Chiron Chronicles: Planetary Council

[Clear Skies]

Helena Gamma-7, recently appointed Cybernetic Consciousness liaison and representative to the Planetary Council, rises and prepares to speak.

My fellow delegates, we appear to have reached something of an impasse. As I understand it, both candidates for the Planetary Governorship have 34 votes.

Obviously, since there are only two candidates, a 'coalition' form of government would be both impractical and unfeasible. Also, it is the opinion of the Consciousness that CEO Nwabudike Morgan cannot hope to continue as Planetary Governor, since he did not stand for re-election and so received no votes from any of the factions.

Therefore, it is the opinion of the Consciousness that the vote should be retaken. It has come to our attention that both the Peacekeepers and the Cult of Planet may wish to alter their votes, and this may turn the stemmed tide. It is our belief that public opinion should be allowed to triumph, and that whichever faction gains the most votes in the re-vote should take the Planetary Governorship.

If there is significant opposition to this proposal, why should we not table it as a motion before the Planetary Council and let everyone decide?

She sits again, looking demurely embarrassed at having to present such a speech.

[Sprayber]

Representative Solo starts to stand but Colonel Santiago grabs his arm and whispered something in his ear. Solo sits back down with mild case of shock at Santiago grabbing his arm. He notices Ambassador Fuentes unsuccessfully trying to hold back her laughter at seeing the look on his face. As this is happening, Colonel Santiago stands up and moves to the podium to address the council.

To: Planetary Council
From: Colonel Santiago

“While this is not the time I had wished to speak, the issue that has been brought up is of great importance to me. This has been a long and difficult campaign. I can imagine all of the deals that were attempted to gain this or that faction’s votes. I know that I found myself talking to people that I normally would not have. But after all is said and done, I believe that that was a good thing. All of us here has had the privilege of living a long time. But along with the privilege comes a curse. Some of us have allowed our personal feelings for another leader to cloud our judgments. For some it has become more of a personal matter than a matter of state. And that is after all why we are here. To ensure that our citizens get their fair share or resources and to protect them from the dangers that everyone faces. If we fail at that, than we are merely parasites upon our respective factions. The Consciousness liaison has suggested that we go through this process again. But I must disagree. We have already spent way too much time on this issue and there are so many other issues that need the attention of this body if it is to remain relevant. Cause I must honestly ask if the most important aspect of this body is who is its governor. Since myself and Roze both received the same number of votes it would appear clear that we are unacceptable to at least half of the population on this planet. I ask Data Jack Roze to join me and call on CEO Morgan to go on as Planetary Governor. He has served with distinction for the past term and believe that he will serve with honor for a second. There would be no purpose to have a revote unless there is intent to alienate have of the factions on this planet. As to the argument that the Cult of Planet and the Peacekeepers should have a second chance to revote, I would just like to say that Sparta is opposed to any attempt to decide an election after the fact. A new round of voting would only result in the same result and would be in effect giving the Cult and Peacekeepers a second chance at voting. This would cast a shadow on next governor. I would not want that and if I have judged Sinder Roze correctly, I believe she would not want that. I would like to thank the leaders that voted for me in the election. Sister Miriam Godwinson, Chairman Sheng-Ji Yang, CEO Nwabudike Morgan, and Academician Prokhor Zakharov. Your support will not be forgotten.

[OOC: Can you see Solo's look when Colonel Santiago grabs his arm. Kind of like a parent would do with a child that is about to do something. This would be like the last thing in the world he would expect from her. Of course he will have a good laugh about later when he deals with the embarrasment.]

[Kassiopeia]

From: Believing Representative Father Deacon
To: Planetary Council

The Believers support the Spartan motion to retain CEO Nwabudike Morgan as the Planetary Governor. Obviously, a third party is needed to avoid a possible political crisis.

Since the voting has already passed, and the fact that certain occurrences slowed her progress in travelling here considerably, Sister Miriam has aborted her voyage and is now returning to New Jerusalem.

