Chiron Chronicles: Planetary Council

[Guardian]

[OOC: Yes, you can change the votes of the others in the SMAC computer game, but as Cyber already pointed out, you can not change your own vote after you've cast it. I wouldn't think you'd actually sit in the Council and haggle with the others about changing their votes in the middle of a session. Probably more like you talk to them in advance, find out how they plan to vote and then try to change their minds before any votes are actually given. Not sure how this would work with the ones who refuse to even talk to you though... Perhaps they have to tell you how they plan to vote and they just refuse to discuss it any further...
On the other hand, I believe in the US Congress you're allowed to change your vote at any time until the speaker says the voting is finished, so if you're among the first to give your vote, you may have a few minutes to reconsider... I have no strong opinions about the matter... ]


As she reads the latest message from Father Deacon, Ambassador Fuentes raises an eyebrow in surprise, then slowly begins to smile...

[Argonaut]

(Having finally prepared her statement, Roze stands and addresses the Council.)
General Address
From: Datajack Roze
To: Planetary Council

I confess, I am willing to digress to Governor Morgan's decision on the matter of the changing of the Cult of Planet's vote in the election. While I whole heartedly appreciate the Cult ambassador's display of confidence in my position, I do not want to see the position of Planetary Governor haggled over. If we were to accept the change in vote, it could potentially call my Governership into question should I win. And that is a can of worms I do not want to see opened. I again thank the Cult for their support, and their friendship will be remembered. And whatever concerns you have of Colonel Santiago leading the Council, I assure you will be addressed should they arrise. I trust the Colonel to assume the position respectfully and not abuse the power it entitles. And this very Council, I'm sure, will not allow anyone to abuse that position, as we can work diplomatically here to solve any crises or complaints.

As for the role of the Planetary Governor in the impending Peace talks, my diplomatic core has been preparing for the possibility of the talks being in Data DeCentral, as I'm sure have Colonel Santiago's people. Perhaps Ambassador Solo can address this for us, but I would like to coordinate with the Spartan Federation so that regardless of who wins, the Peace Talks will be prepared to go on at a site of the new Governor's choosing without delay. I hope this will be acceptable to the Spartans, so that once a decision has been reached, the Peace talks can begin as soon as possible, preventing further loss of life.

[DarkCloud]

(OOC: By the UN charter, changing your own votes is illegal, you could, however attempt to force it in the game, but since Roze's statement... )

From High Academician Zakharov
To Planetary Council

I do believe that since that touchy subject has been sufficiently haggled over, the counting of votes may begin... Despite the absent votes of the Free Drones, Cyborgs and Gaians

(OOC: Bearcat never responded to my PM, perhaps I should email him?)

[[LordLMP]]

[OOC: Note, before i am forget... Sprayber, Morgan as helped establish the Planetary Stock Exchange in PCB. If something happens to the base, i can't see Morgan understanding.... unless it is only a specific target within PCB, like the Council Building.]

The regulations are clear on the issue of a faction changing its vote. The Cult of Planet's vote has already been registered, and may not now be changed.

They first abstained, meaning, they haven't given a vote. Now that they chose to vote, you want to deny it? That is against Planetary Council regulations. Also, i remember once upon a time in the last election that the Cult abstained until they changed their minds in the last moment and voted for CEO of the Morgan Industries. Anyway, the Cult as the reputation of abstaining first and this is the second election they decided to vote for someone. So it ain't unusual. I can't see why the Spartans would whine like babies as they got the most votes at the moment.

How we reached this point is not at all clear to me. But since I am the Planetary Governor for a few more days, I would like to point out that neither the Pirates nor the Spartans have recognizable reasons for Vendetta under the U.N. Charter. The relative maturity [flashes a sharp glance out of the corner of his eye] of Captain Svensgaard is irrelevant. If either faction proceeds with aggression against the other, they will face penalties from the Council.

Didn't Solo said that the Spartans don't like being told what to do?

