NationStates Jolt Archive

After a period of transition and worry following the attack on the Angelan WorldDisc and the resignation of Supreme Emperor Kommetrez, life in Scolopendra finally settles down to something approximating normalcy. After a decision by the Legislative Unit to stand down from a state of emergency, the executive polls are finally opened again to the people so they may choose who is best suited to lead Scolopendra.

The occasion is festive, with balloons, streamers, and bunting lining both the topside and subtitanian streets of every Scolopendran city and town. The race has begun, and what a race it promises to be.

(OOC: Okay, ground rules. Feel free to post as a Scolopendran citizen with opinion or comments; feel free to ask the candidates questions and what-not... either as in a debate setting or as a personal question (please specify). I'd like to clear anything else first... but creativity and logic are appreciated.)

Scolopendran Supreme Emperor Candidates
Scolopendran Independent News screamsheet

PseudoEmperor Jon Hertzfeldt
http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/jon_hertzfeldt.gif
Currently incumbent Pseudoemperor, Explorer Platform
Human (Scandinavian extraction)
Aged 47 years

"Since leading Scolopendra after Alshai retired, I've learned a lot. I don't think I handled the Angelan Crisis too poorly, and I'm learning from the mistakes I made. I will listen to my advisors, as they have more specific knowledge bases than I do."

Qualifications: Current Executive Officer of Scolopendra. Chair of the Solarpolitical Science Board, University of Stonozka. Director of the People Is People intersentience understanding group. Heavy Gear armor Captain in the Civilian Defense Corps.

Known Advantages: Fast learner. Willing to accept and use advice. Increasing volume of executive experience. Effective decision maker.

Known Disadvantages: Low self-esteem. Potentially prone to suggestion. No military experience. Poorly known outside of Scolopendra. Not particularly respected.

Advisor Speaker-to-Animals
http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/speaker-to-animals.gif
Currently International Relations Advisor, Idealist Platform
Kzin
Aged 48 years

"I am most aware of the international situation that surrounds us. My dealings with other nations proves this. If I am elected, I will probably follow our current policies with some revisions. I would slow military buildup in exchange for more expanisve diplomatic services. I would work to expand the Galaxy Exploration Command. I would lobby the Triumvirate to maintain extraction operations but with more emphasis on diplomacy. I would keep the current command staff due to their expertise. If chosen I will serve as best I can. If not, I will support the victor."

Qualifications: Unofficial Patriarch of the Scolopendran Kzinti minority. Twenty years service in the Civilian Defense Corps, rank of Brigadier General in the Civil Engineering branch. Has a great deal of diplomatic experience from IntRelAdv position. Negotiated peaces to several non-Scolopendran conflicts.

Known Advantages: Also well-known and extremely well-respected. Honest. Has the most contact with foreign leaders.

Known Disadvantages: Inexperienced with executive-level decisions. Blunt. Speaks mind at nearly all times and may lack delicacy. Inexperienced in military affairs. Prone to postponing important decisions.

Mister Ayman Al-Thynniyan
http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/ayman_al-thynniyan.gif
Chairman and CQO, ScoloMart
Human (Arabic extraction)
Aged 51 years

"I think we've become too socialist in our admitted striving for idealism. Fair businessmen like me find their freedoms to profit limited by restrictive laws that have lost their purpose and excessive taxes that fund useless government bureaucracy. Secondarily, we have lost our faith as a people. We have a Religious Policy Advisor, but his duties have been little more than appease the few truly faithful for the benefit of the secular state. While we cannot force beliefs on anyone, we must become more thankful to Allah--whatever you may call Him--for our success. Also, our military adventurism must end. We should maintain our defenses, but no longer try to imperialistically control the fates of other sovereign nations. We call ourselves idealists, and yet we make war when we don't get our way."

Qualifications: Successful businessman, chairman of the ScoloMart corporate board. Holds the rank of major in the quality analysis section of the CDC. Responsible for the Readiness Management Protocol that has improved CDC emergency response times by twenty-five percent.

