Post by paracelsus on Mar 22, 2022 16:17:10 GMT
Richterdris, Richter System
Chancellor’s Office, Parliament Hall, Unity City
Melchior knows that being the Chancellor always comes with a great burden. Even though much power went to Parliament, the Chancellor is technically the face of the nation- someone who represents the unified government in all despite it being far from the fact.
Naturally, he feels quite nervous at the prospect of representing the government during this trying time.
The Chancellor of the UDS sighs as he straightens his tie. He looks around the room- at its dark blue metallic walls decorated with so little save for the emblem of the nation, at its relative emptiness save for his desk at the edge of the room, and the meeting table he is seated at alongside with the rest of the government heads.
His yellow eyes glance across every face in the room. Every head of every department, directorate, and ministry is here. The largest gathering of officials outside a biannual meeting. Everyone here is nervous. Perhaps more so than him. Even the head of the Systems Intelligence Office (SIO) is nervous. He brushes aside a strand of long pale white hair wishing he tied it back before he clears his throat to speak, “I’ll just get straight to the point. We’re here for two reasons; to discuss the current state of affairs and to document our submission for the government’s plan of action to Parliament.”
He brushes a hand across the table allowing for an interactive hardlight map to appear. It details the galaxy (Ancerious it is called. Who named this place?) they are all in and all its empires. He quickly narrows the image down to focus on a small place on the eastern side of the galaxy outlined in blue. He gulps, looking at it.
Six star systems are within the deep blue shade. Six systems represent the UDS’ colonial interest.
“It has been six months since we established a presence in the Ancerious Galaxy.,” he says, adjusting his tie to keep his cool, “six months since we established our very first extragalactic colony… and found ourselves in this mess.”
Is he being dramatic? Yes. But is there really a better way to put this?
There are a few gulps and sighs amidst the assembled party,
“For the first few months, things more or less ran smoothly. Our colonists have successfully found a planet capable of sustaining life and have settled on it. They began peaceful expansion into neighbouring star systems before resources demanded they stop. Once they began to contact the inhabitants of that galaxy, however… things took an ugly turn.”
He sighs massaging his forehead slightly.
“The galaxy proved to be far more unstable than expected and are much valued assets are now threatened with conflict that could potentially drag the entire nation into it,” he lets the statement hang in the air for a moment, before speaking again, “before we do anything else, can we have a summary of said assets in the Ancerious Galaxy?”
The General Secretary, Adeline Edelstein, nods her head and quickly makes her move to use the map, swapping and tapping away to reveal a set of numbers.
“Um, yes, thank you, sir. In terms of territory and holdings, we possess six star systems, with the Genesis and Albios being the most important them as they house the colonised planets of Eden and Annwn,” she carries on speaking, “in addition to these worlds, we have the two orbital habitats, mining and industrial facilities on worlds that cannot be inhabited, and gas giant harvesters, to name a few. Stability is good on all accounts. All in all, pretty good for the colonies.”
“And the populations?” He asks, deciding to move on to the next topic.
“Closest estimations numbers at a little over five billion, evenly split between both planets,” she reports. She seems to be ready to delve deeper into demographics, but a voice interrupts her.
Khalid, the Minister of Defence, speaks up, “forgive my interruption, but perhaps we should report on our current military situation.”
Inwardly, Melchior cringes. But he knows he is right. Matters of the military, especially considering the current galactic climate, are something to definitely consider. In the end, he nods his head, “yes… I suppose it is all we’ve been waiting for.”
Adeline nods, tapping away at the hologram to change the view to a series of numbers and descriptive words, “we have the newly formed 11th, 12th, and 13th Fleets deployed there, numbering a total of 600. As for active military personnel, we can estimate they number roughly eighty million.”
A few more nods and murmurs rise from the assembled party. Satisfactory numbersm all in all.
He sighs audibly this time, not even paying attention to his peers. He clasps his hand in front of him, “thank you for that assessment. Before we discuss this more, can we talk about our diplomatic and trade relations with the… Unaligned, I believe they are called?”
And she does. Trade is hard. Very hard, in these times. But without the materials they had back home- namely what they needed for much of their advanced technology, their hand was forced to trade for ‘Ancerium’ for FTL travel and ‘Sinarion’ for their gravity and hardlight tech in order for the colonies to be more or less self sufficient. It cost much, but it was needed if they wanted to prosper. Other than basic trade, not much in terms of diplomacy happened, although they received a cold shoulder from those who called themselves ‘Native’.
