endured prattling about inconsequential matters for no small time in a valiant effort to get to some measure of the point. She found some small comfort in the fact that the chairs were obviously made for comfort. She refocused her thoughts, keeping her brilliant green eyes on the new exchange between her Political Advisor, Mikhail Kalinkov, and the Minister of Defence, Theodore Fox. Both were part of the new political breed that had begun to come to the fore before the Message, like Alanna herself, they were both younger than she, however - though that held a different weight in an age of advanced medical sciences that made life expectancy far beyond what had been thought possible. "The Vegan Faction always pushes for an extra 3% to the Federal Subsidies for Health & Education, if they didn't we would have a real problem." Mikhail said, shrugging. "And yet here we are having the same discussion we did about it the last time they tried to amend it to a arms appropriation bill, They didn't get it last time - we cut a deal there, but if they don't get it this time I'm not sure it'll pass the Assembly ready for Referenda." Theodore responded, turning to Alanna. "They have the power to block our agenda domestically, though of course Foreign Policy lies purely in the remit of ourselves for the most part." He added, addressing her directly. "You don't have to remind me, Theo, I've had to rely on the Vegan's and their associates for nearly every important social reform so far. It's only fair we return the favour. Treasury?" She asked, turning to the functionary that was present in place of the Treasury Minister who was currently on Earth. "You'll have final figures on your desk by the end of the afternoon, Chancellor, but to put it plainly, it is doable, if we slow down current spending on the Fringe Worlds to a like for like increase this year, there shouldn't be any major impediments to any other current spending plans." The functionary responded. "We can sell the increase in subsidies as a minor change to the Fringe, not much of anything there that's too difficult, politically speaking, or media wise." Mikhail interceded. Alanna nodded. "Very well, I'll make a final decision on that when I can take a look at the figures. Please add any pertinent information for the worlds effected - if we slow down too severely on projected growth in the Fringe who knows where that could end." "Of course, Chancellor." The treasury functionary said, making notes on her holographic pad. "Well, Ladies and Gentlemen, Anything Else?" Alanna asked, spreading her hands to the assorted functionaries, secretaries and ministers. Her focus turned to the Foreign Minister, Reinhard Adler, he was part of the old guard - but she had found him adaptable and importantly enough, adept at his work. This was even more important than ever, given the current galactic climate. "Chancellor, firstly, we have received a communique from the Rolvian's, which has been transferred to your office as per protocol and is awaiting your personal response. In other matters, all reports from Intelligence and Diplomatic sources indicate that the Imperial Systems Commonwealth's parliament will vote to abrogate the Treaty of Detente. If they have not already done so." Reinhard said, matter of factly. Alanna raised an eyebrow as Theodore spoke. "It was to be expected. Half the galaxy doesn't pay attention to the spirit of it these days, let alone the letter." He said, leaving out the obvious that the Federation was complicit in being very carefully defiant of their obligations to that particular treaty. Though they had hardly been the first and definitely not the last. "That is an.. accurate description, more or less. It may be that some powers react... poorly to no longer being constrained, though there is no immediate and direct threat to the Federation's borders as of this moment." Reinhard said, nodding as Theodore stated a simple "Agreed". "It is of course incredibly likely that other powers will withdraw from the treaty completely and with haste." Reinhard continued. "I cannot say with certainty that any of them will view withdrawal as tantamount to a declaration of war, but I do not doubt that some will view it that way. However, Madam Chancellor, we do require a forthright and appropriate response." He finished. Alanna waited for a moment, then spoke. "The Treaty has arguably kept meaningful peace reigning this long, but we all knew it would be fleeting. We all know the Federation agreed to it out of necessity, and I do agree it was necessary. Reinhard, once we have confirmation, please issue a.. restrained but appropriate diplomatic protest to unilateral abrogation of treaty obligations, for protocols sake. I doubt they'll even pay any notice to it, but of course have it mention that we [i]will[/i] have to take action in accordance." "You intend to withdraw from the Treaty?" Reinhard asked, though not in a way which indicated any form of shock, simply confirmation. Alanna nodded. "It is a matter of foreign policy and it lies within the Councils remit to withdraw. We need not take it to the people. While I appreciate the irony given the Commonwealth's likely parliament vote, Given the scope of the treaty itself however I will submit it to Council Vote. Please issue a full and essential summons for that purpose, Mikhail, I trust you to see to that matter. However, only do so once you have confirmation from the Foreign Ministry of what the Commonwealth has done." A nod from Mikhail was enough, and Reinhard nodded that he would of course make privy information as it was confirmed. "Very well. Unless there is anything else, I believe I have some matters of my own to attend to. Ladies and Gentleman, The Council is dismissed." ---------- [i]Office of the Chancellor.[/i] The Office of the Chancellor was functional - in its own tower a small distance away from the main Assembly building, its offices served the Chancellor foremost amongst all things - and it needed not be an opulent place. The Office of the Chancellor itself changed from occupant to occupant, who brought their own things to make their mark and took their own things away again, in a even more literal handing over of the office. So far, she had kept it simple. The only thing of any real value was the oak desk that she had paid more than enough for - not because Oak was rare in a traditional sense, it just never seemed to grow anywhere but Earth, which gave it a rarity of its own. It was not particularly old - having had many of the modern technological computational devices built into it that she needed in this office. She seated herself, her chair too was her own, having been brought from her study back on Terra Nova. Taking a moment, she spent a few seconds making sure her long red hair was still in place, and opened up state matters once more. The Rolvian Message took priority. [hider=Rolvian Communique]Most honorable Chancellor Alanna Descoix of the Federation of Nations, I have been asked to convey the following concerns of the Republic's Prime Speaker in writing. First, the easy requests. The work of our genetic engineers in