Known Advantages: An effective consensus-based leader, tends to be charismatic in personal relations. Can call on a great deal of experience. Has a great many business connections.

Known Disadvantages: Not particularly willing to compromise, sees problems as black and white. Business practices indicate a concentration on the bottom line with less concern for consequences. Has a great many business connections.

Doctor Karel Melicharov
http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/karel_melicharov.gif
Professor of Philosophy, University of Stonozka
Human (Czech extraction)
Aged 35 years

"Our concentration on idealism is our weakness. We need to face facts and realize that concentrating on morality in a world with no moral absolutes is pointless. Survival should be our goal, not running around trying to make the multiverse the best place possible. The attacks on the WorldDisc in the middle of Triumvirate space proves that. No matter how hard we try, there will still be things we don't like--and who says we have the right to enforce our artificial morality anyway? I'll shore up our defenses and move to keep us out of extraction operations unless national interest is directly affected."

Qualifications: Professor of Philosophy at the University of Stonozka; Technical Sergeant in the CDC Orbital Defense Battery Regiment. Leads a minor political activism group, "The Voice of Reason." Previously a lieutenant in the TYCS before taking the step-down into the CDC upon deactivation.

Known Advantages: Highly intelligent with an extremely broad knowledge base. Extremely reasonable. Excellent at debate. Always acts with due consideration. Decorated for exemplary military service.

Known Disadvantages: Caustic personality. Tends towards condenscension. Not wholly respectful of others' opinions. Does not take advice well.

Doctor Vasundara Gopalakrishnan
http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/vasundara_gopalakrishnan.gif
Assistant Mayor, Stonozka Munincipal Government
Human (subcontinental Indian descent)
Aged 26 years

"I think we need to step back and reflect on the situation for a moment. While many actions have been proposed, I think too many of them are too sudden and not thought-out well enough. We need to calm down and design a logical plan of action. I am unsure of the best course, but I will work diligently to find it. So far, I know we must consolidate with our allies and expand our friendships. As to how to achieve that, I am unsure. Promises right now would be made without a thorough understanding of the situation."

Qualifications: Assistant Mayor of Stonozka for five years, and already decorated with the Social Service Banner for implementing emergency procedures and alleviating the potential hazards of integrating extrasolars into Scolopendran society. Acts as a liason between federal and local Scolopendran government.

Known Advantages: Extremely well learned and intelligent, with doctorates in political science and history. Known to be a highly egalitarian fair-dealer. Honest. Administrative experience. Thoughtful.

Known Disadvantages: Very little decision-making experience. Very reticent on forming opinions. While seeing both sides of an issue, she generally avoids taking one or the other.

As a personal question, I'd like to ask each of you your stands on the rights of soveriegn rule of a nation, and your opinions on Scolopendran intervention into other nation's affairs, if any. Mind this could apply to percieved wrongdoings, dissatisfaction with policy, and so forth. If you stand for intervention, what methods would you employ? If not, what would your actions be?

--Nathicana

*tag*

I am certain each of the Scolopendran candidates is well aware of the current situation involving the Triumvirate of Yut, in particular the bad press that Lady Sirithil has been receiving as of late. As a member of the First Among Equals, The Federated Segments of Scolopendra hold a particularly important place in this debate; what are your thoughts on this controversy and the others surrounding Yut politics as of late?

http://invisionfree.com:54/40/9/upload/p2814.jpg
Sakura
Acting Viceroy
The Free Community of SLAGLand Titan


I suppose I'd better ask a question, too...

