Tau Ceti Times

[kermit]

President Torvald Justifies Renewed Solarian-Biesellite Relations

Article 5 of Pharsalia

President Åke Torvald spoke to the Tau Ceti Times’ Aramis on Sunday. 

Discussed in the interview were this year’s challenges tackling the phoron crisis, physician staffing shortages on Biesel and–in focus today–the chance at renewed diplomacy with the Alliance of Sovereign Solarian Nations. 

Watch: President Torvald Interview - The Solarian Diplomatic Mission 

Spoiler

The hourglass logo of the Tau Ceti Times appears over a black background, completing one turn before fading to reveal a wide scene of an interview; two red, fabric armchairs seating the interviewer and their interviewee.

President Torvald sits on the left, dressed in a light grey suit and navy sweater vest, a striped tie poking out that alternates between navy and red. Opposite, there sits a cross-legged, silver Baseline synthetic wearing some gaudy, purple bell-bottoms and a black, buttoned-up suit jacket. Past them both is a glass window, looking out over Mendell City’s skyline from a relatively tall skyscraper. Shuttles whizz by up high, and a line of hover cars separates them from the conventional traffic barely visible down low.

This particular clip appears to begin midway through the interview.

“Mister President, enough of future plans, tell us about the current proceedings with the Solarian Alliance,” the synthetic, Aramis, says with a charmingly melodic, masculine voice. “Why is it in the best interests of the Republic of Biesel to seek rapprochement with the Solarian Alliance?”

Torvald nods as he hears out the question, leaning forwards and crossing a leg over the other as he wrangles the line of questioning with a calmer demeanor than most may be familiar with

“Very simply, the hair-trigger relationship we have had with the Alliance has not worked for anyone,” the president says, his New Gibsonite accent a few notches harder compared to more official appearances. “When other options have been shut down and the only recourse is to pull the trigger, we-we see blockades, we see admirals taking a chance, we see triggers pulled.”

A flat palm is raised as he looks at Aramis’ screen where the Tau Ceti Times’ hourglass logo is displayed, Torvald continues, “This is about expanding on those eh, options: hashing out issues in calls or in person, seeking safe resolutions to— territorial disagreements, such and such.”

His brows suddenly furrow, the palm now a stabbing finger as he says, “This is not about being pro-Solarian or anti-Solarian; it’s about needing to avoid another invasion— not about being pro-Solarian.”

—

After a longer pause from Torvald, the Baseline’s screen flickers and the hourglass turns; it turns once again when Aramis finishes his question, “Would an invasion be likely if these talks were to fail or to not have begun?”

The president bobs his head, face scrunched up for a moment in thought.

“It has happened before – twice – so there is no saying it eh, can’t happen again. What is important is ensuring that it absolutely will not happen again, which is what this achieves,” Torvald replies. “There is nothing to stop it right now but the threat of retaliatory force–”

“But, is a third invasion likely if these talks were to fail; is it something you or the government in the Alliance fear?” Aramis interrupts.

“No, there is no present threat of an invasion, not of Tau Ceti or any of the systems in the Corporate Re–”

Aramis interrupts again, a heavy huff coming from the president, “Will military spending continue to–”

Torvald begins to talk over Aramis who gives way, “There is no imminent conflict, but the Republic’s military forces– remain just as important as before; our armament efforts are not going to-to lapse. This is about options, and our armed forces will always remain one of them, but it is important we employ others too.”

The president glances away for a moment, before returning to give a canted stare to Aramis.

—

“The Cetian Conservatives – who you ran with – their supporters, and many other Biesellites too, have long thought the Republic’s government doggedly stand against the Solarian Alliance for its past actions. Do you not feel that you are turning your back on many of these supporters?” Aramis asks, idly drumming his metallic fingers on his knee.

“Absolutely not.” Torvald calmy replies, shaking his head. “Our government has a duty to protect its citizens from any infringement from Solarians– this includes putting a stop to any such action before it takes place. We can only do this if you know, we have clear lines to the Alliance’s government.”

“Right,” Aramis says, a momentary whir heard as he formulates his next question. “Where do you hope to see Biesel-Solarian relations at the end of your term?”

