The Galactic Senate

[Novas Arcanum]

Welcome to the Galactic Senate

Portal to OOC|Portal to IC

This is the Galactic Senate where senators will debate and vote on important matters that affect the galaxy. Right now there are no hard laws other than those that open the galactic markets and mandates free trade and commerce across Republic worlds. There is no Executive or Judicial branch, nor any major bureaucracies or agencies except for very minor ones that maintain interstellar governance and communication across the vast space of the Republic. Has a senator that may change, you along with your fellow senators have the power to change the Republic and pass sweeping legislation which will have a great impact on the Republic and the wider galaxy itself.

[Novas Arcanum]

Senator Mmote-Shoki floated to his seat on the pod near the top of the great dome that adorned the Galactic Senate. Surrounding him were thousands upon thousands of senators from across the stars come together to legislate on matters of great importance. In his many hearts, and slimy tentacles that held his brains he awaited for the non-mollusks to begin their politicking.

[Aureumterra]

Senator Rkavya Zhek boarded his pod as the Senate’s open discussion session began. After quickly conversing with other members of the Royalist Party, he flew his pod to the center to address the Senators of the galaxy, “Greetings, senators. I come today to raise a concern. As you know by now, the Outer Rim is an area full of smuggling and piracy, and this piracy is the exact thing affecting Igreturn’s mining and industrial exports. Many trade ships enlisted in Her Majesty’s Fleet are being attacked and ransacked, and I’m sure this is not a problem exclusive to Igreturn. We need to discuss ways to prevent this, and legislate on combatting this issue I hope we can all agree on. The Royalist Party is open to any suggestions.” Zhek finished as his pod moved back to it’s pad. He awaited other’s input.

[Novas Arcanum]

"I did not know that Igreturn had trade interests in the Outer Rim. In any case, how would you propose dealing with the piracy affecting the Outer Rim Senator Rkavya? " Mmote-Shoki waving his tentacles.

"This is no delicate matter piracy has been an issue for centuries in that region of the galaxy".

[United Auroran Empire]

"If I may, Senator Shoki?" Alexis Roxlany III stood from his pod, not bothering to move it out though. He preferred to be heard rather than seen. Besides, the cameras will broadcast him anyways. He views the moving of pods towards the center a showboat maneuver. "This does not sound like a Senate issue. Surely every nation present has faced piracy in their own right and have gotten here without support from the senate. Furthermore, such issue should be expected from that region. Any proposal of any police force or incentive that could be put forth is something already tried, discussed, and thrown out due to cost." He did not sit down, preferring to lean forward on the rails to look at Senator Shek. It is a dangerous move, to attack a same member of your faction, but Roxlany was not about to bring home a bill to his people. His brow furrowed.

[Novas Arcanum]

Mmote-Shoki contemplated the words Senator Roxlany conveyed. His slimy face and glistening eyes showed no emotion none that non-Katari could recognize, but he politely waited for the Axial to finish his speech."Senator, I disagree with your words, would you not agree that two of the tenements the Republic stands by is providing the defense and welfare of the states?" Mmote-Shoki asked."If so than I believe it is in the power of this government to provide some degree of aid in destroying these pirates once and for all."

[United Auroran Empire]

"I could bring forth motion after motion,bill after bill, speech after speech and the issue of piracy would still go on. We shoot-down this pirate group, two more take its place. Assaulting these pirates is an exercise in futility, a waste of resources, and a flex of power for something as frivolous as 'security against pirates'. I understand the need to extend defense and security towards the members. However, this is akin to asking your father to help you with the bully at home instead of building yourself a fleet and taking out the menace yourself. Too much reliance will create a weak world and a bloated republic. I think the senate, if we are to eventually move towards trying to 'fix' this problem, if anything extend funds and resources so that the Planets and governments can take care of these problems themselves ." Senator Roxlany turns around to walk to his seat , but before he does turns his head around . " I'll even lend the escort fleet for the shipment. Axial ships don't worry about pirates." He sat down in his seat, leaning to his attendants and muttering something before the attendant ran off. He had put his Nation into a perfect spotlight, the ability to flex its military power, it's economic might, and his political prowess. He put his fingers together, waiting to see if his gambit paid off.

