Fwurg

[Senator Danar Tassar]

"Dear members of the Senate," minister Tassar started his speech, "The economical Consult of the Teprogrenaian Consensus has pointed the political Consult of a questionable action of our Chancellor. We Teprogrenaian Consensus feel its our duty to bring this forward in the senate to make sure Chancellor Ardios Eldrilith is not abusing his power.

In turn 126, the chancellor opened a public tender for the acquisition of capital ships for the planetary defence grid around Unity. At first, this tender is never closed. Of course this wouldn't be an issue, weren't it for the fact that this tender appeared to be nothing more of a ploy to move money from the improvement of Unity fund to his own faction, the Praetorian Empire."

Tassar waited a moment to let his words sink in.

"This is what happened so far: First, the chancellor started a public tender for the acquisition of capital ships and consumer goods. All factions who have sent in a quotation, have offered to deliver the capital ships goods before turn 132.

So far so well, weren't it for the point that up till now, there are still no capital ships delivered to Unity for the planetary defence grid, far past the deadline placed by the chancellor and the offers of the factions willing to deliver. When the economical Consult places a new offer to provide the Chancellor with the option to still acquire the capital ships products, they received the answer that the suppliers already have been selected and have been contacted personally. As the Teprogrenaian Consensus never received any contact from the cabinet for the purchase of capital ship products, the only other party who could have been contacted based on offer, is the Praetorian Empire.

The next step of the chancellor is that due to a clever bookkeeping error, money from the improvement of unity is moved to the personal finance budget of the Ministry of Finance. Free to spend by the chancellor. The Chancellor said that this was an error, but this error of at least 800 tax gives him the option to pay his own faction without questions.

So the conclusion of the Economical and Political Consults are that chancellor Ardios Eldrilith's public tender is only a ploy to move money to his own faction. For him, the other offers apparently don't matter and the deadlines can be ignored if it concerns the Praetorian Empire."


"Because of this, the Teprogrenaian Consensus calls for the following actions:

The Chancellor publicly apologises to the senate for his actions. Both the wrongly moving of money from the Improvement of Unity fund to the Ministry of Finance budget, and failing to live up to the deadlines he set himself.

Next to these apologies, the chancellor will have to choose. The Praetorian Empire's offer in the tender only stated that they could deliver before the deadline. Since the chancellor has replied to use that a supplier for has already been selected, it must be his own world. In that case, they have failed to deliver the capital ships in time, and should be called before the ministry of justice for not delivering goods to the Union as promised. Or, the tender has not yet been closed, making the offer of the Teprogrenaian Consensus the only valid offer at this moment.

Either our offer is recognized as valid, or the Praetorian empire should be punished for not delivering defence materials to the Union in times of war!"

[Senator Ardios Eldrilith]

"Dear Senators,

As I have explained to the cabinet already the fact that all the funds have been withdrawn from the Improvement of Unity Fund has been a administrative mistake. The responsible person has already been fired for his incompetence. I can ensure you that the funds will be used for completing the planetary defence grid as it was earmarked for.

The planetary defence grid was not constructed right away due to a combination of multiple factors.

First of all the New Communist Imperium of the Rising Suns of Deominius offered to defend Unity for some time relieving the Union Defence Fleet that was tasked with protecting it, making the matter of the planetary defence grid less pressing since Unity was defended. Furthermore the Hiocan Society offered high quality goods for a decent price, but was not able to deliver due to the war in their sector. Finally the economical crisis absorbed most of the Union's attention when it struck making this matter less pressing for me as well.

No offer was accepted in the public tender as it was stated there, the planned delivery schedule was used as a guideline for the capacity that was available. The Ministry of Finance decided in 129 that the construction of the planetary defence grid was delayed until the war left the sector of the Hiocan Society. I regret not informing the senate about this matter, but we had more pressing matters at the time.

The false acquisition that the Praetorian Empire would require Union funds is ridiculous, I only intended to buy the goods for the Union at a reasonable price. If the Teprogrenaian Consensus is willing to deliver the 200 for 800 we have no problem with them delivering the . If the Teprogrenaian Consensus does not accept this I will deposit the 800 back in the Improvement of Unity Fund to be used at a later moment for acquiring the necessary capital ships at a reasonable price.

The only thing that I will apologize for is not informing the senate of the progress on this matter. You all must understand that not everything can be communicated with the senate. Especially in times of war and economical crisis we have other important matters on our minds. I am sure that Minister Tassar has not shared everything with the senate as well."

[Senator Gregory Konev]

After the Chancellor had said his thing Konev stood up to say his thing.

"Chancellor these are all nice excuses why nothing has happened but you are missing the point. Because these are not arguments that tell us why you are not guilty of the accusations that my Teprogrenaian comrade accuses you of.

Did the Preatorians not deliver as promised or are you to blame for not closing the public tender?

Because of the words of my Teprogrenaian comrade I and the Unified Republic of Darya must conclude that you have closed the tender for the acquisition of and .