Torvald nods at the question, dipping his head to scratch the crease of his nose for a long moment. He sucks in a breath-

-and exhales, “There are a lot of changes that I um, would hope for. But, one of my largest hopes here is to see reduced Solarian-Biesellite tensions.”

The synthetic appears to roll its head structure back, a falling dwoooop heard, though Torvald continues, “I– am sure that never will tensions be zero, perhaps, but they can certainly be lowered.”

“Of course,” Aramis says in a low tone, glancing just past the camera before his voice upswings. “Thank you, Mister President. Let us have a break.”

Torvald puts on the rare smile, his hands clasped before him as he stands up. 

Then, the video cuts to the revolving Tau Ceti Times hourglass logo. But, not before an affordable NanoTrasen health insurance plan is advertised – included in most NanoTrasen employment packages, so you can work to secure a healthy future!

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[kermit]

Thousands Protest Biesel-Solarian Talks and Appointment of Solarian Ambassador

Article 9 of Pharsalia

More than three-thousand people have attended the March Against Sol protest against the reopening of the Alliance of Sovereign Solarian Nations Embassy in Mendell City and the appointment of Jianguo Zhu as the Solarian Ambassador in the Republic of Biesel.

The march saw disgruntled citizens from across the planets under the Republic of Biesel’s flag flock to protest, with all of the Mendell City shuttleports seeing shuttles of banner and placard wielding protestors arriving to assemble for the march.

Protestors rallied at the Xavier Trasen Memorial in District One and marched along a meandering route that ended at what campaigners believe to be the allotted Solarian Embassy building.

Similar protests occurred in other cities throughout the Republic of Biesel, with Hengsha on New Gibson and Saint Lawrence on Port Antillia each seeing over one-thousand protestors march.

Image: Mendell City Protest Placard (NTImages)

Spoiler

A wide, close-up image is embedded into the article. In the blurred background, a dozen protestors are visible; in-focus, an elderly gentleman with a fat grin holding aloft a large cardboard sign. painted with the Republic of Biesel’s flag, on it is written, “Marching Against Solarian Hegemony Since 2402”.

'[We are] here to show that whatever it is that happens, we remain standing against the Solarian Alliance,' said a protest organiser for March Against Sol. They added that the reopening of the Solarian Embassy was a ‘gut-punch for liberty’.

'It’s an insult to us who lost family during the invasion,' said protestor Kirsten Wilmann who spoke at the pre-march rally, mother of Jonas Wilmann, a Prefect in the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion who was onboard the BLV Fylgja when it sustained critical damage during the Second Invasion.

Another protestor said, “They [the Strom Administration] have no respect for us or our Republic [...] Why should we give any back?”

The Mendell City Police Department has stated that the protest had undergone the proper planning process to go ahead. However, four individuals were arrested for 'going too far' according to the MCPD’s Chirper account after defacing the anticipated Solarian Embassy building with red paint. The protest was otherwise policed laxly.

President Åke Torvald appeared very briefly before the press at the Fallanland Shutteport where he said, 'The peoples' voice never goes unheard; protests are fundamental for this in a democracy.'

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[Stripes]

Nralakk Federation Visit and Federation-Biesel Begin Next Week: Following Solarian Footsteps?

Article 2 of Of Pale Blue Dots

Trenton McColaugh, Foreign Affairs Correspondent
Ruqizori Nirvoq-Hoalo, Skrell Affairs Correspondent
Reporting from: Mendell City, Biesel, Tau Ceti

Earlier this morning, the Nralakk Federation’s Grand Council announced that talks between Grand Councillor Jrugl and President Torvald are to begin next week, following plans to widen diplomatic involvement with the Federation last month.

The currently revealed topics to be discussed revolve around the state of the Starlight Zone’s skrell refugees and their legal statuses, Port Antillia’s environmental consultations, and the future of both nations potentially combining efforts to combat the phoron crisis. More topics are also slated, but are currently left unannounced to the public.