After reviewing the United Nations' World Factbook Entry and my own personal knowledge of The Federated Segments, I have noted that Scolopendra appears to have a problem in dealing with the marginalized of society--to avoid euphemisms, the poor. If I may be blunt, neither past nor present regimes seem to be doing much to assist the poor in obtaining jobs or even to provide them with basic welfare. Where do each of the candidates stand on this issue?

http://invisionfree.com:54/40/9/upload/p1166.jpg
Bodyguard Barry
Acting Prime Minister
The Unblinking Eye of SLAGLandic Security
Husband to Sentient Hyper-Optimized Data Access Network
Prankster Extraordinaire
The Emerald Heights of The SLAGLands


Yeah... and, uh... what are you guys, like, gonna do to promote, like, the arts and stuff?

http://www.concertandco.com/img/groupes/reduit/jmascis.jpg
Day Mascus
Folk/Grunge Guitarist
The Emerald Heights of The SLAGLands

"Since when has Scolopendra had an emperor? I thought that PseudoEmperor guy was in charge. Any way, I suppose I should ask where each of the candidates stands on international trade and space piracy."

http://images.google.com.au/images?q=tbn:kEcu2Pt3tMoC:www.toplookalikes.plus.com/Prince-William2.jpg
Prince Alexander Black, ruler of Roania

"Do you even read the intelligence reports, Alex? I think we should know if they have any problems with Roania or Phalanix."
http://images.google.com.au/images?q=tbn:oMkpzvQJrF4C:www.darksidemillenium.com/art/cell103.jpg
Kelly Maxwell, fiance to the Prince

"What is each candidate's position on the Noldor?"
http://images.google.com.au/images?q=tbn:rausLEP6TGoC:members.optusnet.com.au/~paget/v3/red/mage.gif
Archmage Merrech, advisor on magical matters.

"You worry too much, Merrech. We need to know about ToY expansion and if it proves a threat to our own interests."
http://images.google.com.au/images?q=tbn:S-7ea8FvNLMC:www.jamesbondmm.co.uk/villains/tmwtgg/scaramangalarge.jpg
Duke Leopold Darquis, Minister for foriegn affairs

We would like to ask, purely as a hypothetical question, what would be done to ensure that the path of the government and the path of your people are kept going in the same direction. Such as, if the governing body believes that direction x is the way to go, and has all the pertinent info. The people want to go in direction y, while not having all the info. What are your individual policies on information release to the public?

"Since when has Scolopendra had an emperor? I thought that PseudoEmperor guy was in charge. Any way, I suppose I should ask where each of the candidates stands on international trade and space piracy."

http://images.google.com.au/images?q=tbn:kEcu2Pt3tMoC:www.toplookalikes.plus.com/Prince-William2.jpg
Prince Alexander Black, ruler of Roania

"Do you even read the intelligence reports, Alex? I think we should know if they have any problems with Roania or Phalanix."
http://images.google.com.au/images?q=tbn:oMkpzvQJrF4C:www.darksidemillenium.com/art/cell103.jpg
Kelly Maxwell, fiance to the Prince

"What is each candidate's position on the Noldor?"
http://images.google.com.au/images?q=tbn:rausLEP6TGoC:members.optusnet.com.au/~paget/v3/red/mage.gif
Archmage Merrech, advisor on magical matters.

"You worry too much, Merrech. We need to know about ToY expansion and if it proves a threat to our own interests."
http://images.google.com.au/images?q=tbn:S-7ea8FvNLMC:www.jamesbondmm.co.uk/villains/tmwtgg/scaramangalarge.jpg
Duke Leopold Darquis, Minister for foriegn affairs

OOC Note: Scolo's always had an emperor, basically a president, just a cooler name. And PseudoEmperor can be thought of as the vice president.

As a personal question, I'd like to ask each of you your stands on the rights of soveriegn rule of a nation, and your opinions on Scolopendran intervention into other nation's affairs, if any. Mind this could apply to percieved wrongdoings, dissatisfaction with policy, and so forth. If you stand for intervention, what methods would you employ? If not, what would your actions be?

--Nathicana
Umm... in my opinion, we're only morally obligated to intervene on the sovereign rights of a nation in situations of genocide. That's all that's been established by precident.