Therefore the Preatorians did not deliver and we will drag them before the ministry of justice! It should not be possible that any member of the Union breaks there contract with the Union.

Also since the start of their delivery was over 5 ago you should have informed the senate and done something about this. Since you have not done this I must conclude that you were deliberately not telling the senate about this problem. As it seems that you are protecting your own faction form fall out we must come to one simple conclusion: you are corrupt!

The Unfied Republic of Darya calls for a motion of no confidence in Chancellor Ardios Eldrilith for his blatant violation of trust!"

[Senator Afra Mesti Vanlind of Komès]

"Senators,"

The senator from Komès spoke as she stood up to address the senate after the motion of no confidence called by Senator Gegory Konev.

"While it is a shame that we must resort to such drastic measures against a cabinet that seemed to be performing its tasks well, I see no other way then to support this motion.

I believe that the arguments supporting the accusation are strong and valid, meanwhile the Chancellor, when presented with the opportunity to repute them, seeks to distract us from this matter with other arguments or statements that have no bearing on this matter. This leads me to only one conclusion, The Chancellor, whether realising it or not, is not free from at least the hint of favouritism or corruption, and as result the Kingdom of Komès can no longer support him."

[Senator Ght'Twwf of the Socialist Republic of Niom]

"The Socialist Republic of Niom is most upset by this breach of the established protocols! It calls for a committee to be formed to investigate this matter thoroughly so that it can be determined if a motion of no confidence is justified!"

[Senator Acehtoo of the Miomanian Colonists]

"Perhaps the Chancellor could further clarify these events to the Senate? A motion of no confidence may be premature..."

[Former Senator Aunzora of the Confederacy of Excaria]

"Premature? Clarify?!"

The Excarian Senator was not too pleased.

"This kind of delay has endangered Unity itself! I second the motion of no confidence!"

[Senator Acehtoo of the Miomanian Colonists]

"I urge for calm. This kind of infighting is beneficial to no-one. At the very least give the Chancellor an opportunity to further explain himself. I cannot believe he would deliberately do anything to jeopardise the Union or to act unfairly to other Union members?"

[Senator Ardios Eldrilith]

"Unfortunately Senator Gregory Konev if you had listened to what I said the first time I would not have to repeat the fact that none of the offers stated in the public tender had been accepted as they were and that the public tender had been delayed.

I once more ensure you that I did not favour the Praetorian Empire in this public tender I did everything in the best interest of the Union and would not jeopardize the safety of Unity.

Furthermore Senator Danar Tassar I regret to have to remind you that Danar Torig is not recognized by me or the Praetorian Empire as representative of the Teprogrenaian Consensus.

Nonetheless the alleged offer from the Teprogrenaian Consensus would have been refused on a economical base as well.

Since Senator Danar Tassar has not responded to the offer I proposed I believe he is satisfied with my answer. The 800 has already been returned to the Improvement of Unity Fund."

[Nehket Aeka]

Nehket Aeka waited a moment before speaking up, to assure that she had the attention of the senate.

"Fellow senators,

We have had a rough period, with the Mandalorian wars and the recession. Both of which have yet to find closure. But these events can not be used as an excuse for failing to communicate important decisions, like delaying the construction of a defence grid around Unity, to the senate.

Unfortunately, the Mandalorians have clearly shown that they do not wish for peace. In such times, we should not bicker amongst ourselves, but present a strong front to the rest of the galaxy."

"I propose that a new public tender is opened for the required 200 . This will resolve any disputes with regards to the current offers.

Furthermore, a motion of no confidence will accomplish little, as the normal elections will have started before the vote on the motion actually finishes. Regardless of the results, chancellor Ardios Eldrilith will be in office for only a few more weeks. I call for a Motion of Sadness to express how we feel about the recent uncommunicative actions of the chancellery."

[Senator Ardios Eldrilith]

"I will open a new public tender for the 200 in the upcoming week. Let's start with a clean slate and focus on the Mandalorians together."

[Lady Peinaili de Montrève]

"The Sundarian Federation feels that a motion of no confidence is not only a drastic measure, we also feel it is not beneficial this close to the elections. The motion of Sadness however does better reflect the current situation.

While I are not convinced that the Chancellor has justly been accused of corruption or favouritism, I feel that the past events have not contributed the standing of the office and are damaging for the Union, and as such I feel that the Chancellor should better consider the political impact of administrative errors and mis- or non-communication, even if he himself is not directly responsible.

The Sundarian Federation will therefore second the motion of Sadness called by Minister Nehket Aeka."

[Senator Harek]

"The Hiocan Society agrees with Senator Nehket Aeka and Lady Peinaili de Montrève. We regret that the Chancellor has not taken responsibility and second the motion of Sadness. A motion of no confidence seems superfluous with the upcoming election. We should not be fighting each other. "

[Maria Latharion]

"Chancellor, isn't the person ultimately responsible for the Ministry of Finance and the Improvement of Unity Fund you yourself? And you claim the responsible person has been fired? By my knowledge only the senate has the authority to fire you. Something I believe would at the very least require a vote. As this has not happened as of yet it seems to me you simply used a scapegoat in an attempt to cover your own mistake.