While typically not much of a topic between Bieselites, a recent polling resulted in a total of 37% supporting the effort to expand Federation diplomacy among participants, with ambivalence towards the move, or those still undecided, at a comparatively high 33%. The remaining 30% 's opposition against the move reveals the skrell nation is far from a distant neighbor in the Spur. 

Resentment still lingers after the Nralakk Federation’s move to pressure the Solarian Alliance the barricade the Republic throughout 2458, partnered with their absence during the second invasion of Biesel in 2462, leaves many detractors pointing to these events as the reasons behind the lost confidence in any future interactions with the Federation and Weashbi Jrugl’s councillorship. 

District Eight’s Starlight Zone has erupted into a hotbed of discussion on whether the Federation should push further into Biesel politics, with anti-Federation activists in Lekan Village preparing to protest their arrival.

Ruqizori Nirvoq-Hoalo, our skrell correspondent, took to the streets of Lekan Village to hear what the skrell had to say.

Watch: Lekan Village Street Interviews

Quote

 

The hourglass logo of the Tau Ceti Times appears over a black background, completing one turn before fading to reveal a crowded street in District Eight, the Starlight Zone’s Lekan Village. A younger-looking, dull red-colored skrell with short bunned headtails is speaking passionately in Tau Ceti Basic. They’re wearing a black wetsuit, with heavy coveralls worn loosely over them, arms and headtails crossed. 

“Anyone even beginning to pay attention to the statement [the Nralakk Federation] put out can see that it’s as much of a hidden threat against us! The fact they still call themselves 'our' home is proof enough they’re just here to muscle in and take innocent people off the streets for slighting them, and I won’t stand to see quyas separated and people stolen without a second chance at life. We’re here to stay.”

The video cuts to another skrell, this one older and with long, orange headtails and noticeable tuux. A wetshirt is worn under a plain, yellow dress. Their response in Nral’malic is captioned into Tau Ceti Basic at the bottom of the video. 

“We have never had a say in the matter when we fled in the Traverse,” says the anonymous interviewee, “so why should we just stand by and let it happen again here? Living outside of the Federation is hard, but you just do not know what was chosen for you until you go somewhere where you really are free. I think we should all protect that. The people down in Severson City really want us to believe that this is for the best - my Qu'Draa [captioned with a translation reading “sibling”] stayed down there when I moved up here - but should we really have to sacrifice, just to get better conditions?”

The video then fades to black, with the revolving Tau Ceti Times hourglass logo returning before it ends.

 

 

Those in Severson City, however, spoke very differently in light of the news.

 

Watch: Severson City Street Interviews

Quote

 

The hourglass logo of the Tau Ceti Times appears over a black background, completing one turn before fading to reveal the interior of a public building in Severson City, most obviously seen with the windows showing the area to be completely submerged. The interior is busy and slightly crowded, with many skrell inside conversing excitedly. The skrell interviewee is wearing a two-piece suit with constellations embroidered across it, atop an old-looking mantle of the Nralakk Federation’s flag. They’re visibly very old, with their long headtails worn in a ponytail.

 “I’m just so relieved that the Federation remembers us,” they say in TCB-captioned Nral’malic, “that we weren’t going to be left here to be forgotten. I could wait decades and still be just as ready to go return to my home - and the fact that the Grand Councillor is coming here? It’s a sign that everything can be fixed, and the stars are with us even down here in the depths.”

The video cuts to an ad-break, debuting a new VR arcade opening somewhere in District One on Mendell City, then returns to another interviewee. A light blue, younger skrell in a black wetsuit with a starry cape draped across their body at the shoulders. 

“This is going to cause some disharmony with our moister friends above us,” the skrell starts in Nral’malic, “but with all due respect, how many criminals and anti-socials do they keep with them? They let criminals in, like the ones who bombed the embassy! The Kalas ought to come in and get rid of the ones causing all that trouble - and the [expletive]s from the synthetic ‘church’, too! If Biesel wants us to stay here and work, then the least they should do is let the Federation show them how to properly run a country.”

The video then fades to black, with the revolving Tau Ceti Times hourglass logo returning before it ends.

 

 

President Åke Torvald released a short statement over Chirper after the newsbreak under his official account at 11:32.

