Fwurg

[Lord-Senator Kachiso Doshima]

Dear Lady-Senator Dewa Lanadi,

As you are undoubtedly aware, new chancellor elections are on the horizon. I plan to run for the office and would like your support, as a running mate, in this matter. Though you are a relatively new face in the senate, I have seen enough of your abilities to believe you would be an asset to my cabinet.

My plan is to further the Union's growth and cooperation by proposing legislation that stimulates cooperative colonization efforts, done by Union members, outside of, what is currently, outside Union territory. Such endeavours must be done carefully to avoid provoking other superpowers. This will also be part of my agenda.

If you have any additional ideas on how the Union can be improved, I would be delighted to discuss these with you.

I look forward to your reply.

With kind regards,
Lord-Senator Kachiso Doshima

[Chancellor Dewa Lanadi]

Dear lord-senator Kachiso Doshima,

First off, I want to ask a question to satisfy my curiosity: why does your title include the prefix "Lord-"? Based on your use of Lady-senator to address me, I must assume that the prefix is not part of an official title, but a functional indication of one's gender. As far as I understand it, the astrians pride themselves on viewing everyone equal, and drawing attention to someone's gender does not seem to fit in this idea. I am most curious as to why this is done.

I am interested in promoting cooperation as well, but the matter of cooperative colonization efforts is a difficult one. There are complex legal issues to consider, as well as the question of the actual benefit of cooperative colonisation efforts. I would very much like to hear the direction of the legislation you want to propose -- and the goals you aim for with them -- before I commit to supporting you in public.

I would like to support your candidacy, but I can only do so if I have a more concrete idea of what you propose. I understand that you will need some time to write up a more detailed outline of your proposals, and will use that time to think over how this offer can best benefit the Veolian Commonwealth.

I look forward to reading your outline.


Sincerely yours,
Senator Dewa Lanadi

[Lord-Senator Kachiso Doshima]

Dear Lady-Senator Dewa,

First of all the prefix is actually the translation of a prefix that, in the Astrian language, is gender neutral. Though the method of pronunciation varies slightly in different dialects. This prefix is both a sign of the importance of and difficulty to gain the function it is coupled with. It is considered more polite and more formal to address someone with such a title with the prefix. Though it is not impolite for people with the same function or a higher function to omit it. When translated in context into basic galactic the result is a gender specific prefix. Since we don't consider the difference between women and men to be of any significance, we see no reason to change this translation.

As for the more substantial matters, I plan to propose subsidies for the special goods required to build megadome cities and perform terraformation on all colonies. To further stimulate more cooperative colonisation I also want to propose subsidies for the upkeep outposts and settlements built by more then one faction. I am also considering to propose tax benefits to factions that have their military fleets perform piracy patrol outside Union territory while also securing sectors inside Union territory, provided combined efforts allow these fleets to take over patrol duties from the Union Fleets.

I would very much like to hear your thoughts on these matters.

With kind regards,
Lord-Senator Kachiso Doshima

[Chancellor Dewa Lanadi]

Dear lord-senator Doshima,

As I see it you propose to enact three distinct subsidies:

• Subsidies on terraformation and megadome cities on colonies
• Subsidies for upkeep of outposts and settlements on colonies established by multiple union members
• Tax benefits for those doing piracy patrol outside of the Union, which seems to mostly benefit members with colonies

Looking at these different proposals, I can not help but notice how none of them are of any use to the Veolian Commonwealth, and how nearly all of them benefit only the Praetorian Empire, Sundarian Federation, Hiocan Society and the Astrian Colonial Authority. The only proposal that would be of any benefit to us are the subsidies on terraformation and megadome cities, though that strongly depends on their implementation.

It is clear that you wish to encourage colonisation, and specifically cooperative colonisation. What is not yet clear to me me is why colonisation is so important to you -- other than the fact that the ACA can apply for all proposed subsidies and tax benefits -- nor is it clear to me why cooperative colonisation should be encouraged above colonisation by a single member. Could you explain your reasons for wanting to encourage only cooperative colonisation? What ultimate goal do you wish to attain by encouraging this, or what vision do you have into which these cooperative colonies fit?

I am confident that, if these important questions are answered, I will either understand your reasoning and agree, or I will be able to suggest alternative proposals that fit into your grand vision. Either way, I will be able to express my support for your candidacy.

Sincerely yours,
Senator Dewa Lanadi

[Lord-Senator Kachiso Doshima]

Dear Lady-Senator Dewa,

My reasons for focussing on cooperative colonisation is twofold.

On one hand the simple reason proposals stimulating cooperation tend to be better received by the senate. I admit this isn't the most flattering or inspiring reason, but it's my hope this will compensate for the expenses subsidizing colonies will cause.

On the other hand I believe the Union needs to grow, territory wise. This in order to continue the prosperity and economic growth we have enjoyed. With cooperative colonies there will be a greater incentive for the Union to add new sectors to it's territory.

Having said all that I must note that I am not against extending the legislation to colonies created by a single faction, though I do believe members will be less willing to agree to it.

With kind regards,
Lord-Senator Kachiso Doshima

[Chancellor Dewa Lanadi]

Dear lord-senator Doshima,

I understand why you believe that the Union needs to expand it's territory to maintain economic growth. I do not necessarily with the idea, but it is an easy conclusion given how our current industries work. However, expanding the Union's territory requires more than simply planting a flag on some rocks in space and building and Outpost.