[Aureumterra]

“With all due respect, Senator, pirates are indeed a big issue in the galaxy. Igreturn, thanks to the industrial boom, has a wealth of industry, and many of our companies are investing in backwater outer rim states to tap into their resources as well as help them have income. Piracy, however, is an issue that needs to be dealt with swiftly, we need to legislate on bodies dedicated to combatting piracy, it is most definitely not a waste of resources.”

[Novas Arcanum]

"Then senator what bill do you propose to submit to this Senate? How are we going to deal with these pirates once and for all?" Mmote-Shoki asked Rkavya.

[The World Capitalist Confederation]

"If I may interject, I believe there is one way to solve piracy - in fact all crime in the galaxy - it is to establish what I call the Celatons. It will be armed police and an intelligence agency all in one. It will be the strong arm of the law, when the regular police isn't enough. It'll crack down on organised crime severely."

[United Auroran Empire]

"I find myself surprisingly agreeing with this proposition. However, I am not so callous to believe it will solve all crime in the galaxy." Senator Roxlany strokes his beard, thinking for a moment." A specialized force for targeting piracy specifically could be within the realm of possibility and reason. This force would have to be trained and staffed by nations requesting this 'outer-rim patrol', so that they cannot merely sit back and be helpless and lazy check cashers. An agency for this force would be built around a board of directors overseen by the senate proper for funding and large-scale operations. However, they should not have their own intelligence agency. They could work with the already established Republic Intelligence Community , as I see giving a militarized force with its own intelligence agency a large oversight in government responsibility. What I have laid out is a modification of my own ideas and this senator. I also believe it nicely covers what Senator Zhek proposed. Funded in part by the senate, commanded in its own branch with oversight given to the senate with a degree of freedom for the board of directors, and staffed on its ships those who have everything to lose. I see this as a perfect idea!"

Senator Roxlany smiles a crude smile, this was perhaps the best option that could be put on the table without compromising his own ideals and stance. An independent but senate surveyed force? Who could turn it down? If this bill could be written and passed in time, it could be proven to be quite effective. Very effective, considering certain cards Alexis Roxlany had hidden up his sleeve.

[Kowani]

Senator Navista coughing a few times before launching into his speech. “A Standing military? For pirates? Senators, it would seem that you all have lost your minds! Ignoring the cost for a moment, a standing army is the greatest threat to the Republic that could ever happen. How long before it launches a coup against us? How long before it ceases to be a tool against the pirates and becomes a cudgel with which senators and corrupt governments throw against each other? How long before it becomes a tool of empire? Three generations. Three generations until one of those things happens.”

[United Auroran Empire]

"Which is why we have the senate oversight! We have them be fully aware of the force's actions. Each ship movement and round fired is registered into the senate computers for all senators to see. Corruption cannot exist in this force because everyone is looking at for corruption! If you are so worried about such issues as funding, why not make it a branch of the police force the republic already has. A special forces unit with complete senate transparency. And please Seantor Navista, a standing military? Its nothing more than an amped up police force. It may use military ships but thats because the pirates use military ships. Why would we restrict ourselves to a handicap if they won't give us the same?!" Senator Roxlany slams his fist against the rail at those last words and stands up to his full height and bellows out his words.
"Senators, to cover all bases of each of your political nooks and crannies I come forth with the best solution. State funded in tandem with the police force, staffed by those who are affected, ships supplied and observed by the Republic, and a board of directors all with complete transparency before the senate. It is no standing army, it is a hard grasp at the throat of piracy. "

[Aureumterra]

While the Senators debated, Rkavya used the holographic keyboard on his pod to draft a bill with input from the senators. After Senator Roxlany finished speaking, Rkavya floated his pod to the center and addressed the entire senate, “I have taken input from all of my colleagues, and have drafted a bill. I am open to input and making edits” Rkavya said as the bill appeared on every Senator’s holographic screen.

