The Galactic Senate

[Novas Arcanum]

"The Republic has functioned more than 750 years without a House of Representatives, why would we need something like that now? Why try to fix something that's not broken? I'm sorry but Sha Katar cannot support a measure such as this until an concrete reason is provided to support this bill until then I am fully against it."

[Aureumterra]

“The people cannot be trusted to make wise decisions that nobility and royalty can, plain and simple.” Senator Rkavya said rejecting the bill.

[Sarderistan]

"Contrary! It is important for us to create a populae chamber instead of one stuffed with state-elected bureaucrats with high positions." Rhomann could hear a sound of agreement. "While I certainly did not doubt our capacity, Senator Rkavya, we cannot ignore that the common people is the backbone of each our states," he paused. "The people we speak of are going unruly with each day we spent making decisions here. Some say that did not fulfill their wishes, others say that the Senators themselves cannot be trusted. Cael and Roxlany are a great example. Give them too little, and they will revolt; give them too much and we will take the consequences. Besides - the only place a bill can pass affecting the whole Galaxy is here."

[The World Capitalist Confederation]

"Contrary! It is important for us to create a populae chamber instead of one stuffed with state-elected bureaucrats with high positions." Rhomann could hear a sound of agreement. "While I certainly did not doubt our capacity, Senator Rkavya, we cannot ignore that the common people is the backbone of each our states," he paused. "The people we speak of are going unruly with each day we spent making decisions here. Some say that did not fulfill their wishes, others say that the Senators themselves cannot be trusted. Cael and Roxlany are a great example. Give them too little, and they will revolt; give them too much and we will take the consequences. Besides - the only place a bill can pass affecting the whole Galaxy is here."

"Hear, hear!" yelled Mörz, as did the other URP senators.

“The people cannot be trusted to make wise decisions that nobility and royalty can, plain and simple.” Senator Rkavya said rejecting the bill.

"Ahh, so you see me as an inferior stock then, Senator? Nobility and royalty aren't special: they have the same blood and genes as the average citizen. They're no better than the average citizen. Whilst Hesperus is a dictatorship currently - although only temporarily - I advocate for democracy across the galaxy. If you don't support democracy, then maybe you shouldn't be here." Mörz replied, believing he had outsmarted Rkavya.

"The Republic has functioned more than 750 years without a House of Representatives, why would we need something like that now? Why try to fix something that's not broken? I'm sorry but Sha Katar cannot support a measure such as this until an concrete reason is provided to support this bill until then I am fully against it."

"My reason is clear, my esteemed colleague, as we need direct representation for citizens. Sure, this might seem like another spike in the Republican agenda, but it is nothing less than a pro-democratic measure."

[Novas Arcanum]

"I am still unconvinced that Sha Katar needs this bill, my people are adequately represented by me in the Senate, and they do not care for the political machinations of Cosmopolis, because of that Sha Katar will vote against this meausre"

With that Mmote-Shoki added his vote to the holo-computer.

[Novas Arcanum]

Once the news had arrived of the crisis with the Eternal Empire, Mmote-Shoki was called by his superiors on Sha Katar, he soon left the Senate Hall, and boarded his starship, leaving Cosmopolis, fearing for the worst to come he had much to discuss with the Elders.

[Rhyssua]

Sceptarys wished he had a gavel, so he could either smack his podium or Senators' heads. Sadly he didn't, so he settled for tapping on the microphone until he had everyone's attention.

"Senators," he said, turning so he could get a good view of everyone. "I'm sure you've all heard about the Eternal Empire's reunification and subsequent military buildup. This is distressing, to say the least, and requires a response. While the potential of the House of Representatives is important, I am hereby tabling this debate until we can deal with the crisis on our borders."

Well, Sceptarys thought ruefully. Maybe Vaitil was right after all.

"To help solve this, I am proposing the following bill, and appointing a peace delegation to hopefully prevent any conflicts with the Eternal Empire."

PRESENTED TO THIS GALACTIC SENATE HERE ASSEMBLED:

The Militia Creation and Registration Act:

SECTION I. This bill shall create the Republic MilitiaEach member state shall be required to register part of its armed forces with the Republic Militia, to be used in Republic-wide emergencies.

SECTION II. As of now, the only military body within the Republic is the newly-made GLE. The GLE, however, is a police force, designed to combat piracy. The Republic requires a military body capable of responding to external threats, without infringing on national sovereignty.

SECTION III.A Republic-wide emergency will be declared by the Senate by a simple majority; the Senate will also oversee the appointment of officers that can coordinate between each member nation's forces.

