Fwurg

[Senator Acehtoo of the Miomanian Colonists]

"Fellow Senators,

I ask your attention for this message from the Ministry of Commerce:

'The Ministry of Commerce has gathered enough reserves to start on a large infrastructural project: the extension of the Bozzy Spine by one sector at equivalent quality to the rest of the Bozzy Spine.

With this project, we hope to increase trade between member states and increase access for new member worlds. No additional taxations will be necessary for the completion of this project - it will be paid for from the reserves of the Ministry of Commerce.

This week we will accept proposals for possible sectors in which to build this expansion of the Bozzy Spine. Any sector currently adjacent to the Bozzy Spine may be proposed as a possible location.

All proposals must be in by the end of the week (Sunday the 12th of June 2011, 23:59:59) and must be seconded by at least one other member before this time. Each world may submit at most one sector for consideration.

Note that any member world, be they Inner, Core or Fringe, may propose or second.'

As Chancellor, and on behalf of the Ministry of Commerce, I ask all of the Senators to consider this matter carefully and make any proposals they believe to be the most beneficial.

To aid in the process, we also ask that all proposals include one or more reasons why the proposed sector will be the most beneficial to the Union, so that these pro's and con's can be debated.

Thank you."

(( OOC EDIT: Fixed incorrect date. New date is correct ))

[Senator Acehtoo of the Miomanian Colonists]

"To clarify the procedure of proposing and seconding:

Worlds may propose or second only once. This means that if you propose a sector, you may not second a different sector. Additionally, if you second a sector, you may not propose a sector.

In effect, seconding a sector is the equivalent of proposing the same sector."

[Senator Ardios Eldrilith]

"I would like to propose the sector 10 -5. As this sector contains the pimary system of the Veolian Commonwealth and this sector is located near the center of the Union it is the best to start with for the completion of the Bozzy spine circle. We see this as the best candidate sector because of the following reasons: When starting with this sector followed by the sector of the School of Cyndros we can complete the circle with only 2 further Bozzy spine extensions.

When the circle is completed all union members will have far more efficient trade routes available to each other. Because the Veolian Commonwealth is located near the center of the Union and has a very large population it should not have a problem defending itself and the trade routes against outsiders that are not Union members. Furthermore, sector 10 -5 is the only sector that allows us to close the spine with only 3 extensions, and have two of the extension firmly in Union controlled sectors."

[Senator Enrorgh of Meritonia]

"The Kingdom of Meritonia would like to propose Sector 8 -5.

Improving this sector will not just grant access to Meritonia, but will offer access to the Principality of Suma as well, connecting two founding members directly to the Bozzy Spine.

Additionally, this location will unlock easier access towards the Galactic Core. Such access would make trade with the Core Hegemony much simpler, for all member worlds, providing us access to many new resources.

Finally, this sector lies in the path of connecting the two ends of the Bozzy Spine. As I have argued before, connecting the two ends will increase the amount of traffic for worlds at both ends and allow them to trade with one another much more easily."

[Senator Acehtoo of the Miomanian Colonists]

"Fellow Senators,

It appears both the Senators of the Praetorian Empire and Meritonia agree on connecting the Bozzy Spine into a circle. This is indeed a long term goal for the Bozzy Spine. This should of course be considered, though the decision to day is purely about one sector, not about any future expansions.

Thank you"

[RemcoSwenker]

After a short burst of some Vyzova the Senator from Darya stands up to speak.

"We have deliberated and The Unified Republic of Darya second the proposal Praetorian Empire. As this will allow better transport between the westerns sectors of the union who now have to travel the complete length of the Bozzy spine. There for we see this as a superior choice to what was proposed by the Honorable Senator of Meritonia."

[Senator Ardios Eldrilith]

"A few questions have arisen in the Praetorian counsel. I was asked to forward them to the Union counsel. First of all we would like to know how fast such a Bozzy Spine extension can be build after it has been approved by the Union. Furthermore we would like to know what the costs of such a project are and how long it would take for the ministry of commerce to be able to afford another one of these extensions. The Praetorian counsel of elders has difficulty grasping the magnitude of this project. Could you Chancellor Acehtoo or somebody from the ministry of commerce elaborate on this topic?"