My position on the Western Continent remains the same. The peace process must move forward, and it must be moved forward by all means available to us. If you truly want progress [makes eye contact with Solo, Svensgaard, Deacon, Quzer, Tseng in that order] then pursue it seriously. No more talk of "permanent vendetta". No more name-calling. No more finger-pointing, no more veiled threats, and no more Solomon complexes! Anything you want, you work for. Anything you do not work for, you do not deserve.

(nods in agreement)

Captain Svensgaard

[[LordLMP]]

From: Sau-ji Tseng
To: The Planetary Council
We object to the Planet Cult's second vote. Elections for Planetary governor are to be held once every ten years, casting a second vote essentially constitutes a second election.
We believe that further negotiations and council proposals should be postponed until after the elections, and that negotiations should be conducted between the parties concerned without editorial comments from other factions. We would, however, like to clarify our position on the Cult's activities. The Hive has no objection, in principle, to the right of all factions to do as they please with their territory. No faction, however, has the right to let their territory be used as a base to attack other factions. It is now believed that all of the xenofungus patches and mindworm boils of Planet are in some way connected to each other. By aiding them, the Cult is aiding their attacks on other factions, and this is not acceptable.

The only factions the mindworms are attacking is the factions doesn't treat their environment properly. It has been a few decades since the last time a Nautilus Pirate base as been attacked by mindworms.

Captain Svensgaard

[[LordLMP]]

[OOC: Yes, the sequence of my replies are out of order :P ]

From: Colonel Santiago
To: Planetary Council

Then go ahead and declare your vendetta now Captain, cause we will not be told what to do by you or any other leader on this planet. You have wanted war for a very long time. We see that you will have it one way or another. So I say again, declare your vendetta for I am tired of your adolesant postering.

If your tired of my presence, then you should come to the Council to do something about it.

As for the rest of Chiron. You have seen who has started things here today. The Pirates want to set themselves up as the final authority on Chiron. I suppose some of you may profit from this if you serve a purpose to them. but Sparta will not live like that. We will defend ourself at all costs and we will not bow down before anyone. We have no problem with any of the rest of you. But if you help our eneimes than you will become Sparta's enemy. This is a sad day that the immaturity of a single individual has brought us to the brink of war once again. But we will not back down. I suppose that Svensgard was afraid to trust a third party to settle disputes. Instead he beats his chest like so many claim that I do.

You have seen today that Colonel Santiego is paranoid and like to jump to conclusions. I preferbly welcome a third party, just that I am tired of the Spartans stupidity and them blaiming the Cult for the mindworm attacks happening all over Chiron. So if the Spartans are willing to attack the Cult over that, then the Nautilus Pirates will help the Cult fight them off.

Captain SVensgaard

[[LordLMP]]

Originally posted by DarkCloud
(OOC: By the UN charter, changing your own votes is illegal, you could, however attempt to force it in the game, but since Roze's statement... )

From High Academician Zakharov
To Planetary Council

I do believe that since that touchy subject has been sufficiently haggled over, the counting of votes may begin... Despite the absent votes of the Free Drones, Cyborgs and Gaians

(OOC: Bearcat never responded to my PM, perhaps I should email him?)

The votings end when the Free Drones, Cyborgs and the Gaians got a chance to vote, not before. But I do recommend that they hurry so we can go on with other matters.

Captain Svensgaard

[OOC: If the players who suppose to be playing those factions don't vote, I will do so base on obviousness.

Free Drones will vote for Roze Why? They are interested in having a three alliance comprise of the Drones, Angels and Pirates. Domai is more fond of Roze then Santiego. Angels into freedom/Democracy and willing to help stop the transficking of drones(slavery) between the the Morganites, University and the Hive. Free Drones have lot more confidence on their military then before.

Gaains will vote for Roze Why? Angels Green Friendly

Cyborgs will vote for Roze or simply abstain Why? They have hoot better relations with the Angels then with the Spartans.

got to go.. ]

[Mr. President]

[Morgan stands up. My turn again? his expression says. So many things to say. ]

I would like to clarify my proposition regarding the xenofungus. I understand that the Cult of Planet and the Gaians have developed effective ways of utilizing fungus for food and transport. These processes would not be outlawed under my proposed amendment. Planting of fungus for specific purposes, for nutrient content, for research, would be allowed. The only thing prohibited would be the weaponization of fungus.