SECTION IV Each member nation shall have to measure at least 10 percent, but no more than 25 percent, of its armed forces with the Republic Militia. Registration includes personnel, equipment, ships, and manufacturing facilities that can be utilized by the Republic Militia during wartime.

SECTION V. All laws in conflict with this legislation are hereby declared null and void.

[Sarderistan]

Rhomann pondered the thought for a moment. A Galactic police force was one thing, but a military is another. He regretted a bit the moment when he stood for Sceptarys' election. "Notable, Speaker Sceptarys. However I would like to pointout that we need to be committed to each our states' defenses. Further notice of importance is that this militia served only for the purposes of deterring this Empire menace... as such, I propose an amendment for this bill."

The Galactic Republic Militia Creation and Registration Act
AMENDMENT I

SECTION IV Each Galactic member nation shall have to commit at least 8 percent, but no more than 20 percent, of its armed forces with the Republic Militia. Registration includes personnel, equipment, and ships that can be utilized by the Republic Militia.

SECTION V The Republic Militia shall be disbanded immidiately after a major event of war or threat to the Republic, and a Galactic Republic Defense Commitee shall oversee matters regarding the Republic's safety and stability in times of peace. This Commitee shall also have powers over the GLE.

SECTION VI The Republic Militia shall be reformed by the Galactic Republic Defense Commitee only if the times of war, or threats that potentially damage the Republic's general safety and stability, and with the consent of at least two-thirds of the Galactic Senate.

SECTION VII All laws in conflict with this legislation are hereby declared partially null and void until such revisement of the laws occur.

[Rhyssua]

Sceptarys nodded, and added the amendments to the bill. When he had finished, he glanced at Rhomann and gave a sad smile.

"Believe me," he said. "I know what a Republic-wide military can lead to. I'm also aware that I campaigned against this sort of thing. But right now, we have to take some unified measures to protect the Republic as a whole. We're treading a fine line here, I admit. But it's one we have to tread."

The Galactic Republic Militia Creation and Registration Act

SECTION I. This bill shall create the Republic Militia. Each member state shall be required to register part of its armed forces with the Republic Militia, to be used in Republic-wide emergencies.

[b]SECTION II As of now, the only military body within the Republic is the newly-made GLE. The GLE, however, is a police force, designed to combat piracy. The Republic requires a military body capable of responding to external threats, without infringing on national sovereignty.

SECTION III A Republic-wide emergency will be declared by the Senate by a simple majority; the Senate will also oversee the appointment of officers that can coordinate between each member nation's forces.

SECTION IV Each Galactic member nation shall have to commit at least 8 percent, but no more than 20 percent, of its armed forces with the Republic Militia. Registration includes personnel, equipment, and ships that can be utilized by the Republic Militia.

SECTION V The Republic Militia shall be disbanded immediately after a major event of war or threat to the Republic, and a Galactic Republic Defense Committee shall oversee matters regarding the Republic's safety and stability in times of peace. This Committee shall also have powers over the GLE.

SECTION VI The Republic Militia shall be reformed by the Galactic Republic Defense Committee only if the times of war, or threats that potentially damage the Republic's general safety and stability, and with the consent of at least two-thirds of the Galactic Senate.

SECTION VII All laws in conflict with this legislation are hereby declared partially null and void until such review of the laws occur.

[The World Capitalist Confederation]

"I approve of this bill fully, as it is in accordance with the policies of the United Republican Party."

[The World Capitalist Confederation]

"This doesn't go far enough." Mörz said, stern and firm. "We must go further."

Amendment II

Section VIII. All companies producing weaponry, along with private security companies, will all be nationalised temporarily, under the control of their local governments, or, in the case of transplanetary corporations, the Republican Government.

[Rhyssua]

Sceptarys shook his head. He was afraid of this; the line he was walking was as fine, and as dangerous, as a knife edge. But he couldn't, wouldn't allow this to happen.

"Absolutely not," Sceptarys said, raising his voice so the entire Senate could hear him. "A temporary nationalization can easily turn into a permanent one. Besides, simply registering facilities geared for war production will give the Senate a certain amount of oversight into their efficiency and quality. I've received word that some of the Hegemony's guilds have provided incentive for war production; I suggest all that member nations, and possibly the Republic, should do the same. For the moment, I'll hold off on a Republic-wide incentive until we have a working tax code to pay for it, since we're already in debt due to GLEA."