[Senator Eraikuntza]

"The Techno Zaibatsu will second the Meritonians on their proposal for Sector 8 - 5. Completing the circle for the Bozzy Spine is indeed a desirable long term goal. We have reasoned that choosing for this sector instead of Sector 10-5 to accomplish this would eventually benefit more worlds. Also choosing for Sector 8 - 5 will give better opportunities for trading with and exploring more distant systems.

[Lady Peinaili de Montrève]

"Chancellor and fellow Senators, "

Lady Penaili stood from her seat and to so that all could see her, as she spoke.

" After carefull considiration, the Sundarian Federation has decided to second the proposal made by the Praetorian Empire to expand the Bossy Spine into sector 10 -5. Although the arguments from Senator Enrorgh are true, it is the believe of the Sundarian Government that a faster completetion of the Bossy Spine benefits all members and increases trade throughout the Union.

Once the Bossy Spine circle is complete, it will be possible to pull our resources and efforts, and we will all be able to profit equally from the opening of a trade lane with the Core Hegemony. Expanding the Bossy Spine in their direction now, would indeed benefit several members, but will more importantly, put the Free peoples of Wrarrbo and liberal Assencia at a greater disadvantage because of an even longer traderoute, compared to routes they have now.

It was my understanding that the Union exists to benefit all, we as senators, should make that possible. Thank you. "

Lady Peinaili waited a few second to let her words sink in before she stepped back and sat down to listen to continuation of the debate.

[Representative Uriel of Liberal Assencia]

"Hah!" The senator from Liberal Assencia stated firmly. "We thank the fair lady for defending Liberal Assencia! But we have already found an even better solution to this problem.

We propose sector 10 -3, at the other end of the Bozzy Spine instead.

Both the proponents of Sector 8 -5 and Sector 10 -5 claim they wish to connect the two ends of the Bozzy Spine. In both cases, Sector 10 -3 would be the logical point to connect to at the other end. It is therefore the best compromise which benefits everyone!"

[Representative Anselim of the Free Peoples of Wrarrbo]

"We second the vote for Sector 10 -3"

It was a short but clear message - given the location, little explanation as to why this vote was the way it was would be required and none was offered.

[Senator Afra Mesti Vanlind of Komès]

"The Kingdom of Komès..."

Senator Afra Mesti Vanlind interjected

"... believes that all proposals so far are sensible. We are in doubt between supporting Sector 10 -5 and Sector 8 -5. The current arguments have not convinced us yet either way. We are following this discussion with great interests regardless and would like to hear all the arguments."

[Senator Acehtoo of the Miomanian Colonists]

"So far, the proposals have been as follows:"

The Chancellor provided a document to all those present with a list of the current state of affairs

Code: Select all

Sector 10 -5   
   Proposed by:   Praetorian Empire   
   Seconded by:   Unified Republic of Darya, Sundarian Federation
Sector 8 -5   
   Proposed by:   Kingdom of Meritonia
   Seconded by:   Techno Zaibatsu
Sector 10 -3   
   Proposed by:   Liberal Assencia   
   Seconded by:   Free Peoples of Wrarrbo

[Senator Eraikuntza]

"It is true that for a quick completion of the circle sector 10-5 would be a logical choice. This would leave however a weird situation for the Spine in sectors 8-6 and 9-6. By instead using these two sectors and choosing a route over sector 8-5 to complete the circle you will get a more efficient use out of the existing infrastucture.

To complete the circle this way we will need to improve only one extra sector, but this will bring us greater opportunities in the end."

[Senator Acehtoo of the Miomanian Colonists]

"I have spoken with the Minister of Commerce regarding the Praetorian questions. "

She turned to the Praetorian Senator and bowed.