As for the Cult's disputed vote, I am sure that we can reach an agreement. Abstention is accorded the same status as a vote; but since the retraction was issued very soon after the abstention the Ambassador may have a legal recourse.

[DarkCloud]

From: Head Academician Prokhor Zakharov
To: Planetary Council

...Apologies for the misprint in the University Sun-Governor- Roze voted for herself, and Lal's Peacekeepers abstained.

I would like to suggest to the only representative who has yet to cast his vote, the Free Drones, that with an alliance consisting of the University, Spartans, and Believers... would be very useful to the prolonged longevity of the Free Drones. Together, we control the majority of the mass of three great continents... And when the Cult is persuaded to reconcile with the Believers and join us...

-Zakharov

[[LordLMP]]

Originally posted by DarkCloud
From: Ambassador Ian Davidson-Splertovsky
To: Planetary Council

The University does realize that the Pirate's commander, Svensgaard, does not have full control over all of his people; neither do the other factions- but this ruthless pillaging of seaports and seavessels must be stopped...

Pillaging of seaports? I can recall attacks on seaports during the Second University War and the Hive War, but there was never any pillaging of any seaports.

If Svensgaard is forced to send the energy and goods recovered from captured pirates, to factions molested by his men, who can use the profits from the goods to equip their seavessels, then the University will withdraw its complaint against Svensgaard.

As far as I am concerned, there wasn't any acts of piracy since the Second University War. The Nautilus Navy do occassionally inspect merchant vessels that are suspicious, especially the ones coming from the Hive. Inspecting isn't piracy.

Captain Svensgaard

[Sprayber]

Private Message

To: Lady Deirdre Skye
From: Colonel Santiago

Greetings Lady Skye. We all find ourselves in a difficult position with the current Believer-Cult war, Peacekeeper adventures and tensions between Sparta and the Pirates. The current election to determine the future Planetary Governor is threatening to tear the council apart. I would like to offer you a proposal for your support for me as Planetary Governor. As of late you have been silent on the current situation on the Western Continent. But here is what Sparta is willing to do for your vote.

1. Sparta will take steps to reduce pollution coming from it’s factories and mining facilities. We will invite Gaian specialists to Sparta for the sole purpose of facilitating in the effort at reducing our impact on the environment. We will also halt the destruction of the native fungus except where populations are threatened. We have vast areas of unpopulated zones where fungus will be allowed to exist unmolested. We will also find alternatives to our policy of destroying the native mind worms.

2. Sparta will pledge our support in ending the vendetta between the Believers and Cult and withdraw all Spartan Forces from the Western Continent. I Believe that Sinder Roze is sincere about wanting to end the current war but she has no influence with either of the factions at war. We do however and can use that influence to push for a fair settlement from both parties. We are even willing to set aside our long going hostilities against the Cult in the interests of peace.

3. To prove that we are sincere in our promises, I offer you a kind of insurance policy. My daughter has completed her training in the Spartan military. She was to attend the Spartan War Collage but as a token of good faith, I will assign her to an embassy staff to depart for Gaian territory as soon as possible. You must know that I would do nothing to bring harm to my own flesh and blood. We are trying to create a new Sparta. But we need time and breathing room from the constant interference by some members of your very own alliance. I come to you lady, because I know that the others would never give us a chance. Give us that chance Lady Skye.