Apart from the suggestion that the chancellor is favouring his own faction, I see the Minister of Defence trying to use this as leverage to favour HIS faction. Not one but two members of cabinet that seemingly look after their own interests instead of those of the Union.

Not only that, but to make matters even worse this is causing conflict within the cabinet. And now an attempt is made to sweep this matter under the proverbial rug with a motion of Sadness?

No, this should not be allowed to be simply swept aside like it is of no concern. If the cabinet members do not possess the integrity to look beyond their own world or own up to their mistakes they have no business leading the Union.

The Astrian Colonial Authority seconds the Motion of No Confidence."

[Nehket Aeka]

"Senator Latharion, I agree that the person responsible ultimately is the Chancellor. And that is exactly why I moved for sadness.

A Motion of No Confidence expresses the fact that the Senate does not stand behind the current cabinet. Tell me senator, do you not trust senator Atheos as minister of commerce who almost single-handedly came up with a plan to counter the recession. Or senator Mathi-ey C'b'rton, who, as we have come to depend on, has once more been a reliable and just in her verdicts as mininster of justice.

I called for a motion of sadness because I am sad that this happened. This is not an attempt to 'sweep this matter under the proverbial rug' but an attempt to express my sadness at the events."

[Maria Latharion]

Maria sighed.

"I still have trust in the minister of commerce and the minister of justice, however like you say, senator Nehket, a Motion of No Confidence expresses the Senate doesn't stand behind the cabinet. We all know the cabinet is more than just the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Justice."

She paused a moment.

"I am not saddened by this, I am appalled. By how blatantly Minister Tassar tries to use the Senate as a tool to benefit his world, by how Chancellor Eldrilith tries to brush this off like it's a minor inconvenience that effects no one and by you, Minister Nehket, how you try to let both of them get away with these serious acts of political misconduct without so much as a slap on the wrist.

This is not the way members of cabinet should act. They should have the integrity to look past their own world. Take the matters brought before them seriously and with an objective eye. And they should have the decency to own up to their mistakes and their flaws. But most of all they should be united in their goal to support, improve and protect the Union as a whole, not their own rule.

I do not believe this is the case for the current cabinet and thus I cannot support it."

Giving a moment to let her words sink in, Maria concludes with:

"The cabinet should represent the things that make this Union great, the majority of this cabinet doesn't even seem to try. The Astrian Colonial Authority's support of the Motion of No Confidence stands."

[Nehket Aeka]

"Let them get away with it?!", Aeka reacted angrily.

She took a moment to compose herself.

"It is impressive how you throw around these accusations based on absolutely no evidence. You hear the Daryans announce some claims, and all of a sudden you conclude that the majority of the cabinet is corrupt... Have you forgotten that just weeks ago your world was accused of war profiteering by the Daryans, based on just as much evidence?

You say that members of cabinet should have the decency to own up to their mistakes. I think that all ministers will make a mistake once in a while, as none of us is perfect. And this in itself is enough punishment already."

Aeka looked directly at Maria, and smiled faintly.

"Maria, let's not continue this dispute by pointing out the other's mistakes."

[Senator Danar Tassar]

"Senators please,

The Teprogrenaian Consensus believes that Chancellor Ardios Eldrilith's intentions around the Improvement of Unity fund are sincere, and we are willing to forgive him this mistake as the taxes are returned to their correct earmarked budget.

Still, you, the Chancellor, claim that no factions have been chosen to buy . This is not in line with the message you sent to Danar Torig, Headmaster Teprogrenaian Intergalactic Economy, where you stated that the participants already have been selected and informed.

This also voids your claim that that you don't recognize Danar Torig, Headmaster Teprogrenaian Intergalactic Economy in multiple ways. First, as far we know, Danar Torig is recognized by the Union and its members, only the Praetorian Empire have stated their dissatisfaction to deal with Torig. As the Chancellor, in name of the Union opened a public tender, Torig was selected for the trade negotiations as he is the selected person to trade with every member in the Union and the Union with exception of the Praetorian Empire. As such, we of the Consensus received the message from you, the Chancellor, that the participants have been selected. Instead of an indication of any kind that either Danar Torig or his offer are not recognized.

So if what you said is true, than we of the Teprogrenaian Consensus are terribly saddened that we have been misinformed by the Chancellor about the status of the tender.

Therefore we believe that a motion of sadness is indeed in order.

And we like to know why the answer you gave us in the tender said that the suppliers have been chosen, while you state here that there are no suppliers yet for the required ."

[Senator Danar Tassar]

After have waited for a while, Tassar spoke: "It appears that the Chancellor has no intentions of explaining himself any further, we of the Consensus will take notion of this."