Quote

"I am of complete confidence that the meeting with Councillor Jrugl will be productive for the whole of the Republic. The future of the Republic is with every member of the Spur, and taking this opportunity will carry the torch forward."

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[Stripes]

Councillor Jrugl Arrives, Protests At the Spaceport! 

Article 3 of Of Pale Blue Dots

Cory Lee, Breaking News Correspondent

Reporting from: Mendell City, Biesel, Tau Ceti

Yesterday, the Nralakk Federation's Grand Councillor Weashbi Jrugl, alongside the new Federation embassy staff, arrived at Mendell City's Republic Air-Star Spaceport in District 10.

Supporting Mendell City Police and Nlomkala, the Federation’s national security and enforcement corps, were on-scene to ensure that the Grand Councillor was safely transported to the embassy due to the amassing of multiple groups of protestors along the route.

Watch: Republic Air-Star Spaceport’s Protest Presence

Quote

 

The hourglass logo of the Tau Ceti Times appears over a black background, completing one turn before fading to reveal an aerial view of the perimeter outside of the spaceport, and most of the area around the busy streets and public transportation routes, crowded with protestors. The weather is a light sunshower, with umbrellas and raincoats worn over most of the people present.

Most notable are the groups of various IPCs, with some small groups of them in Trinarist robes and waving signs with religiously-angled messages. The rest of the crowd is mostly human and skrell, with some wearing old or now defunct Tau Ceti Armed Forces uniforms of various branches. The crowds are being managed by lines of Mendell City Police members in riot gear, flanked by the much more visibly armed and hardsuit-wearing Nlomkala members as multiple cars depart the starport.

The video cuts to an ad-break, offering vacation opportunities to Belle Côte on Biesel. After the ad ends, the video shifts to a shot from a camera on the ground itself. Multiple protest signs hold the same slogans among protestors, notably:
“KICKED YOU OUT ONCE, DIDN’T NEED YOU TWICE!”

“SYNTHETICS LIVE HERE, FEDERATION BEWARE”

“TAKE SOL BACK OUT WITH YOU”

Among other signs of variable political leanings. Notably, a relatively rare sign held exclusively by human and IPC protestors is the phrase:

“BETTER GLORSH THAN JRUGL”.

The video switches to a shot of a Tau Ceti Times correspondent on the street, holding a microphone in his hand. He’s wearing a grey raincoat over a green flannel that’s tucked into black jeans. “This is Cory Lee, reporting in at the Republic Air-Star Starport protest. You can- really feel the tension in the air right now! We’ll be trying to get some of the opinions from some of the protestors here.” 

 

The feed cuts to the camera focusing on a Tau Ceti Foreign Legion-uniformed woman, tucking a sign under her arm. Notably, the tag that would display her surname and first initial are missing. She nods her head towards Lee, who turns to face her.

“Cory Lee, Tau Ceti Times - can I get your name, please?”
The interviewee shakes her head. “No thank you, Lee, I’ll pass.”
“Alright. You’re one of the representatives for the protest, then, ma’am? What are the goals for this protest for the Grand Councillor’s arrival?”
“That’s pretty simple,” she says, wiping the rain away from her brow, “the whole Federation was the one who agitated for the whole thing that led to that Solarian fleet blockading Tau Ceti and invading Reade. Both times, their fault, and when we requested for aid to get the 35th off- do you remember what their reply was?”
“...No, I don’t. What was it?”
“That they’d be ‘monitoring the situation’ for ‘sending their right people’. They never arrived. Elyra and the Coalition showed up just fine, but the Federation? Didn’t even bother giving a No. They want to come back now, right after the refugee camps at Severson? That’s not right. Not even a little bit. We don’t need them.”

“And did you have the same sentiments for the Solarian talks, as well?”
The interviewee shakes her head firmly. “It’s just proof this is all going to hell now that Torvald’s here.”

“Alright, thank you for your time, ma’am.”

 

As the uniformed interviewee nods and pivots back to the crowd, the video fades into black. As it fades back in, the camera is focusing on a reddish-toned skrell, who is wearing an obscuring facemask, a scrunchie to bind their headtails behind their head, and a bulky raincoat that obscures most of their form. They turn their head to the camera directly, before quickly looking at the off-screen interviewer.