Private Message

To: Forman Domai
From: Colonel Santiago

Greetings Forman Domai. As I know that you are in the process of making your decision about who to vote for, allow me to make an offer for you to consider. For your vote Sparta is willing to remove most of our military force on your southern frontier. We will dismantle the numerous bunkers that divide our territory from each other and will work with you in an attempt to ease the tensions that have arisen on the Eastern Continent since the Pirates established Athens Outpost that currently is in Spartan territory. We simply want to ensure the security of our territory from the provocative posturing by the Pirates. We are willing to sit down and discuss some sort of bargain that will ease tensions that exist between your faction and that of Chairman Yang. After all it was us that helped you during the early years on Chiron against the Hive. The point comes down to this Forman. I believe that Roze is sincere about her attempts at peace. But she is too closely allied to the Pirates to be able to mediate real peace. Sparta is in a real position being friendly with the Hive and having a friendly past with your honorable faction. Along with all of these I offer you the chance to send Drone representatives to Sparta to instruct us in different ways to improve the life of our drone population. Once we have repaired our relations, perhaps we could then begin to find a compromise with the Pirate faction. We on the Eastern Continent are different than those in other parts of Chiron. We must stick together.

[OOC: If this doesn't work then the Spartans will announce their plan to break the deadlock.]

[Sprayber]

To: Planetary Council
From: Spartan Representative Karl Solo

Once again, the Pirate’s Captain seems to prefer one liners rather than substance. I suppose that is typical of the Pirates, so I will just let the Captain think in simple terms. Sparta’s neighbor to the north has a large industrial capacity. Large factories that produce all kinds of wonderful practical things for the average Drone citizen. As well as a large number of combat aircraft I might add. Yet, the instances of mind worm attacks are not as great as say Sparta or the Hive or even the smaller industrial power, the Believers. I wonder if it is a coincidence that the Cult has been allowed to harvest mind worms around Drone territory and the fact that perhaps the single largest polluters on planet also has one of the smallest instances of mind worm attacks? Is Drone pollution cleaner than Spartan pollution? If so, we would very much like to copy their methods. As to the Data Angel inquiry into Spartan plans to initiate peace talks, let me assure everyone that we are very busy on this matter and will be ready when Colonel Santiago wins this very tight election.

One more thing about the mind worm. I wonder what the cult mind worms get from their partnership with the Cult? I mean what do they eat when they aren’t killing Believers or other human beings. Exactly what does the Cult do about that? Could it be a case of exploitation by the Cult. And if for the sake of argument, Planet is on the Cult’s side. Where does that leave the rest of us? What about the precious charter? Or any other of our many prusuits?

[Clear Skies]

Private Message - High Encryption
From: Lady Deirdre Skye
To: Colonel Corazon Santiago

Greetings Colonel,
A thousand apologies for our apparent 'silence' on this continent. We mean no disrespect by our silence - I have simply been rather busy with internal affairs.

As to your proposals, may I welcome them with open arms. Any reduction in pollution from your factories would be invaluable to Planet's fragile ecosystems. your ecological disruption has caused untold harm to Planet's environment, and anything done to rectify that balance would be greatly appreciated.

On the subject of the Believer-Cult war, I would be interested to know exactly what you mean by 'a fair settlement'. You must forgive my forwardness, Colonel, but I believe your ties to the Believers and distrust of the Cult (which, may I say in confidence, I do not find totally without foundation) may influence you and prevent you from being objective in this matter. It is possible that Sinder Roze's neutrality in this matter may be the key to solving this problem.

Your diplomatic team will be made very welcome. I believe the best base in which to locate them will be Last Rose of Summer. However, you must forgive our security forces if they do keep something of an eye on them. In these days of conflict we must all be forever on our guard.

A new Sparta? Could you possibly elaborate upon this subject? In exactly what way do you hope to create it, and what will it be like after this 'metamorphosis'? Unless you adopt the Green economics of my own design, I fear that this new Sparta will be incompatible with my vision for an unspoilt Planet.

I will consider your proposals, Colonel Santiago. My vote is due to the Council shortly.

Deirdre Skye out.


Private Message - Maximum Encryption
From: Lady Deirdre Skye
To: Datatech Sinder Roze

Greetings in haste, my friend.

Please forgive my forthrightness, but I must deliver my vote to the Planetary Council shortly. Colonel Santiago of the Spartans has solicited for my vote, and I am worried about what will happen if I refuse.

Please do not be alarmed, my friend. I do not intend to vote for Santiago, but I am afraid that she may force me into abstention. I hate to have to do this, but can I be assured of your support should she attempt to browbeat me into voting for her?