"We apologize for the delay, the engineers responsible for this matter were unable to come to an agreement before this moment.

We estimate that the construction of the Bozzy Spine extension will take around 10 weeks.

The exact cost estimate depends on what factors are counted amongst the costs of construction – various components are delivered by Union worlds at a discount and several Union Corporations have pledged an investment. The total cost for the Ministry of Commerce is estimated to be around 50.000 .

Depending on the other activities undertaken by the Ministry of Commerce, it is expected to take some 5 weeks after the completion of the Bozzy Spine extension currently under debate before a similar project can be started.”

Chancellor Acehtoo looked at the Praetorian Senator to see if they had any additional questions.

[Senator Afra Mesti Vanlind of Komès]

"Senator Eraikuntza brings a most convincing point regarding sectors 8 -6 and 9 -6. The Kingdom of Meritonia and the Principality of Suma would literally be out of the loop following an extension through sector 10 -5.

An acceptable solution to this problem must be found, otherwise the Kingdom of Komès cannot consider the 10 -5 extension to be a valid alternative."

[Nehket Aeka]

Whilst the debate continues, one of the aides of the Veolian senator hands the senator a bundle of documents. She shortly leaves through them before standing up.

"Fellow Senators...", senator Nehket Aeka begins, "...as the chancellor has already indicated it is of importance that the proposed extension benefits the Union as a whole. To this end we have analysed the current proposals, the results of which I shall present to you now."

"As chancellor Acehtoo indicated, the proposed extension should benefit the Union as a whole; so we have analysed the impact of three scenario's on the trading capacity of the Union as a whole. The Union is as strong as it's weakest member, it is of great importance that the internal economy is stimulated before expansion brings us into unknown territories. As trade is vital to the economies of the Union, our analysis is focussed on the provided trade efficiency of each scenario."

The lights dim slightly, offering all senators a clear view of the holo-display in the centre of the senate hall.

The holo-display brings up a map of the Union sectors and show a closed loop Bozzy Spine through Sector 8 -5, then to 8 -4 and on to the Free Peoples of Wrarrbo in 10 -3.

"The first scenario is inspired by senator Enrorgh's proposal. Connecting the Bozzy spine in a circle through 8 -5 and 10 -3 in this way will provide an average required cargo capacity of 1.74 per shipped unit. This scenario allows 46 shorter trade routes out of a total of 229 possible trade routes between each and every Union member."

The holo-display flickers a little, and changes to a scenario in which the bozzy spine is connected from 10 -5 to 10 -4, and on to 10 -3.

Senator Nehket Aeka continues with: "The second scenario is inspired by senator Eldrilith. Connecting the Bozzy spine through 10 -5 allows a connection to the other end in 3 sectors, which equates to roughly 45 weeks instead of the 60 for the first scenario. In this scenario, 62 out of 229 trade routes are shorter then they currently are. This shorter connection will also provide an average required cargo capacity of 1.65 per shipped unit meaning that, on average, 27 extra units can be shipped for every 100 units of cargo shipped in the current situation."

The holo-display shimmers again, and shows the previous scenario with a single difference: instead of connecting through 10 -3, the connection goes through 11 -3.

"The final scenario is inspired by senator Eraikuntza, who wisely determined that the Union should get more efficient use out of the existing infrastructure. This final scenario provides an average required cargo capacity of 1.52 per shipped unit meaning that, on average, 39 extra units can be shipped for every 100 units of cargo shipped in the current situation. This is clearly a more efficient use of the resource we have available."

The holo-diplay fades away as the lights go up to their normal intensity.

"As to future trade with the Core Hegemony..." senator Nehket Aeka looks directly at senator Enrorgh "...we are sure that future resources can be used in such a way that trade with the Core Hegemony lies within the possibilities. For now it is imperative that we aid the smallest economies in the Union, at least five Union members have less than 1000 at their disposal each week, a situation that should be remedied as soon as possible."