The fact that the latest of these proposal was passed has more to do with the general apathy of most senators than with the beneficial nature of the proposal. Proposals stimulating cooperation only tend to be better received by the senate if they do not also raise taxes. The way you phrase your idea seems to indicate that you expect a significant expense, and also expect the worlds of the Union to carry these costs. Many will be against this idea, especially if the execution comes down to other Union worlds paying for the upkeep of your outposts.

I have to look with a more pragmatic mindset towards these matters, for the democratic form of government of the Union makes most clear-cut matters difficult to approach. After deliberation, I am willing to support your candidacy and use the reputation of the Commonwealth to influence others to vote in your favour under the following conditions:

• You grant the Veolian Commonwealth the position of minister of Commerce.
• Proposals to provide incentives for colonisation efforts will not exclude non-cooperative efforts in favour of cooperative efforts, and these incentives are not to be upkeep-based because this will encourage short-term beneficial outposts instead of long-term stability through Settlements (as independent settlements no longer require upkeep).
• Instead of subsidizing piracy patrol outside of the Union by Union members, we will look into integration of Union and member militaries in a more principled manner. This with the eventual goal of having the Union military consists mostly of member fleets -- incentives towards private piracy patrol will only ensure the presence of the weakest of fleets that will add little to the Union's defense.
• You will allow me to open at least two votes during the coming term to pass legislation within the sphere of economic or science-related matters.
• The Ministry of Commerce's contingency budget is bolstered by an additional 1500 from the contigency budget of the ministry of finance.

I understand that this is not the way such political deals are normally made in the Union. However, I think that the Union's political arena can do with some clarity about the economics behind most decisions. As such I feel the need to be upfront about what I expect in return for my political support.

It is my hope that you not only accept the conditions I state but see the value of such clear communication as well. If so, I am sure that we will be very effective as a team. The current political climate would be much improved if the level of discussion in the senate is raised from "what is with all the obelisks" to "how this does provide a long-term benefit for Union members".

As a start of our collaboration I have outlined some of my suggestions and thoughts with regards to the expansion of Union territory, and how to best incentivize worlds to go along with this plan.

Sincerely yours,
Senator Dewa Lanadi

Attachment 1

I think only those areas that are actually defensible by the Union can truly be called Union territory; Outpost and Space Habitats and such are not even capable of defending themselves against simple pirates, and as such can scarcely be said to expand the Union's territory. The only colonisation effort that can truly be said to expand the Union's territory is a completed Settlement.

As such, the establishment of Settlements is the only effort should really be incentivized in my opinion.

The expansion of territory also touches upon the matter of the Union military, but that's another discussion altogether. A discussion that is better talked about when a new cabinet is in place.

Attachment 2

I suggest using contigency budgets for the stimulation of colonisation, and to put a time-frame on them instead of making them a continuous incentive.

Every ministry already has a budget of 5000 each electoral period, and this money can be spend effectively without checks and balances. The ministry of finance boasts a contingency budget of 10000 each electoral period. These funds are rarely ever used. We can simply announce the subsidies and assign a slice of these contingency funds to the matter without the need to invoke month-long discussions about the proposal.

An example would to grant 500 for an outpost and 1500 for a settlement, the award is granted per colony, so partners in cooperative colonies simply decide amongst themselves how to divide it. These grants would be available until the fund backing them runs dry. A simple and constrained, yet effective incentive to quickly start work on these colonies.

[Lord-Senator Kachiso Doshima]

Dear Lady-Senator Dewa,

Clear communication is indeed preferred and I see merit in your suggestions. I believe better communication within the cabinet will be beneficial. To that end I wish to make an agreement within the cabinet to discuss proposals within the cabinet before presenting them as votes or for discussion to the senate. If you agree with this I will happily agree to your conditions.

I am certain you will see the merit in this, as well.

With kind regards,
Lord-Senator Kachiso Doshima

[Chancellor Dewa Lanadi]

Dear lord-senator Doshima,

I wholeheartedly concur, nothing is more important than clear communication. Therefore, I agree to your idea of discussing proposals within the cabinet before putting them before the senate.

You can count on my support.

Sincerely yours,
Senator Dewa Lanadi

[Chancellor Dewa Lanadi]

Dear lord-senator Doshima,

Could you clarify what you meant with your statement "A term where the chancellor failed to make good on his campaign promises." in your candidacy speech? The only promise that I am aware of that currently qualifies for this premature statement is the promise of opening four votes.

If you indeed meant that promise, you just walked into a trap. The chancellor still has three more weeks to close a final fourth vote. Since he still has to announce his candidacy, that mistake is something he will surely exploit.

If you are referring to another promise I suggest you quickly tell me what promise you did mean. I can then voice my concerns about that specific promise in the senate. That way we prevent him from drawing other's attention to the -- as of yet unfulfilled -- promise of four votes as he fulfills his promise.

Sincerely yours,
Senator Dewa Lanadi

[Lord-Senator Kachiso Doshima]

Dear Lady-Senator Dewa,

That promise was only one of the promises I meant. Two other campaign promises he made have been unfulfilled, though I admit one is subjective.

Chancellor Odakim promised he would "improve" the defences of the Union. While he has changed the names of the Union fleets, I would not call that an improvement. This doesn't do anything to change the effectiveness of the fleets nor does it improve security in any way.

The other promise he made was that the four votes would be on "important" matters. This is highly subjective, however, I believe many Senators wouldn't consider changing the name of the Union fleets as an important matter.

Regardless, I did not realise I was walking into a trap. Thank you for pointing this matter out to me. I will prepare a proper response, in case he does try to exploit it.

With kind regards,
Lord-Senator Kachiso Doshima