As for methods of intervention... precident is extraction operations. Only once were we forced to completely dismantle an enemy government--Sigma Octavus, actually--and that's because they started it.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/jon_hertzfeldt.gifPseudoEmperor Jon Hertzfeldt

---

Sovereign rights are not lightly tread upon. We must first exhaust all possible political and diplomatic options before resorting to violence. My precident is our offers to extract the oppressed peacefully before beginning any combat extraction campaign.

We are not perfect. Covertly molding other nations has historically been proven difficult. Overt molding is against our ideals. We must lead by example.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/speaker-to-animals.gifAdvisor Speaker-to-Animals

---

I'd have to say that, from an economic and quality standards viewpoint, our constant willy-nilly global policing has to stop. All we're doing is making enemies, idealistic battles are bad for business, and there's simply no percentage. We do all this, and what do we get? Not all too much.

Besides, how can we know we're effectively judging all actions fairly. I mean, fairness is what we're about, right?

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/ayman_al-thynniyan.gifMister Al-Thynniyan

---

What business is it of ours? Sure, we might push over some easy states just for the PR, but other than that, there is no use to it.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/karel_melicharov.gifDoctor Karel Melicharov

---

It all depends on the situation, I suppose. That's the kind of question that one can't give a straight answer to up front; there are simply too many variables involved. Each case has to be weighed for merits versus cost and action taken from there.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/vasundara_gopalakrishnan.gifDoctor Vasundara Gopalakrishnan

I am certain each of the Scolopendran candidates is well aware of the current situation involving the Triumvirate of Yut, in particular the bad press that Lady Sirithil has been receiving as of late. As a member of the First Among Equals, The Federated Segments of Scolopendra hold a particularly important place in this debate; what are your thoughts on this controversy and the others surrounding Yut politics as of late?

Sakura
It's... a tough one. We don't really have much authority to act, because of sovereignty... all we can do is try our best to keep things from falling apart, I guess. Play the mediator like we have in the past.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/jon_hertzfeldt.gifPseudoEmperor Jon Hertzfeldt

---

We should lead by example... and use diplomacy to help our allies conform to the ideals they signed to uphold. We cannot turn our backs on them for mistakes. We must help them prevent new mistakes.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/speaker-to-animals.gifAdvisor Speaker-to-Animals

---

We definitely need a better PR department. The Trium's public relations staff is horrible at spinning, honestly, and we need better information control.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/ayman_al-thynniyan.gifMister Al-Thynniyan

---

Sirithil? She's mostly a militaristic assistant... and probably will get us into more conflicts than her guns will get us out of. Ditch her and take the 'high road.'

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/karel_melicharov.gifDoctor Karel Melicharov

---

The situation is evolving; taking a definite stance at the moment is probably grossly before its time. We need to give Lady Sirithil a chance to change, and at the same time, prepare to remove her from the Triumvirate if necessary. We really need to establish ground rules for this.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/vasundara_gopalakrishnan.gifDoctor Vasundara Gopalakrishnan

I suppose I'd better ask a question, too...

After reviewing the United Nations' World Factbook Entry and my own personal knowledge of The Federated Segments, I have noted that Scolopendra appears to have a problem in dealing with the marginalized of society--to avoid euphemisms, the poor. If I may be blunt, neither past nor present regimes seem to be doing much to assist the poor in obtaining jobs or even to provide them with basic welfare. Where do each of the candidates stand on this issue?

Bodyguard Barry
That's odd... that sort of thing is handled by the Legislative Unit. They've been passing a lot of pro-business laws, so we've definitely had a bigger rich/poor gap as of late. As for welfare, we've never believed in it. One has to contribute from society to recieve from it, and we do our best to do the obtaining jobs bit.

Although... the LU has cut off a lot of funding for it...

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/jon_hertzfeldt.gifPseudoEmperor Jon Hertzfeldt

---

'Past or present regimes?' Prime Minister Barry, Supreme Emperor Kommetrez was a champion of the people.