"It would be even better if we could split the enormous amount of resources available for this project, and iteratively help the weakest economies on the Union. However, projects such as these are not possible of we do not focus our resources. We therefore wish to second the proposal of Sector 10 -5 of the Praetorian Empire."

The following documents have been transmitted to all embassies: Attachment: Bozzy Spine Extension, Scenario 8 -3, Scenario 10 -5 (Wrarrbo), Scenario 10 -5 (Cyndros).

[The Lifebringer Clans]

As the Veolian presentation unfolds, a silent but animate argument erupts at the seat of the Lifebringer Clans. Fingers rapidly flying over his compad, the aide to the Clan Senator tries to match the Veolian calculations, or more accurately, find fault with them. The Veolian arguments are diligent, but the selection of their own home system as most suitable candidate for this megaproject leaves the Kiitik delegation wary. The aide exchanges his information with the Senator herself, and some disagreement over the course to follow ensues. Finally, the aide helps the senator rise, then continues manipulating his compad.

"A few remarks. As we understand it, the Bozzy Spine is a grand project, meant to last decades. To try and cut corners to gain a few months' worth of extra profits seems unwise. For this reason, the Clans delegation dismisses as irrelevant the arguments to 'close the loop' in the least number of sectors. No, the route to follow is a matter we must deliberate on with care and with precision. In that vein, I do thank the Veolian delegation for their thoroughness..."

Here, she pauses briefly, both to catch her breath and to deliberate with her aide.

"...yes. The Clans delegation believes another argument should be brought to the table. In your calculations, you account for each trade route equally. While we agree in principle with the idea of equality, should this equality not be measured at the level of the individual, instead of at the level of entire systems? Should we not prioritize systems with a larger population? Alternatively, should we not prioritize systems with a larger economy? The more they can trade, the more this will benefit the Union, through taxation."

Again, she takes a pause.

"Finally, the Veolian delegation proposes a large amount of funds should be made available to support the weakest members of the Union, instead of expanding the trade route. We would like to remind the Veolian delegation that an equal, if not larger, amount of resources has been granted the fledgeling members of this union. Are we not currently exempt from taxes? Are we not currently granted the use of 1000 each week to help boost our weak economies?"

The matriarch hesitates, then adds a final word before sitting down,

"The Lifebringer clans reserve judgement until further arguments have been made."



((ooc: if technically possible, the following happens))

Meanwhile, the aide has used his compad to send a discreet message to the Meritonian delegation:

Honorable Senator Enrorgh,

The Kiitik Delegation is sympathetic to your arguments. We believe it wiser to strengthen the Union through strengthening its more established members first. However, before we second your proposal, we would like to acquire more information about the Core Hegemony and their desirability as a trading partner, as well as any potential threat they might pose to the Union.

Sincerely,

Clan Ket Isika, on behalf of all Lifebringer Clans

[/i]

[Nehket Aeka]

"Senator Vestiik Ket Isika," the veolian senator begins with confidence, "we understand your wariness as to our analysis. Let me put your mind at ease: we do not argue for the 'cutting corners' for a few months of extra profit. We argue that, out of all possible locations that are available for an extension to the Bozzy spine, Sector 10 -5 is easily the best choice with regard to the overall internal economy of the Union. And since the project is meant to last not only decades, but even centuries, this would mean a continued improvement for the Union. The calculations have been made without any bias to the placement of the extension. if it would convince you one of my analysts can walk your aide through the calculations in private."

"As to the point of making this large amount of funds available I am afraid you have misunderstood me. I did not mean to imply that small economies are not helped, the contrary is true. We are very grateful to the Union for the grant they have given us as candidate members. However, this grant is a drain on the coffers of the Union while it is in effect, whilst the distribution of the required Hyperspace Nodes over the sectors that most need them would offer a permanent boost in economy."

"Personally I do not agree with the idea that every individual is equal; but for the purposes of this discussion the Veolian Commonwealth supports the Lifebringer Clans in prioritization on population, provided that the extension be placed on a sector that is not yet part of the Bozzy spine, as it is an extension instead of an improvement."