The interviewer clears his throat. “Cory Lee, Tau Ceti Times - could I get your name?”
“No- no, I’d rather not.” The skrell says, giving a firm shake of their head as they shift their weight to one leg.

“That’s fine. Now, we’ve seen a lot of skrell at this protest. What’s got so many of them willing to participate? Are they mostly from Lekan, or Severson?”

“Lekan- we’re definitely all from Lekan. Severson folks think we’re all too dry, or that we’re criminals trying to hide and cling. They’re all probably at home right now, celebrating or something. We’re- we’re all out here because when we went with Weibii, we were fleeing what we all saw was coming next.”

“And what was that?”

“Us wanting an independent Traverse was going to be a scapegoat for repressing and kidnapping a lot of good skrell. The writing was on the stars - we were already being branded as lyukal, pirates, inserted plants… What happens if you’re considered a criminal usually means you’re already going to be caught and corrected. The Federation always wanted us back to punish us; now they’re here with Dorn gone!”

“So, you think this is just going to be a front for deportations?”
“Without a doubt. No doubt in my mind. We’re all scared.”

“Any last comments you’d like to add, then?”
“Yes-” the skrell looks directly to the camera, their tone almost pleading. “Please keep us in mind when you hear what’s going to come after this. What happens to us next.”

“Thank you for your time, then.”

The interviewee scampers back into the crowd, and the video fades out once more.

The video transitions to the revolving Tau Ceti Times hourglass logo returning before it ends.

 

 The Nralakk Federation embassy has declined to reply when requested for comment.

 

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Edited July 11 by Stripes

[Stripes]

“We offer our deepest apologies” | Nralakk Embassy Staffed, Jrugl Releases Official Apology, Promises Made In Meeting With Torvald

Article 3 of Of Pale Blue Dots arc

Zūn Pirzada, Political Journalist

Reporting from: Mendell City, Biesel, Tau Ceti

Today, the Nralakk Federation Embassy faces new changes with the entourage of new positions, doubling in size from its reduced staffing after it was rebuilt in 2464. Notably, new positions include an increased security presence, as well as positions for immigration and citizenship aid for the displaced skrell within District Eight’s designated refugee zone. Grand Councillor Jrugl departed this morning, and has since arrived at District 1’s city hall, where their meeting with President Torvald is set to take place.

 

Watch LIVE: President Torvald and Grand Councillor Jrugl’s City Hall Meeting

Quote

 

The hourglass logo of the Tau Ceti Times appears over a black background, completing one turn before fading. 

The interior of one of Mendell City Hall’s private rooms fades into view, with two black armchairs seating President Ake Torvald and Grand Councillor Jrugl across from each other, separated by a short table. Torvald is dressed in a dark grey two-piece suit, with a solid purple tie, and is seated with both feet flat on the floor. Jrugl, sitting across from him, is wearing a black under-wetsuit that peeks out of the sleeves of their white-purple suit jacket and dress pants that clasps shut across the front. The headtail chains are modest and silver, meant to be unobtrusive. Their posture and seating position is proper, if rigid.

The room is notably windowless, with no view of the outside or natural sources of light.

President Torvald looks towards the direction of the camera and gives a firm nod to someone out of view, then turns to Grand Councillor Jrugl as he extends a hand to shake. 

“It’s a pleasure to have the chance to meet with you this morning, Grand Councillor Jrugl,” he says, accepting Jrugl’s hand as they share a firm handshake. “I am appreciative that I finally get the chance to speak with you in-person.”

“The sentiment is matched, President Torvald,” Jrugl replies with a slight warble, drawing back their hand and returning to their seated position. “Visiting Mendell City and Biesel has been quite the thrill!”

“Now, to begin with our outlined topics for our meeting,” the skrell continues. “I would like to open with something that I believe many viewers of the Republic may have on their minds, currently. I have no intention of depriving them of that shared sentiment - when we arrived, I noticed much the same from the initial crowd that awaited us at the starport.” 