He supposes they are valid in that.
In the blink of an eye, thirty minutes of pure assessment and stockpiling end. Finally leaving room for an open forum.
To no one’s surprise, Jolyne Kurtis is the first to speak. She is the head of the Department of Energy and all know why she needs to speak first.
“We need to establish a Dyson swarm as soon as we can. Or whatever we can get,” are her immediate words, “it would bolster our presence in Ancerious and ensure that they do not prove to be a drain on our resources.”
There is a general murmur of agreement from everyone present. It absolutely is necessary. But there is a problem-
“We lack the resources to construct one right now. Not to mention, the nation isn’t in a state to focus on a project like that. We’ll need time,” speaks one minister.
“Agreed,” someone murmurs, “we need to focus on what’s in front of us first. Infrastructure. Security. Trade. We’ll divert resources to a megastructure like that once we’re in a better position.”
Jolyne frowns, glancing at Melchior for support, “I suppose. But you cannot deny, having one would seriously boost our position here.”
At this, he decides to intervene, “like everything else, we’ll present this idea to Parliament as part of a long term plan. For now, we should discuss anything else regarding our planned actions that could be submitted to them.”
As he speaks, he starts to move his fingers on an interface in the table and then a corresponding note appears in front of him like a hardlight screen.
“I hear of some sort of socialist block being formed,” Johann, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, mutters, “we could send envoys to see if we could get in there.”
“I’ll make sure it’s done,” Melchior agrees and adds that to the screen as well, “now. I believe we should discuss our actions pertaining to what people are calling the ‘Third Ancerious War,” he rests his arms on the table, hands clasped in front of each other to control his shaking.
Why did it have to be now? They’re just not ready for another war. Not now. It’s too soon.
Khalid is the one who speaks first this time, “in normal circumstances I would have suggested neutrality. It is the best and safest course of action. But considering our situation and the environment- especially the latter, I’m afraid we’ll have to choose a side whether we like it or not. Not only because this ‘CONA’ threatens UDS interest and safety, but also because a victory on the side we choose could potentially save determine the fate of our extragalactic venture.”
“But at the same time, we cannot overlook the fact that we are in no state to fight,” he continues, sighing heavily, “we do not have the resources to wage a war on that scale. Not now at least.”
Melchior frowns. It is the answer he is expecting. But could there be a solution?
The Minister of Trade and Industry has it, “but we can do is to offer our support. I’m talking arms provision, trade deals, supply runs, protection, and the like. Passive support for the war basically. Once we are in a better state, perhaps we can consider active fighting. But now? Not a chance.”
“That’s sensible,” Khalid agrees, clearly having reached the same conclusion, “so the Second Ancerious Galactic Alliance is what we will be joining?”
“Provided Parliament approves,” Melchior replies, folding his arms, “but if that is all… then we are in agreement?”
No one replies. But he knows that is as close to an agreement he will get. And with that, he stands up, pressing a few buttons to close the hardlight projector, “very well. Comrades, for what it’s worth, you’ve all done your duty to the best of your abilities. Whatever happens next is no one’s fault.”
And with that, the meeting room slowly clears, one by one, the ministers leaving, before he too follows them.
Before he fully could, he feels a hand grasp at his shoulder. He turns to look and sees it is the Systems Intelligence Office Director, “you didn’t mention the Crucible,” they say.
Ah yes. That thing.
“It’s in our best interest we acquire the plans as soon as possible, if only for deterrent,” he replies, not looking at the Director in the eyes, “it’s a massive source of fear for the people. Even if we don’t get it, then at the very least, being on the same side who uses it ensures a form of MAD protection by a safety umbrella.”
The excuse isn’t his best, but it’s what he got. The Director lets go of his arm.
“The people will protest regardless,” they point out, “my sources tell me that several dissidents, such as Madeline Rouen, will protest vocally in regards to our actions for the war. And she is not alone- many would share the same opinion. After all, we can be considered the oppressors this time.”
At this, Melchior has no response, “I admit, we are at fault for this. We should have been more careful in establishing a colony. But what's done is done, and I will do my best to defend the security of our nation. Besides, there is far too much to benefit from a presence in Ancerious."
And with that, the Director leaves the room, leaving him to his thoughts before he too leaves to join the rest of the Cabinet at Parliament Hall.