[Novas Arcanum]

Mmote-Shoki had soon returned to Galactic Senate from Sha Katar taking his place inside his designated pod. "I support the bill except for Morz's nationalization of private security companies".

[Rhyssua]

"Senator Morz," Sceptarys said, putting on a gracious smile. "If you'd like, you can lead the peace delegation to the Eternal Empire. With any luck, you'll be able to talk them down from war. I'll leave it up to GLEA and whoever wants to volunteer to make up the delegation's escort."

Sceptarys was about to continue when a thought occurred to them.

"Make sure you remember that it shall be a mission of peace, not a first strike," he warned. Then he took a deep breath and blinked a few times.

"On that note, I'd like to appoint some delegate to other galactic powers, in order to get us some more support. If anyone has any opinions, please let me know. Now, onto the Eternal Empire's demands."

Sceptarys pulled up the amount the Eternal Empire was demanding. Wow, Sceptarys thought. That is a LOT of zeroes.

"Personally," he said. "I see no reason to pay this unless Morz can provide us with concrete evidence that the Eternal Empire won't attack. Anything beyond that is simply appeasement, which never solved anything."

[Sarderistan]

"I must vehemently agree," Rhomann said. "With the worsening threat of the Empire out there, and Senator Morz's peace program announced running, we cannot in the slightest be assured until when this status quo will remain." Rhomann took his pod to the Senate center. "As you know, Choria has one of the most advanced, largest, and efficient fleet of the Galaxy. Even sometimes we would boast ours standing on par with the Empire's. As such, in accordance with this proposed bill," he paused, "I push for the Galactic Republic Defense Commitee's forming, and I would announce my candidacy, Senator Rhomann Valinos of Choria, as its head."

[Europa Undivided]

Taking his pod on the Senate, the Jokarun-Terejati Hybrid Senator known as Karasan Von Sareth spoke as soon as Rhomann was finished.

"I second that notion, Senator Rhomann of Choria.", he said as he looked and scanned everyone else. "There is absolutely no reason to believe that the Externals will not simply use the massive amount of credits we pay them to construct an even more powerful force. As we speak, the Jokarun-Terejati Alliance has stepped up production in the shipyards of the Okaramu System and it won't be long before the other sectors follow suit in turn; six battlegroups will be ready within two months. If this comes down to war, and I believe it will, we must delay the Empire from attacking us long enough for the Republic to properly consolidate its forces. I cannot see Tranzion fall and be razed to the ground again. Never again will the Alliance be plundered by the Eternals."

[Sarderistan]

Rhomann was delighted; the Jokarun-Terajati Senator had finally took a stance on the Galactic politics, and it was him first of all. "Excellent. I personally nominate Senator Von Sareth to be the Vice-Chairman of the Galactic Republic Defense Commitee. As we speak, two full Chorian fleets are heading to the outer rim, ready to demonstrate the Chorian efficiency and our advantages in battle. Do I have your support, Senators?"

[The World Capitalist Confederation]

Rhomann was delighted; the Jokarun-Terajati Senator had finally took a stance on the Galactic politics, and it was him first of all. "Excellent. I personally nominate Senator Von Sareth to be the Vice-Chairman of the Galactic Republic Defense Commitee. As we speak, two full Chorian fleets are heading to the outer rim, ready to demonstrate the Chorian efficiency and our advantages in battle. Do I have your support, Senators?"

"I wish to take charge of the GRDC instead, if that is acceptable."

[Novas Arcanum]

"Choria has one of the largest shipyards in the Republic I will Rohmann's role in leading the GRDC." Though the Katari was worried that Eternal sabotage had weakened them beyond repair.

[Ormata]

Senator Kina Au Kana
Ukete First Union Representative

“Gentlemen,” began the Senator. “The Ukete Navy has continued to be in communication with me. It is their, and by extension my government’s, opinion that if they are allowed to keep their formations, preferred battle tactics, and methods intact then there is no contention for the idea of a joint military force. We choose, however,” he paused, giving time for the momentum to build, “to ignore the maximum requirements for contributions. A full eighty percent of the Fleet stands ready, once the appropriate modifications are made, to join.”

“We will not pay. We will not bow, not then in the past, not now. We will not destroy the memories of our ancestors who died fighting this fight, nor will we give sway to fear.”

[Rhyssua]

Senator Kina Au Kana
Ukete First Union Representative

“Gentlemen,” began the Senator. “The Ukete Navy has continued to be in communication with me. It is their, and by extension my government’s, opinion that if they are allowed to keep their formations, preferred battle tactics, and methods intact then there is no contention for the idea of a joint military force. We choose, however,” he paused, giving time for the momentum to build, “to ignore the maximum requirements for contributions. A full eighty percent of the Fleet stands ready, once the appropriate modifications are made, to join.”