*eyes narrow*

I will address this issue with the Legislative Unit.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/speaker-to-animals.gifAdvisor Speaker-to-Animals

---

That's business for you. There will always be haves and have-nots, there will always be rich and poor. That's how successful capitalistic societies work... force all of these bleeding-heart handouts onto business owners and Scolopendran industry will tank again.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/ayman_al-thynniyan.gifMister Al-Thynniyan

---

If it's ruining our international image, we should probably at least pretend to fix it.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/karel_melicharov.gifDoctor Karel Melicharov

---

Difficult. Direct 'handout' welfare tends to decrease motivation to work, and yet this growing problem is quite rankling.

I'll have to think about it.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/vasundara_gopalakrishnan.gifDoctor Vasundara Gopalakrishnan

Yeah... and, uh... what are you guys, like, gonna do to promote, like, the arts and stuff?

Day Mascus
Hmm. The only think we have like that is the Works Projects Administration, untimely ripped from the Franklin Roosevelt presidency of the United States of America. Basically give people jobs building stuff in public beautification and the like; sorta sticks to the Art Deco geometric because no one has problems spending government funds on that.

Umm... funding art in schools is a definite priority. We do that... and... umm... other than that, it's really not for the government to decide. We shouldn't promote particular artists, because that promotes one form of art over another.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/jon_hertzfeldt.gifPseudoEmperor Jon Hertzfeldt

---

Art is not the duty of the government. The WPA and school curriculums will be maintained.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/speaker-to-animals.gifAdvisor Speaker-to-Animals

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Bah, more bureaucracy. Just let the market dictate how it'll work... our government should just pull out of it altogether.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/ayman_al-thynniyan.gifMister Al-Thynniyan

---

Historically, patronage of art has lead to better images of even the most horrible leaders. I say that we support the art as much as is damned feasible so everyone mistakes us for an 'enlightened' society.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/karel_melicharov.gifDoctor Karel Melicharov

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I'd definitely support the arts, but I don't know enough to know how.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/vasundara_gopalakrishnan.gifDoctor Vasundara Gopalakrishnan

The world in which we live is indeed a tumutlous one; full of chaos, rivalry and imperialism. Do you feel that it is possible to establish a system of universal sentient rights, and, if so, as a liberal democratic regime, do we have the obligation to enforce these rights on societies who are somewhat... unwilling to accept them?

Professor H. Tuttle
University of Atlanta
Moral Theorist

"Since when has Scolopendra had an emperor? I thought that PseudoEmperor guy was in charge. Any way, I suppose I should ask where each of the candidates stands on international trade and space piracy."
We're for trade and against piracy.
--Hertzfeldt

---

Trade with friendly nations is welcomed. Pirates preying on the weak will be crushed.
--Speaker-to-Animals

---

Trade good, piracy bad.
--Al-Thynniyan

---

Trade should be profitable to us... then we can take the proceeds, buy off the pirates, turn them into privateers with no 'real' connection to us, and make more money. Have some marginal 'victories' over the 'pirates' to keep looking good and all.
--Melicharov

---

Oh, that's easy. Trade is definitely a good thing, and piracy isn't.
--Gopalakrishnan

"I think we should know if they have any problems with Roania or Phalanix."
Who?
--Hertzfeldt

---

Not at the moment.
--Speaker-to-Animals

---

Who?
--Al-Thynniyan

---

Who?
--Melicharov

---

Who?
--Gopalakrishnan

"What is each candidate's position on the Noldor?"
They can be... uhh... difficult at times but generally decent blokes.
--Hertzfeldt

---

Menelmacar is an ally.
--Speaker-to-Animals

---

They know how to make a buck.
--Al-Thynniyan

---

We've only gotten into trouble since knowing 'em... I say screw 'em but make it look like we're doing the good-guy thing.
--Melicharov

---

They have such an exquisite culture...
--Gopalakrishnan

"You worry too much, Merrech. We need to know about ToY expansion and if it proves a threat to our own interests."
(OOC: Do your own homework there. Doesn't sound like a direct question to me.)