Chancellor’s Office, Parliament Hall, Unity City
Melchior knows that being the Chancellor always comes with a great burden. Even though much power went to Parliament, the Chancellor is technically the face of the nation- someone who represents the unified government in all despite it being far from the fact.
Naturally, he feels quite nervous at the prospect of representing the government during this trying time.
The Chancellor of the UDS sighs as he straightens his tie. He looks around the room- at its dark blue metallic walls decorated with so little save for the emblem of the nation, at its relative emptiness save for his desk at the edge of the room, and the meeting table he is seated at alongside with the rest of the government heads.
His yellow eyes glance across every face in the room. Every head of every department, directorate, and ministry is here. The largest gathering of officials outside a biannual meeting. Everyone here is nervous. Perhaps more so than him. Even the head of the Systems Intelligence Office (SIO) is nervous. He brushes aside a strand of long pale white hair wishing he tied it back before he clears his throat to speak, “I’ll just get straight to the point. We’re here for two reasons; to discuss the current state of affairs and to document our submission for the government’s plan of action to Parliament.”
He brushes a hand across the table allowing for an interactive hardlight map to appear. It details the galaxy (Ancerious it is called. Who named this place?) they are all in and all its empires. He quickly narrows the image down to focus on a small place on the eastern side of the galaxy outlined in blue. He gulps, looking at it.
Six star systems are within the deep blue shade. Six systems represent the UDS’ colonial interest.
“It has been six months since we established a presence in the Ancerious Galaxy.,” he says, adjusting his tie to keep his cool, “six months since we established our very first extragalactic colony… and found ourselves in this mess.”
Is he being dramatic? Yes. But is there really a better way to put this?
There are a few gulps and sighs amidst the assembled party,
“For the first few months, things more or less ran smoothly. Our colonists have successfully found a planet capable of sustaining life and have settled on it. They began peaceful expansion into neighbouring star systems before resources demanded they stop. Once they began to contact the inhabitants of that galaxy, however… things took an ugly turn.”
He sighs massaging his forehead slightly.
“The galaxy proved to be far more unstable than expected and are much valued assets are now threatened with conflict that could potentially drag the entire nation into it,” he lets the statement hang in the air for a moment, before speaking again, “before we do anything else, can we have a summary of said assets in the Ancerious Galaxy?”
The General Secretary, Adeline Edelstein, nods her head and quickly makes her move to use the map, swapping and tapping away to reveal a set of numbers.
“Um, yes, thank you, sir. In terms of territory and holdings, we possess six star systems, with the Genesis and Albios being the most important them as they house the colonised planets of Eden and Annwn,” she carries on speaking, “in addition to these worlds, we have the two orbital habitats, mining and industrial facilities on worlds that cannot be inhabited, and gas giant harvesters, to name a few. Stability is good on all accounts. All in all, pretty good for the colonies.”
“And the populations?” He asks, deciding to move on to the next topic.
“Closest estimations numbers at a little over five billion, evenly split between both planets,” she reports. She seems to be ready to delve deeper into demographics, but a voice interrupts her.
Khalid, the Minister of Defence, speaks up, “forgive my interruption, but perhaps we should report on our current military situation.”
Inwardly, Melchior cringes. But he knows he is right. Matters of the military, especially considering the current galactic climate, are something to definitely consider. In the end, he nods his head, “yes… I suppose it is all we’ve been waiting for.”
Adeline nods, tapping away at the hologram to change the view to a series of numbers and descriptive words, “we have the newly formed 11th, 12th, and 13th Fleets deployed there, numbering a total of 600. As for active military personnel, we can estimate they number roughly eighty million.”
A few more nods and murmurs rise from the assembled party. Satisfactory numbersm all in all.
He sighs audibly this time, not even paying attention to his peers. He clasps his hand in front of him, “thank you for that assessment. Before we discuss this more, can we talk about our diplomatic and trade relations with the… Unaligned, I believe they are called?”
And she does. Trade is hard. Very hard, in these times. But without the materials they had back home- namely what they needed for much of their advanced technology, their hand was forced to trade for ‘Ancerium’ for FTL travel and ‘Sinarion’ for their gravity and hardlight tech in order for the colonies to be more or less self sufficient. It cost much, but it was needed if they wanted to prosper. Other than basic trade, not much in terms of diplomacy happened, although they received a cold shoulder from those who called themselves ‘Native’.