Father Theodore Deacon

[Argonaut]

Roze stands to address the Spartan proposal.

General Address
To: Planetary Council
From: Datajack Roze

How gallant and noble Colonel. Yet, I cannot help but notice the situation you so "objectively" put forward. Your solution to a stalemate between two clear sides of the voting is to have one of your staunch supporters to retain the Governership. Excuse me if I don't jump at your "generous" offer. A man who did not continue his candidacy, not because he no longer sought the office, but because no one save the University of Planet was willing to back him.

While I mean no disrespect to CEO Morgan in this situation, his retaining the Governership at this stage would be absurd. We cannot decide between the two eligible candidates, so we opt for the man that no one wanted to lead anymore. How can we respect the leadership of such a Governor.

The only people I see gaining from this Colonel Santiago, is you and your burgeoning alliance.

I say the situation is clear. We have two factions who for their own reasons chose not to support either candidate. I propose that they must now submit a vote for either yourself Colonel, or myself. Whichever they deam as the lesser of two evils I suppose. That way no one's votes are negated and the majority of Planet's population will support one candidate as a further deadlock would be impossible.

[Sprayber]

To: Planetary Council
From: Colonel Santiago

A faction’s vote cannot be changed once it is given out. To allow that to happen would set a precedent in which a faction can go back on its word on any matter. If you want to be the governor of an insignificant body than this is the path to be taken. You will preside over a hollow body that serves no other purpose than for show. There will be no reason for the Believers to come to this body in search of peace if the Cult can change it’s mind on a whim. The Cult’s decision to revote was made because they felt that they could have an opportunity to make the difference and to gain favor with the Data Angels. When they felt that they had no chance to affect the outcome they considered you to be “unworthy of their vote”. What has happened to change their mind? What have they to gain? At least the Peacekeepers had the honor to stand upon their principles, while the Cult merely wants to pander to whomever they think they can cozy up to. I seem to remember that they like to talk about environmental issues but associate with those that pollute far more than anyone else. Take a revote and this council become meaningless. And as far as my supposed alliance with CEO Morgan. Well, he was governor for the last ten years. Exactly how has it been overly beneficial to Sparta? He has refrained from interfering at every little opportunity. Would you do different?

[DarkCloud]

From: Ambassador Ian Davidson-Splertovsky
To: Planetary Council

Another issue that the University would like to discuss in regards to the charter- Just why are women and children given extra rights? Are they weaker- no! Are they more important, most certainly NO!

We suggest a revision.

---
From: Zakharov

My belief is that the two candidates govern equally.
It is the only fair decision.

[Clear Skies]

From: Lady Deirdre Skye
To: Planetary Council

Please explain, my dear Zakharov, how on Planet that is a fair decision. We have word that both the Cult and the Peacekeepers wish to change their votes. This is supposed to be a democratic system, and it follows that we must allow all factions their votes.

Is our dear Colonel Santiago afraid of popular opinion, perhaps?

[DarkCloud]

From: Head Academician Prokhor Zakharov
To: Planetary Council

If they neglected to vote for whom they wished to, then they should not have a second chance to vote.

Most likely they were coerced into wishing to change their votes.

...And even if they had not; they should not be able to revise their poor planning through changing their votes, with all respect to Cha-Dawn and Lal, of course.

[Guardian]

Ambassador Fuentes has been sitting in silence next to her Commissioner since her last little speech, trying not to make too much of an issue out of her obvious distaste for the Spartan's notion that she would need the Pirates' permission to speak up for herself. Karl Solo might not have intended it that way, but as far as Isabella Fuentes was concerned, he might as well have called her a dirty whore.

Commissioner Lal's arrival momentarily lifted her spirits, but as Solo spoke again and Colonel Santiago entered the Chambers, it seemed clear that the UN Ambassador was anything but happy.