Torvald blinks and adjusts his seating position, showing the slightest hint of surprise before nodding and leaning slightly back into his chair. “Well, you are free to- to continue, you have the floor.”

“Thank you,” Jrugl turns their head to look slightly more towards the camera, while still directly addressing Torvald. 

“The events of Biesel’s second invasion during the November of 2464 remains a dark, inky mark on the Nralakk Federation, and my own decisions during that period of crisis. As I speak for the Nralakk Federation as both a representative of its actions both then and now, it… would not be acceptable to go without addressing it.” 

Torvald seems to begin to reply, but stops as Jrugl continues speaking. Their tone is more emotional. “As Grand Councillor of the Nralakk Federation, and on the behalf of all of the federation as a whole, we officially- officially apologize for our absence during the events of the rogue 35th Fleet’s reprehensible actions when they assaulted Tau Ceti. This is directed to both yourself, then-President Dorn before you, and all of the people of the Federal Republic of Biesel. Our deepest apologies go out to all of you.”

Jrugl pauses and looks fully to Torvald, who looks mildly surprised before speaking, bringing one leg over the other, “While not expected, Councillor Jrugl, to apologize for the invasion of Biesel is something that I appreciate and accept, and I am sure many of the people at home watching also, eh, appreciate it and are relieved to hear as much. Now, with the docket we’ve discussed, you wished to expand future diplomatic efforts, yes? Do you want to expand on that?”

“Ah, yes, of course,” Jrugl’s voice levels out from the more emotional tone that they were using earlier, as if it were an accident that it slipped. “The first major thing that I will bring up is the other obvious question on the minds of us both - the Starlight Zone and its refugees. Of course, with the fact of the matter of their status as refugees-”

“Refugees, yes. They are legally protected under their status, which I know to be a point of contention.” Torvald interjects, nodding once.

“-Yes, exactly that. After much discussion within the Grand Council, we have come to the decision to work with Biesel to grant amnesty towards all of the Federation citizens who are currently refugees. Minor criminal histories should no longer be a barrier for those who wish to return to the Federation.” 

Jrugl continues after Torvald gives a slight motion that he has nothing to immediately comment on. “This will hopefully allow many displaced citizens to begin returning to their homes in the Traverse, and that they will become less of a burden on Mendell City as a whole. We do also wish to cooperate with Biesel regarding the still present criminal activity within the Starlight Zone as well. As you may recall, with the bombing of the embassy and the reported siege-”

Torvald raises up a hand, speaking up, “-We are very aware that this was a concerning event for the Federation as much as it was for us. The- the police section in District Eight has been sharing information regarding the self-policing groups of both refugee groups in Lekan and Severson. Working with both you and them would be a great advantage in ensuring their safety and finding the criminal elements that would remain hidden due to the settlements’ insular nature. I am very open to seeing the results of that, ah, cooperation.” 

“With that, the removal of rogue elements in both refugee settlements would be a key goal we both share, and I am equally very excited to see the collective relief when we have them sent to the Federation to face proper justice in misusing the amnesty generously given to the collective group by the republic,” Jrugl replies, headtails shifting and curling upwards as a subtle emotional display. “The Zrosian Watch and Xii’Eyes groups will, as I see it, become very pivotal in this action. We will discuss further, of course, when everything is finalized.”

“That will be all very good to see come to fruition-” Torvald looks to something off-screen as someone catches his attention, Jrugl’s head glancing over before he gives a nod and presses a hand into his armchair rest to adjust his seated position. Both of them return their attention to each other. “-and that this is a solid foundation of cooperation between our nations. You have also discussed wanting to involve the Federation in regions beyond Biesel, if you could elaborate on that.”

“Yes. As with the ecological discoveries of Mictlan, Silversun, and the recovery of New Gibson, we have had an interest in the state of Port Antillia as well. Speaking in ecological terms, the chain of natural disasters since its colonization is no small source of struggle for the colonists on the planet. Its integration into the Corporate Reconstruction Zone also left it in a precarious state, which is why I would like to continue our declarations of cooperation with extending the Federation’s scientific arm towards aiding the people of Port Antillia.” Jrugl leans forward as they continue. “The ecological consultation will benefit us both in understanding how to adapt the colonies to better fit the planet’s environment over its course, to which we can then plan on implementing those changes.”