He supposes they are valid in that.
In the blink of an eye, thirty minutes of pure assessment and stockpiling end. Finally leaving room for an open forum.
To no one’s surprise, Jolyne Kurtis is the first to speak. She is the head of the Department of Energy and all know why she needs to speak first.
“We need to establish a Dyson swarm as soon as we can. Or whatever we can get,” are her immediate words, “it would bolster our presence in Ancerious and ensure that they do not prove to be a drain on our resources.”
There is a general murmur of agreement from everyone present. It absolutely is necessary. But there is a problem-
“We lack the resources to construct one right now. Not to mention, the nation isn’t in a state to focus on a project like that. We’ll need time,” speaks one minister.
“Agreed,” someone murmurs, “we need to focus on what’s in front of us first. Infrastructure. Security. Trade. We’ll divert resources to a megastructure like that once we’re in a better position.”
Jolyne frowns, glancing at Melchior for support, “I suppose. But you cannot deny, having one would seriously boost our position here.”
At this, he decides to intervene, “like everything else, we’ll present this idea to Parliament as part of a long term plan. For now, we should discuss anything else regarding our planned actions that could be submitted to them.”
As he speaks, he starts to move his fingers on an interface in the table and then a corresponding note appears in front of him like a hardlight screen.
“I hear of some sort of socialist block being formed,” Johann, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, mutters, “we could send envoys to see if we could get in there.”
“I’ll make sure it’s done,” Melchior agrees and adds that to the screen as well, “now. I believe we should discuss our actions pertaining to what people are calling the ‘Third Ancerious War,” he rests his arms on the table, hands clasped in front of each other to control his shaking.
Why did it have to be now? They’re just not ready for another war. Not now. It’s too soon.
Khalid is the one who speaks first this time, “in normal circumstances I would have suggested neutrality. It is the best and safest course of action. But considering our situation and the environment- especially the latter, I’m afraid we’ll have to choose a side whether we like it or not. Not only because this ‘CONA’ threatens UDS interest and safety, but also because a victory on the side we choose could potentially save determine the fate of our extragalactic venture.”
“But at the same time, we cannot overlook the fact that we are in no state to fight,” he continues, sighing heavily, “we do not have the resources to wage a war on that scale. Not now at least.”
Melchior frowns. It is the answer he is expecting. But could there be a solution?
The Minister of Trade and Industry has it, “but we can do is to offer our support. I’m talking arms provision, trade deals, supply runs, protection, and the like. Passive support for the war basically. Once we are in a better state, perhaps we can consider active fighting. But now? Not a chance.”
“That’s sensible,” Khalid agrees, clearly having reached the same conclusion, “so the Second Ancerious Galactic Alliance is what we will be joining?”
“Provided Parliament approves,” Melchior replies, folding his arms, “but if that is all… then we are in agreement?”
No one replies. But he knows that is as close to an agreement he will get. And with that, he stands up, pressing a few buttons to close the hardlight projector, “very well. Comrades, for what it’s worth, you’ve all done your duty to the best of your abilities. Whatever happens next is no one’s fault.”
And with that, the meeting room slowly clears, one by one, the ministers leaving, before he too follows them.
Before he fully could, he feels a hand grasp at his shoulder. He turns to look and sees it is the Systems Intelligence Office Director, “you didn’t mention the Crucible,” they say.
Ah yes. That thing.
“It’s in our best interest we acquire the plans as soon as possible, if only for deterrent,” he replies, not looking at the Director in the eyes, “it’s a massive source of fear for the people. Even if we don’t get it, then at the very least, being on the same side who uses it ensures a form of MAD protection by a safety umbrella.”
The excuse isn’t his best, but it’s what he got. The Director lets go of his arm.
“The people will protest regardless,” they point out, “my sources tell me that several dissidents, such as Madeline Rouen, will protest vocally in regards to our actions for the war. And she is not alone- many would share the same opinion. After all, we can be considered the oppressors this time.”
At this, Melchior has no response, “I admit, we are at fault for this. We should have been more careful in establishing a colony. But what's done is done, and I will do my best to defend the security of our nation. Besides, there is far too much to benefit from a presence in Ancerious."
And with that, the Director leaves the room, leaving him to his thoughts before he too leaves to join the rest of the Cabinet at Parliament Hall.