the restoration of your homeworld continues apace, and we have successfully cloned a breeding pair of your "Siberian Tiger" from the samples provided. The mauling of one of our interns by the beasts was regrettable, but I'm told he was at fault for entering the enclosure of the creatures. We would like formal instruction on this matter - shall we deliver the pair to the agreed upon location, or shall we liquidate the beasts and attempt to recreate them with more agreeable temperaments? Next we will begin work on the "Sequoia" trees per our agreements. Next, there is the matter of the Federation Cruiser Trident. We have been working diligently to salvage the vessel from orbit over our world of Manir, and the remains of those who lost their lives in the Great War are being gathered for honorable return, but the black box of the bridge is still missing. It is unlikely to ever be found after being struck by a torpedo so long ago. The survivors on the planet's surface have elected one Captain Morgan Arin to speak for them. They continue to claim asylum with the Republic of Rolvius, and it is the Prime Speaker's opinion that she does not feel they will be given a fair trial for the abandonment of the vessel - in her eyes, Morgan ordered an evacuation, not a mutiny. She will not remand the survivors into Federation custody until she has sufficient proof that these individuals will not be sentenced to death. Finally, the matter of your politician Governor Harris Oril on the moon of Maya. One of our citizens, Doctor Miryala Foia, recently docked on Maya's prime territory to begin a Goodwill teaching assignment. After checking in with the University of Maya, she has not been heard from for 7 local days. My office reached out to Governor Oril and he has let it be known, in no uncertain terms, that Doctor Foia's disappearance is a matter of local concern only. I believe his exact words were "My people will look for her. You tree-embracing goat copulators only make trouble." To date, my sources say the planetary authorities have done nothing but file a missing person's report with the local police and the embassy. If the safety of our experts in Federation territory cannot be guaranteed, we will have to re-examine our commitments in restoring your world of Terra to its original biome. The Prime Speaker's Servant awaits your reply. ~ Ambassador Chelia Volinae, Servant of the Republic of Rolvius[/hider] She took it in, and began to compose her response. [hider=FedNat Response to Rolvian Communique] Your Excellency, Ambassador Chelia Volinae The continued good work which the Rolvian Republic provides the people of Earth and the greater Federation of Nations cannot be understated, and firstly let me once again extend our thanks for your assistance. Your efforts combined with our own will no doubt shorten by far our initial estimates to near complete biosphere recovery. On the matter of the Tiger pair. Please extend my personal sympathies and the sympathies of the Federation as a whole to the family of the unfortunate individual caught out by natures fickle nature. We would prefer that no alterations be made to the genome, and that the pair be delivered as per normal. If you require anything in regards to recompense for injuries sustained, please forward any pertinent information to the Foreign Minister. This is a difficult subject. As you know, the Federation's Penal Code has no death penalty for any charge other than mutiny during a time of war or national emergency, although such a penalty has not yet been enforced by the Federal Government - though of course, as you may know, several states of the Federation have pursued such legal proceedings with members of their Militia forces. Without the Black Box we cannot of course ascertain whether a genuine evacuation order was given, and as such the Navy cannot rescind the charge of mutiny. It would be for a trial to determine, and I cannot of course know which way such a matter would unfold - for that is a matter of evidence and for the courts. Standing on principle, however, I can enquire with the Ministry of Justice as to whether they intend to pursue the death penalty. However, as stated, as the Federal Government has never pursued this punishment for this charge, it is likely, though not certain, that it would not. I would also be happy to arrange a meeting between representatives of our Ministry of Justice and anyone of your choosing to discuss this difficult case. On the subject of this final matter, we may be able to speed a resolution. All Police in the Federation are Federalised, as you may know, and as such you or your chosen representatives are fully within your rights to liase with the Federal Police on the matter of a missing foreign national. I apologise that this is not made entirely clear - and the Governor may be at fault for this, A matter I will look into. As Maya is a recently organised territory, it does not yet have state representation, which also makes matters easier as the local governmental apparatus is federally administered. I cannot, of course, personally intercede, but I am sure Justice and the Police High Commissioner will be glad to assist you fully and effectively in this case. It is my hope that Doctor Foia can be found, and in the circumstances she cannot, we may discuss the presence of Rolvian personnel directly advising investigatory teams. ~ Alanna Decroix, With the Authority of the Office of the Chancellor, Unum Liberum.[/hider] ---------- [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/9YFn6mp.jpg[/img][/center] [b]--=FRCHS Hermione, Hospital Ship, Agdemnar System[/b] The Hermione was the only official presence the Federation of Nations possessed in the Agdemnar System. It was notable in the sense that it was an "official" presence, unlike most. The Federation had not really reacted, or so it had seemed, to the Message. At the outbreak of "hostilities" in Agdemnar not long after, the Federation of Nations had very publicly and loudly stated its intent to provide humanitarian aid as per its want and remit, and had done just that, sent a hospital ship. Everyone likely thought it was a front for something else, but it submitted to infrequent "inspections" and now was mostly ignored by everyone unless they happened to have need of the re-purposed luxury liner's extensive and rather, actually, quite good medical facilities. Its Crew largely thought it was a miracle no-one had decided to just blow it up first, whilst a few thought that had even been the intent - to provide an official reason to place a military presence in the system. That wasn't particularly true, but the loud noisy arrival of the ship - and its subsequent resupplies - had provided cover for a number of Pharos programme stealth ships to enter the system. For now they had watched, just in case. Whilst the Hermione was well shielded, it was largely defenceless. For the time being, at least, anyone who did make an attack run on the Hermione was likely in for a nasty surprise. The Federation could afford to be patient for now. To Watch. Why waste lives when you can learn from the mistakes of others?