Fwurg

[Senator Acehtoo of the Miomanian Colonists]

"Fellow Senators,

First, let us on behalf of the Union and all its members express our condolences to the victims of the events involving the Floating Factory. Our hearts go out to them and their families. On behalf of the Miomanian Colonists, I also want to express our admiration for the aid efforts that some of you have sent, on your own initiative and with no motivation other than the desire to help.

From a more businesslike perspective, I must bring our attention to the significant economic consequences this event has had on the Union. In light of this, the Core Worlds ask all members to review the safety of their industrial facilities so as to prevent further incidents like this.

The High Chiefdom of Skullda has let us know that it needs no financial assistance in recovering from this accident. However, the increased prices for Mass Transit Cargo Freighters on the open market and their lower availability is worrying for the ability of our most recent members to participate in the intergalactic exchange of goods.

To help alleviate this, after careful considering the available funds, we propose a one time subsidy of 200 be made available to Kalidor and the Embers of Aten, to aid in the upgrading of their trade fleets, and to promote trade with other Union members.

We shall put the matter on the table to be discussed during this week (Turn 13). A vote is planned for next week (Turn 14). If the matter is approved, the Mass Transit Cargo Freighters shall be made available to Kalidor and the Embers of Aten immediately after (in Turn 15).

Thank you."

[Senator Ardios Eldrilith]

"The Praetorian Empire approves the support for starting Union worlds. We would like to acknowledge the importance of trade capacity, as such we are willing to provide these for the Union and can guarantee delivery before turn 20. Together with the Unified Republic of Darya we will be able to provide these with 200 per turn for the regular price to the Union.

Since the demand for will stay high for some time we would like to propose an additional subsidy. We propose a small Union subsidy on all bought by Union Worlds. This will make it easier for Union worlds to acquire trade fleet."

[Lady Peinaili de Montrève]

" The Sundarian Federation supports the effort made the Preatorian Empire and the Unified Republic of Darya, as it both generous and much needed help for our newest members. An affordable supply of , especially in the early stages of the game can make a huge difference, since trade is the bases of a successful economy.

Because of the regrettable accident at Floating Factory, both the afford-ability and availability of Mass Transit Cargo Freighters have dropped significantly, which leaves its immediate marks on the either economy of the Union. Although we realize that this situation will need some time before it can be remedied, it is our opinion that we should try to minimize the economic damage to all member worlds.

The Sundarian Federation therefore supports a small subsidy on the purchase of as proposed by the Preatorian Senator. "

[Nehket Aeka]

"I think that the support of fledgeling members of the Union is of great importance. I do not think that a one-time subsidy of 200 should be the method of providing this support. It is of vital importance that the new members of the Union build a network of trading partners and political allies within the Union. To this end the Veolian Commonwealth proposes another way to support the new members."

Senator Nehket Aeka's quickly looks over the figures written down on the pad just given to her by her aide.

"Each new member of the union receives a grant of 10 000 and is exempt from Union Taxation during the first 10 weeks of their membership. This grant is earmarked for the construction of zones exclusively. The other junior members of the union will surely agree with me that this earmark hampers one's ability to develop a strong trading economy.

In this light I find an additional 1328 in less than ideal. Would it not be better to allow fledgeling members to invest 10% of their union grant in upgrading their trade capacity through or ? This allows new members to join the intergalactic trade much quicker, and to strengthen the bonds with their fellow union members through trade.

If we can come to an agreement on subsidizing the internal trade in , this combines very well with allowing the new worlds to use up to 10% of their union grant for trade capacity expansion. For example, a subsidy of 1.5 per bought (with a market of 350 per turn this would mean a total of 525 in subsidies per turn) would allow new union members to buy 200 by:

• investing 1000 form the union grant,
• a subsidy of 300 on trade
• and 28 from their own economy.

So, although the Veolian Commonwealth greatly supports the new member worlds, we must position ourselves against the one-time subsidy of 200 to Kalidor and the Embers of Aten. In the end this will strengthen the Union as a whole through better trade relations and a more developed trade infrastructure."

[The Lifebringer Clans]

"The Lifebringer Clans agree to a one-time subsidy of 200 to be given to the smallest Union members, namely Kalidor and the Embers of Aten. We agree with the Chancellor's original timetable, promising a delivery by turn 15.

The Lifebringer Clans oppose any form of per- subsidy. These kinds of subsidies will artificially increase demand, unnecessarily lengthening this price spike. Several nations, notably the Praetorian Empire and the Republic of Darya, have begun manufacturing , and other nations have voiced their intention to do the same. This will certainly help increase supply, or at the very least decrease demand, as these nations will have to import fewer and fewer . Moreover, the Floating Factories are being rebuilt, meaning the Skulddan supply will be back to normal eventually.

The Lifebringer Clans propose to at least await a prognosis by the Skulddans regarding the exact amount of lost production capacity, and time required to rebuild, before accepting sweeping measures such as the proposed subsidies."

[Nehket Aeka]

"I'm afraid that the proposed time-table can not be used in any case as the vote has not been officially opened. Since the vote is not opened, no proposal has been agreed upon. The earliest any proposal can be enacted is turn 16, after a vote in turn 15.

I'm also interested in the exact reasoning behind allowing only the Embers of Aten and the Kalidor this subsidy. Should we not determine a more objective measure?"

"As a side note: The proposed subsidy on is not meant as a permanent subsidy. The commonwealth proposes a period of 10 turns."

[Senator Acehtoo of the Miomanian Colonists]

"The vote on this matter was delayed as the Ministry of Commerce has had some financial setbacks. The Ministry of Finance has since compensated the matter. I shall open the vote on the original proposal immediately, having already received messages from various senators who wished to submit their worlds votes.

Regardless, the Senator of the Veolian Commonwealth has raised an interesting alternative strategy. So far this proposal has not yet received a second, therefore it cannot be taken up in the current vote - however, we encourage further discussion on this topic. We see no reason why we cannot have a separate decision and vote for the proposed subsidies."

[Senator Ardios Eldrilith]

"Before the Praetorian Empire can vote on this matter we need some information on the matter. Where does the Union get these 400 and at what cost? We would like to know why the ministry of commerce is currently low on funds. Where is all the flowing at the moment? Can the Union even afford this project?"

After a moment of silence Ardios Eldrilith continued: "We would like to second the proposed subsidy by the Veolian Commonwealth, we agree on the 1.5 per . Furthermore we second the proposal to let new worlds use 10 % of their grant on transportation."

[Senator Acehtoo of the Miomanian Colonists]

The are bought from private suppliers operating within the Open Market and they are paid a realistic market price for their goods. If the Praetorian Empire can provide them at a lower price within the allotted time span, we would be most interested in this, however our information tells us this is not currently viable due to a lack of supply.

The Ministry of Commerce is low on funds due to a large infrastructural project as well as significant payments in subsidies to aid the new member worlds in their development. The Ministry has calculated that this project is within the financial means of the Ministry, that is why the decision was made to offer these amounts and no more. The Ministry of Finance has confirmed these calculations and shall make sure none of the ministries goes over budget.