“We will not pay. We will not bow, not then in the past, not now. We will not destroy the memories of our ancestors who died fighting this fight, nor will we give sway to fear.”

Sceptarys gave a gracious smile, but shook his head.

"If I'm being perfectly honest, Senator Au Kana," he said. "The maximum is more important to me than a minimum. It prevents any one nation from having disproportionate influence within the Militia. If the law passes, I expect the Ukete Union to comply with it. However, that doesn't prevent you from using your remaining military to defend yourself, and any nation that requests it."

Sceptarys glanced around the Senate, then tapped his microphone until he had everyone's attention
"While all of this is important to discuss, I'd like to put the Militia Creation and Registration Act to vote, so that we can begin organizing it as soon as possible should it pass."

Sceptarys immediately voted aye. A quick response to the Eternal Empire's threat meant survival. Failure to do so could mean destruction.

The Galactic Republic Militia Creation and Registration Act

SECTION I. This bill shall create the Republic Militia. Each member state shall be required to register part of its armed forces with the Republic Militia, to be used in Republic-wide emergencies.

[b]SECTION II As of now, the only military body within the Republic is the newly-made GLE. The GLE, however, is a police force, designed to combat piracy. The Republic requires a military body capable of responding to external threats, without infringing on national sovereignty.

SECTION III A Republic-wide emergency will be declared by the Senate by a simple majority; the Senate will also oversee the appointment of officers that can coordinate between each member nation's forces.

SECTION IV Each Galactic member nation shall have to commit at least 8 percent, but no more than 20 percent, of its armed forces with the Republic Militia. Registration includes personnel, equipment, and ships that can be utilized by the Republic Militia.

SECTION V The Republic Militia shall be disbanded immediately after a major event of war or threat to the Republic, and a Galactic Republic Defense Committee shall oversee matters regarding the Republic's safety and stability in times of peace. This Committee shall also have powers over the GLE.

SECTION VI The Republic Militia shall be reformed by the Galactic Republic Defense Committee only if the times of war, or threats that potentially damage the Republic's general safety and stability, and with the consent of at least two-thirds of the Galactic Senate.

SECTION VII All laws in conflict with this legislation are hereby declared partially null and void until such review of the laws occur.

[/quote]

[The World Capitalist Confederation]

"Again, this is line with our policies, so I vote aye. Also, we should be able to put this militia in cases of extreme terrorism, civil disorder and such. Just in case a few worlds begin seceding.."

[Novas Arcanum]

Mmote-Shoki knew that this Eternal threat was no joke.He voted aye for the good of the galaxy and Sha Katar.

[Europa Undivided]

Senator Karasan Von Sareth

The Jokarun-Terejati Senator nodded as Senator Rhomman nominated him as vice chairman of the GDRC. “I graciously accept my nomination.”, he responded in earnesr, just as Mörz spoke up. “And Mörz’s as well.”

He would then continue. “My government has began intensified research on more advanced weapons technology. We also discovered that the plague that afflicted and halved the Terejati 40 years ago was a reawakened pathogen carried by crashed Eternal transport ships on Tranzion’s wastelands during the first war. As a result, the best scientists and researchers of the Terejati have began independent efforts to produce differing weapons, some of the pathological ilk, some of conventional methods.”, he went on as he wondered if saying something unconfirmed by science but posted as propaganda by the Alliance was the right thing to do. “In addition, the Dau Calare shipyards have produced a new starship class that will surely surprise the Eternals once battle is joined. There is absolutely no other way this can end. We either do not pay them and fight, or we pay them, hereby giving them additional tools to destroy us and we all languish in slavery. The choice is yours.”

[Rhyssua]

Sceptarys listened to what each senator had to say. He'd feared that they would shut down on him, bickering amongst themselves instead of actually getting things done. However, so far the discussion was productive. He just needed to tie up a few loose ends.

"Wonderful," he said. "Wonderful. All we need to do is wrap up voting for the Militia Act and appoint peace delegations. I'll give everyone a little more time to finish up voting on the bill, then call it. While I do suggest gathering support from the Republic's allies, I'm not sure if the Eternal Empire will be receptive to negotiations. Any volunteers to lead the delegations."

Sceptarys also wasn't sure if the Republic was receptive to negotiating, but he figured that he might as well raise the question.

I'll give everyone 1 more irl day to vote, then call it