Torvald, having nodded along while giving simple acknowledging statements during Jrugl’s explanation with “correct” and “interesting”, tugs on a sleeve before speaking, “Aid towards Port Antillia and the Corporate Reconstruction Zone is always a priority for the Republic. This will, with the- the recent pledges from the Solarian Alliance of an enduring peace, be a welcome respite for the peoples of the Zone. Our time for this meeting is coming to an end, but be assured that the Republic and the Nralakk Federation will be opening towards one another for mutual benefit.”

Torvald comes to a stand, with Jrugl following suit as he extends a hand for them to shake one last one. Jrugl takes his hand and shakes it firmly, with Torvald giving a polite smile.  

“Of course, President Torvald. I am sure the stars will guide us ahead, together.”

“I am sure it will, Grand Councillor Jrugl.”

 

The video stream fades to the symbol of the Tau Ceti Times’ hourglass logo as the stream hangs on for a few moments, then ending with a still image of the Tau Ceti Times’ stream, offering a replay… after an advertisement for Nanotrasen’s Hazel Inc.’s newest edition of Hazel IPCs plays. It’s your friend, Hazel!

 

 

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Edited Friday at 00:16 by Stripes

[Stripes]

New Wave Of Bills, Legal Expansions, and Cooperation Promised After Jrugl-Torvald Meeting: A New Ally For the Republic?

Article 5 of Of Pale Blue Dots arc

Zūn Pirzada, Political Journalist

Reporting from: Mendell City, Biesel, Tau Ceti

After the meeting between the Nralakk Federation’s Weashbi Jrugl and President Torvald last week, the discussed changes have since entered the Republican Congress and are pending debate, with most forecasted to have their final votes held towards the end of July throughout August.

While originally discussed in the presidential meeting, the formalized articles have been expanded upon after collaboration between the Nralakk Federation’s representatives and the Republic of Biesel. Trade agreements, the legal statuses of the skrell refugees of the Starlight Zone, and Port Antillia’s ecological consultation were key points in the following discussions. 

Beyond the slated bills, an executive decision was put forth by President Torvald to have the Biesel Citizenship and Immigration Services department cooperate with the Nralakk Federation’s embassy to aid in the emigration of voluntary skrell refugees back to the Federation. Also covered in his decision is the delay on deportation requests made by the Nralakk Federation for a total of three months, or until a decision on the MCPD District Eight expansion is made by the Republican Congress.

 

Each bill facing review by the Republican Congress are as follows:

• Finalize and adopt conditions for future trade between the Nralakk Federation and the Republic Biesel, designation of ports for new trade influx, import taxes, tariffs, and customs inspection.
• Expand Mendell City Police Department provisions towards District Eight’s precinct, as well as the creation of a special cooperation group between District Eight precinct and both neighborhood watch groups known as Xii’Eyes and Zrosian Watch. Alongside this bill is an expected article regarding reopening the investigations against the Nralakk Federation Embassy’s bombing of 2463.
• Port Antillia’s ecological consultation, specifically a ten year research project to further understand how to best adapt the colonies present on the planet, alongside how to preserve the environment while exploiting its resources with renewable methods.
• New legal protections toward enlisted skrell members of Tau Ceti Foreign Legion against deportation to the Nralakk Federation during and after their service.
• Plans to implement Nralakk Federation-provided aid and funding towards improving material conditions of Severson City and Lekan Village residents, draft and implement plans on rebuilding and improving District Eight’s utilities.

Of the wave of new bills, recent political polls by the Tau Ceti Times note a 43.2% “generally supportive” view towards the trade and diplomatic expansions. “Undecided” responses rest at 29.4%, and “not supportive/against” with the remaining 27.4%. Controversy surrounds the extension of MCPD and the expansion on potential deportation against refugees with criminal history that remains outstanding after the amnesty extension, with “generally supportive” ranking at 36.5%, “undecided” at 31.7%, and “not supportive/against” standing at 32.3%. 

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Edited Friday at 00:17 by Stripes