Lal noticed her gloomy mood and started a whispered conversation, apparently trying to cheer her up a bit. After a sour look in the Spartans' direction, she turned her attention to Lal and gradually started smiling again. The two of them appeared to discuss some kind of question and reach some kind of agreement, then they both turned their attention back to the ongoing discussion.

Fuentes giggled at the look on Solo's face when Santiago grabbed his arm, but otherwise stayed put for yet some time. As she listened to Santiago and Roze, she seemed to change back into her usual self again, and it seemed clear that it was only a matter of time before the UN Ambassador would speak again. After the message from Deirdre Skye, the time has come...

With an interesting smile, she stands up and speaks in a clear, musical voice.

"I must say, I find it interesting to hear that the Gaians have word that we wish to change our vote. We weren't aware of this, and so we would be interested in hearing how they know." Looking out the corner of her eye, she noted with satisfaction that she got the intended chuckle from Solo.

Changing back to a more serious attitude, she goes on.
"Our position in regards to the Planetary Governor Election remains a neutral one at this time. We do not support either candidate and have no official policy on how the matter should be resolved. We have abstained from voting and so we aren't really involved in the discussion. We will listen the arguments presented by both sides and we will try to help resolve the matter if we are called upon to do so, but we will not intervene at this time."

She turns to face the Spartan desk again.
"Mr. Solo, I have yet to hear a single reason why would need a new Charter. I still believe that properly enforcing the existing one would take care of the problems you have mentioned."

[Clear Skies]

From: Lady Deirdre Skye
To: Planetary Council

My dear Zakharov, whatever happened to the 'repetition increases reliability' mantra so beloved of scientists? We do not believe the current results to be at all reliable, and as such believe that the vote should be repeated.

(She turns to Ambassador Isabella Fuentes)

My most sincere apologies, Ambassador Fuentes. Our information was indirect at best, and incorrect at worst. We did not intend to cause offence.

[[LordLMP]]

After hearing more complaints from Solo about the Pirates and his attempt to annoy Svensgaard, he was about to speak until he saw Commissioner Lal entering the Council. Soon later, so did Colonel Santiego. He grinned when Solo showed that look when Santiego grabed him. After it silent again, he raises up to speak:

Solo, what part of INTERFACTIONAL Peackeeping Task Force don't you understand? The proposal is to create the IPTF comprised of military units from various factions leaded by someone of the Council's choosing. That someone will be working for the Planetary Council, no one else. Meaning, the IPTF will enforce whatever rules and laws set by the Planetary Council, including the UN Charter. Anyway, it is just a Proposal which is still open for the Council to vote on.

All the factions that are part of the Planetary Council had to agree to follow all rules and laws set by the Council, inluding the UN Charter. So if the Spartans or any other faction wants to stay in the Council, they must obey the UN Charter. If you people have a problem with that, simply set a motion to remove it or change it. If your not please with the results of the vote, you cannot do anything about it.

Everyone here seem to forget that the Planetary Council as a Constitution, which is not surprising as we never had an election problem until now. The Constitution does state that in the event of a Stalemate, the abstainies would have to Vote one of the other of the candidates who have a tie. If that still results in a Stalemate or other problems, we are to have re-election which should be done now. Question it as you want, but all you factions have agreed to it when you joined the Council and no one can change it without a 3/4 majority. It is no one else's problem if you didn't bother to read it when you Agreed.

Before I finish *looking towards the University Ambassador*, will like to continue to state to the Council of the stupidity of some Ambassadors in the Council.

Captain Svensgaard

[OOC: Yes, i just bring up the Contitution out of nowhere :P but it is getting annoying and the elections is dragging way to long. Besides, would make sense for a Council to have a Contitution stating the rules of the Council. Complain as you want, I am still one the Moderators Darkcloud, nothing personal to you directly, just that Svensgaard doesn't take University seriously. ]

[[LordLMP]]

Oh, another thing. The Spartans continue to give the Nautilus Pirates way to much credit. If we had so much power like they say, there wouldn't be a Sparta at all to complain about it.