PRESENTED TO THIS GALACTIC SENATE HERE ASSEMBLED THAT
Galactic Law Enforcement Establishment Act

SECTION I. Wherein the event of the passing of this bill, a body shall be created to enforce the civil law of this Galactic Republic. Said body will receive a significant portion of the spending funds of the republic.
SECTION II. There currently exists no galaxy-wide law enforcement organization, instead relying on individual states and private firms. This has led to serious problems regarding organized crime, in which the state law enforcement are limited by jurisdiction bureaucracy and other matters, not excluding corruption, from enforcing the law.
SECTION III. Wherein the event of the passing of this bill, a department of the Republic shall be created, titled the Galactic Law Enforcement Authority (GLEA). GLEA shall have the authority to create search warrants on galactic vessels, enforce all existing galactic civil laws, enforce local laws when required, prevent piracy and assault of trading ships, and arrest and apprehend individuals breaking laws. GLEA does not have the authority to search vessels without a search warrant, nor shall it apprehend without an arrest warrant.
SECTION V.All laws in conflict with this legislation are hereby declared null and void.

[United Auroran Empire]

"I propose adding two sections. Section IV will cover the administration being in the hands of a senate elected board of directors , as well as establishing complete transparency with daily checks with the Republic Gendarme. This will dissuade any issues of corruption from the table. Furthermore, I propose Section V which will be the staffing. Staffing beyond the administration is to be solely from planets affected by such issues. This is to dissuade any 'silver-spoon' officers from the core and mid-rim worlds from throwing their weight around the force without anything to really lose. Poor officers lead to poor forces. Education and training for these new officers will be provided with the courses that are required to become an officer of this force.These are my suggestions."
Senator Rexlany sat down , just as his attendant came back. The attendant looked a bit more dusty and dirty, and was carrying a pad he handed back to the Senator. After a few whispers the attendant left again.

[The World Capitalist Confederation]

Vaitil sent a message to Senator, telling them to meet him after the session is adjourned.

[Novas Arcanum]

"Sha Katar will support this bill if the revisions proposed by Senator Rexlany are added". Mmote Shoki stated.

[Sarderistan]

Senator Cael took his pod off the wall into the Senate chambers. "Though I agree with my fellow Senator Rexlany here," he started, "It must be pointed in the proposed Section IV, that we must not publish transparency so openly, especially one concering the Republic's estabilished standing army. Certain parties might wish to gain opportunity from this. Choria Prime would vote for the changed bills, if there are no mentions of "transparency"."

[United Auroran Empire]

"Then it is settled," Senator Roxlany spoke triumphant as he stood, " We shall tweak transparency to a form of information that has to be requested and, after the requester has gone through a background check, should this information be given. To dissuade any public outcry due to a standing army we need a degree of transparency. However, this transparency is solely kept within these hallowed halls." Senator Roxlany pulls up the voting display and casts his vote in the 'yay' section (with the stipulations that his tweaked transparency is added). Soon after, other Senators from his faction cast their vote with questionable speed afterwards. And if one were bothering to notice they would see the Axial attendant scurry behind many of these senators..
"I'll invite Senator Cael afterwards to discuss, of course, the demands of arms." He returned to his seat, and brought up his personal display.

He sent back a rendezvous time to Senator Vaitil , with it having to be flexible should Senator Cael agree to his meeting.

And then sent an message to his office back on his Ringworld home, "Put in an order to his majesty's warship construction yard: They are about to receive a happy order."