Thanking you in advance.

Your friend in Planet,
Lady Deirdre Skye

[Clear Skies]

Incoming transmission...

There is a slight pause, and then the emblem of the Consciousness flickers and disappears. A hologrammatic representation of Prime Function Aki Zeta-5 appears before the Council, and she speaks.

I have made my decision. The Consciousness' vote will go with Datatech Sinder Roze of the Data Angels. I wish her a long and peaceful term as Planetary Governor. May she rule in wisdom and kindness.

The representation fades to black, and is again replaced with the emblem of the Consciousness.


Private Message - Maximum Encryption
From: Prime Function Aki Zeta-5
To: Datatech Sinder Roze

Greetings, my good friend.
Many apologies for not having contacted you sooner. We have been very, very busy, working towards completion of Project Delta. You will be glad to hear that we are almost ready to initialise the Project.

I hope that you achieve the Planetary Governorship, my friend. I believe you will be a strong and wise Governor, and I hope that you will spread peace and rationality over the troubled surface of Planet.

I am sorry that this has been such a short transmission, but I must leave now.

Yours in friendship.
Aki


Somewhere inside a Consciousness base...

Consciousness Operative Lena Eta-Three entered the command codes into her terminal, and Project Delta hummed into life.
She smiled to herself as the computers around her recorded and analysed exactly what was happening. Soon, Project Delta would be complete and could be unveiled.

With a few more touches on her keypad, she activated maximum encryption algorithms, initialised the Hunter-Seeker Algorithm for maximum protection and quicklinked the data directly to the office of Aki Zeta-5.

She leaned back in her chair and let a beatific smile spread across her face...

[[LordLMP]]

To: Forman Domai
From: Colonel Santiago

Greetings Forman Domai. As I know that you are in the process of making your decision about who to vote for, allow me to make an offer for you to consider. For your vote Sparta is willing to remove most of our military force on your southern frontier. We will dismantle the numerous bunkers that divide our territory from each other and will work with you in an attempt to ease the tensions that have arisen on the Eastern Continent since the Pirates established Athens Outpost that currently is in Spartan territory. We simply want to ensure the security of our territory from the provocative posturing by the Pirates. We are willing to sit down and discuss some sort of bargain that will ease tensions that exist between your faction and that of Chairman Yang. After all it was us that helped you during the early years on Chiron against the Hive. The point comes down to this Forman. I believe that Roze is sincere about her attempts at peace. But she is too closely allied to the Pirates to be able to mediate real peace. Sparta is in a real position being friendly with the Hive and having a friendly past with your honorable faction. Along with all of these I offer you the chance to send Drone representatives to Sparta to instruct us in different ways to improve the life of our drone population. Once we have repaired our relations, perhaps we could then begin to find a compromise with the Pirate faction. We on the Eastern Continent are different than those in other parts of Chiron. We must stick together.

To: Colonel Santiego
From: Foreman Domai

Santiego, for decades Sparta as tried to gain support of the Free Drones by continuesly claiming that you were the first to help us and that we are the same. Yes, I do agree that the Spartans did help us during the early years, but you are allies with the Hive now. Yes, the eastern continent is different from the rest of Chiron, but we are also different from each other. While we promote freedom, equality and democracy, Sparta operates a police state and oppresses many of its people.

As for your proposal, I am open to it. Concerning the Pirates, I will be speaking to Svensgaard after the elections and their Athen Outpost is technicly located within Free Drone territory. Since the outpost was established before we claim the territory there, I cannot simply kick them out. Besides, they are currently doing nothing but being there, causing you Spartans no harm. If the Pirates do ever chose to pack up and leave, the Free Drones will be getting their outpost as it is located within our territory.

Now, as for Datatech Sinder Roze, she leads a faction of freedom with a democratic government. So they are more suitable to us then you, Santiego, and more capable to help me in some of my other problems.

In the future, I suggest you stop sending practicly the same propasals to me, else I will start ignoring.

Foreman Domai