[Lady Peinaili de Montrève]

" Chancellor, fellow Senators "

Lady Peinaili bowed in abeyance to the chancellor and her fellow senator as she rose to address the Senate once more.

" Firstly we would like to thank Senator Aeka for her detailed overview and research into the several option proposed for the expansion to the Bossy Spine, these are helpfull and provide more insight into the discussion at hand.

Secondly i would like to bring the attention to sectors 8 -6 & 9 -6 as mentioned by the Senators Eraikuntza and Vaslind. Suppose for the moment that these sector would indeed be left out of the loop, it would not mean that this a waste of resources and time. On the contrary, the sectors would be a logical choice for a direct line in order to connect with the Core Hegemony as these then seems to sprout as a single direct traderoute to Unity itself, which to me seems the kind of symbol we should like to present.

The Union as a whole seeks to better itself and benefit from trade with partners such as the Core Hegemony it seems only fitting that they should then have a direct traderoute to Unity itself, in order to ensure a minimal on bureaucracy and fair, equal trading opportunities for all Union members represented by , perhaps the ministry of Commerce. "

She paused for a moment to think and look over the notes she had taken during the discussion and the addition information recieved from Chancellor Acehtoo concerning the estimated time and costs for the construction of the BSE.

" Thirdly we would like to raise the following concerning the actual costs of the construction of the Bossy Spine and the time required to gain sufficient reserves for yet another extension. Taking the estimate of 50.000 and a construction time of 10 weeks, followed by a 5 weeks to gather sufficient reserves to restart a new project, we feel it best to keep the completion of the Bossy Spine at a minimal number of sectors, the sooner it is completed, the sooner we can all benefit and also, more importantly, open up funds from the ministry of Commerce to boost trade in other ways, or if so desired to invest in the construction of a traderoute towards the Core Hegemony. "

She took another short break to look around and see the reaction of her fellow senators before she continued with her last point

" Lastly i would like to thank Senator Isika for her argument on the principal of equality, as it is what I believe the Union in essence should represent. It is true that the purpose of the principal is already shown through the grant we thankfully receive, yet not all members, fledgling or founding, can benefit equally from the climate and trade-opportunities the Union presents. We can eliminate one of the problems by a speedy completion of the Bossy Spine, so that trade is possible with between every two union members on more or less equal terms.

Thank you. "

[Senator Enrorgh of Meritonia]

"Fellow Senators,

I have received a request for more information regarding the Core Hegemony, and their desirability as a trading partner. I believe this information may be of interest to all Union Members.

I will have a document drawn up with this information post haste, to be made available to all of you as soon as possible.

Thank you, and apologies for the interruption."

( OOC: I will add this information on the Wiki on Monday. )

[Senator Acehtoo of the Miomanian Colonists]

"Fellow Senators,

The time for proposals for Sectors in this regard has ended. The final proposals made have been as follows:"

The Chancellor provided a document to all those present with a list of the current state of affairs

Code: Select all

Sector 10 -5   
   Proposed by:   Praetorian Empire   
   Seconded by:   Unified Republic of Darya, Sundarian Federation, Veolian Commonwealth
Sector 8 -5   
   Proposed by:   Kingdom of Meritonia
   Seconded by:   Techno Zaibatsu
Sector 10 -3   
   Proposed by:   Liberal Assencia   
   Seconded by:   Free Peoples of Wrarrbo

"Nations not mentioned have abstained from proposing or seconding a world, several pending more information.

The three Sectors, 10 -5, 8 -5 and 10 -3 have been selected for further discussion. Since various groups are still discussing the matter, I will leave this debate open for another few days.

A vote shall be opened on this matter on Thursday the 16th of June where members may submit their final judgements on the matter.

All Inner Worlds will have the opportunity to vote, with an absolute majority necessary for the selection of one of the three Sectors. If none of the three sectors shall reach an absolute majority, there will be a second voting round between the two most favoured Sectors.

Thank you."