[Sarderistan]

"We could accept to this." Senator Valerius Cael cast his "Aye" vote, and withdrew his pod back to its dock. " Catching a glimpse of the Axial securities, he returned to his senatorial office, escorted by at least a dozen Chorian Intelligence Service operatives, standing guard in front of his doors and inside. Once reaching his desk, he opened a secure HoloNet line to Choria Prime. He would not be intimidated by them, of course. Shortly after, the line is connected to one of Choria's most powerful person in high positions.

"President Tallaras," he greeted. "I'm afraid I have to announce a particularly bad news," he said. The face in front of him was of a stern, elderly woman, but lean and unwrinkled. Ava Tallaras, 64 years old, twice President and Chairwoman of HoloNet, was every inch a cunning politician. The President did not seem pleased. "And that will be?" She answered.

"The Republic's standing military bill has been cast to vote." He could see Tallaras in a fit of rage. "This is terrible," she answered. "There must be no Republican enforcement presence near Choria and all the member provinces." Cael answered with a subtle nod. "Not at all, though. Should the bill pass, the new law enforcement force would need supplies in numbers. Where to look for more than our shipyards?" He cupped his hands. "Although, our Axial friends might have a different answer for that..."

She was not pleased. "I did not made your way to the damned building so you cannot keep your $@#! together. Choria will be the majority supplier for the Republic's new armaments, and we can leave Axial to the secondary parts." He sighed. "Understandable." The HoloNet shutted off and opened the Senator's message board. Roxlany's invitation still hung unopened.

He gestured to his AI secretary. "Prepare my meeting with Senator Roxlany." Cael returned to the Senatorial meeting hall, and seated on his pod afterwards.

[United Auroran Empire]

[text removed and put in other IC to avoid issues]

[Sarderistan]

[text send to IC - this is placeholder as the post couldn't be erased]

[Novas Arcanum]

Galactic Law Enforcement Establishment Act

Throughout the lively debate Senate President, Ghix Belgros watched from the shadows. Running the largest institution in the galaxy had it's perks but he was old, nearing two hundred years of age, keeping these younger senators in line was a hassle, but his insight of the game ensured that proceedings of the senatorial session went smoothly. The old veteran typed into the holographic image and summoned a massive image of his self for the entire Senate to see.

"Senators of the 752nd Galactic Senate, the time for debate is over, let us cast our votes, for Rkavya's bill the Galactic Law Enforcement Establishment Act"


`

[Sarderistan]

Valerius Cael

---

Valerius had been unsure what to make of this. The bill, as he discussed with Roxlany earlier, certainly could be a way to expand Chorian hegemony, its grip across the Republic. He knew Axial would do the same, though. He glanced at the board, noticing that only a little - not even a tenth - of the Senate had cast their vote. That is very sensible, and he coulf voice his doubts also right now. For an inter-governmental organization to own a law enforcement force, he considered it a serious breach to national integrity. But Choria could play along with this regardless. The image of Ava Tallaras screaming at him flashed repeatedly in his mind, and he ended that with a sigh.

His attendant Focas, a sentinent AI with years of experience in the Senate, looked more cautious than him. He placed his hands on the board, though not yet as so close to press either of the buttons. Focas broke the silence in the pod. "Senator Cael. This could possibly change a lot back in Prime."

"I thought as much, Focas. But at least I know Tallaras' stance about this." He opened a small bottle of wine and took a sip of it. "Would that be safe enough... that I could not tell." Focas is unnaturally calm for an AI assistant. "Senator. Are you sure you want to proceed?"

"Best not keep our friend from Axial waiting." He pressed the green button of "Aye". The board flickered, and he watched as the Senate progresses.

[Kowani]

Senator Navista slammed his hand down on the “Nay” button, shaking his head. Not only would this make the Confederation’s trafficking jobs so much harder, it also meant that their SkyWolves would have to be very careful when collecting “taxes.” Beyond that, it was an aberration, one more step down the rabbit hole. The Fleet could not countenance it.