Captain Svensgaard

[Sprayber]

All the factions that are part of the Planetary Council had to agree to follow all rules and laws set by the Council, inluding the UN Charter. So if the Spartans or any other faction wants to stay in the Council, they must obey the UN Charter. If you people have a problem with that, simply set a motion to remove it or change it. If your not please with the results of the vote, you cannot do anything about it.

From: Representative Solo
To: To Planetary Council

Please Captain. Spare us all the speech about following rules set up by the Council. The council also has very specific rules about factions occupying land of anther factions during times of peace. Your faction is a walking council violation. I tell you what. We will have another election if you follow the Councils rules on territory integrity and vacate Athens Outpost. Until then, don’t try to lecture Sparta on following the supposed rules of Council. I would ask DataJack Roze that if she were the Planetary Governor, would she actually enforce the rules and have the Pirates vacate Spartan territory. This is the whole reason that Colonel Santiago is running in the first place. If DataJack Roze would come out against Pirate occupation of Athens Outpost, which would simply mean following the rules, then Sparta would be more than happy to withdraw from the election. If not, we can only count on ourselves to act in defense of Sparta.

[OOC: I would assume that the Council would have some rules concerning this. If not, what good is it to begin with.]

[[LordLMP]]

Originally posted by Sprayber


From: Representative Solo
To: To Planetary Council

Please Captain. Spare us all the speech about following rules set up by the Council. The council also has very specific rules about factions occupying land of anther factions during times of peace. Your faction is a walking council violation. I tell you what. We will have another election if you follow the Councils rules on territory integrity and vacate Athens Outpost. Until then, don’t try to lecture Sparta on following the supposed rules of Council. I would ask DataJack Roze that if she were the Planetary Governor, would she actually enforce the rules and have the Pirates vacate Spartan territory. This is the whole reason that Colonel Santiago is running in the first place. If DataJack Roze would come out against Pirate occupation of Athens Outpost, which would simply mean following the rules, then Sparta would be more than happy to withdraw from the election. If not, we can only count on ourselves to act in defense of Sparta.

There isn't a single Pirate unit or outpost WITHIN Spartan territory. The Spartans seem to think they own the whole Eastern Continent. The sector which Athen Outpost is located isn't Spartan territory and it wasn't Spartan territory when the Athen Outpost was established. If we do ever leave Athen Outpost, that sector would go under Free Drone control. So the Pirates isn't violating the Charter. If the Spartans want to us to leave the Outpost, they will have to fight us off, but wait, they can't do that because THEY themselves would be violating the Charter. So whats the point of complaining? I thought you Spartans are Warriors, not whiners.

As for the Election, I suggest the Spartans and others to stop complaining over the matter and allow the abstainies to Vote or have a re-election as the Consitution suggests. If you don't like it, then lets have a vote now and then to Modify that rule in the Constitution. The Nautilus Pirates is tired of Council bickering without getting anything done. So lets Vote people.

Captain Svensgaard

[Natan]

From: Sau-ji Tseng
To: Planetary council

I am here today to deliver the proposal of the Hive central committee as regards the Planetary Council elections. The votes are tied. No one has been elected governor. Therefore, we suggest that no one should be governor. The planetary governor serves no real purpose. There is no need to give one leader veto power over the other members, and no reason to set one faction or its head above the others in controlling the Council's offices, indeed, that only harms the Council's position as a neutral arbiter. Therefore, the Hive suggests that for the next ten years, Planet go without a governor in the current sense of the word. The council officer with the highest rank and most seniority will serve as the head of the planetary bureaucracy, but he will not have veto power or any of the other perks of the Governor. We suggest that this system be installed for the next ten years, after which new elections can be held, or, if the factions of Chiron are fully satisfied with the functioning of the new system, it can be continued.