What are your individual policies on information release to the public?
Anything not vital to national security should be free for all.
--Hertzfeldt

---

I would release all nonvital documents. Military and diplomatic plans should be secret to prevent an enemy advantage.
--Speaker-to-Animals

---

What's wrong with how the government is running things?
--Al-Thynniyan

---

People only know what they need to know.
--Melicharov

---

All information should be free to all people. How can the people make decisions without knowing all the facts?
--Gopalakrishnan

The world in which we live is indeed a tumutlous one; full of chaos, rivalry and imperialism. Do you feel that it is possible to establish a system of universal sentient rights, and, if so, as a liberal democratic regime, do we have the obligation to enforce these rights on societies who are somewhat... unwilling to accept them?

Professor H. Tuttle
I dunno about possibility. That's for philosophers... as for enforcement, it would only work if one limited the enforcement. For example, we fight against genocide. We don't have the resources to fight against every sentient rights violation.
--Hertzfeldt

---

All sentients have a right to live without oppression. We are morally obliged to intervene, but not enforce per se. If a society wishes to kill its people, we will remove their people. The society is free to act; so are we.
--Speaker-to-Animals

---

Not my place to say.
--Al-Thynniyan

---

Universal sentient rights? C'mon, man, rights are granted by the state. What right to life does a man drowning in the ocean have?

One moment while I laugh.
--Melicharov

---

Of course we can have universal rights... but enforcement depends on the situation.
--Gopalakrishnan

*This space reserved for future questions*

A young man dressed in military fatigues stands up.

"Sirs and Ma'ams, this is Private First Class Mathers, Scolopendran Second Infantry. Since this is an open forum, I will assume that I have permission to speak freely, and thus will act accordingly."

He clears his throat, but remains rigidly at attention. "We, of the lower ranks, were quite fond of Emperor Kommetrez, and many of us were delighted to hear of his "evolution". Though we understand the possible threat to national security, we thought that Angelus was a close ally with us."

He clears his throat again, and looks very nervous.

"Why then, was he so ungloriously run off? Maybe that was not the case, but there are rumors that Emperor Kommetrez left because his closest friends did not trust him anymore."

"Why then, was he so ungloriously run off? Maybe that was not the case, but there are rumors that Emperor Kommetrez left because his closest friends did not trust him anymore."
That may honestly have been part of it. I think it was more because there was a conflict brewing among the command staff between those who trusted him and those who didn't; at least, that's what he said.

*frowns* Those were bad times indeed. The timing of everything was just off, and a lot of stuff happened that shouldn't have. Bob... er... Supreme Emperor Kommetrez returned for a visit aboard Kantharos and Razak, Speaker, and I are trying to convince him to stay... and we're not finding it too hard.
--Hertzfeldt

---

That was... a difficult time for us all. We were slightly jealous; he didn't come to his friends for help. Most of us understood, some did not. I can only try to maintain our friendship.

As for those who 'ran off' Kommetrez... some of them were doing their job, being paranoid; some are simply dishonorable and not worth my time.
--Speaker-to-Animals

---

I didn't have anything to do with it; why are you asking me?
--Al-Thynniyan

---

I'm really not sure about that one. Hrm... he was possibly seen as an intelligence leak, being hooked up to the Mainframe and all... but left of his own free will, showing that he is by no means a voluntary spy.

Sure, he's too idealistic for my tastes, but he is a nice guy and... dammit... I'd like to see him do well. *smirking half-grin* Well, there goes my callous exterior.
--Melicharov

---

It's sad what happened, but there's very little anyone can do about it now. Saying anything on motives would be speculation on my part, and I've not enough knowledge nor any right to simply guess. I hope it all turns out okay, though.
--Gopalakrishnan

If I may be so bold as to ask, The Holy Empire of Istar has been in the process of building it's first colony on the moon and the Empire has endured a rather nasty backlash due to the 500 year old slave policies that have held the minotaur in Istar under bondage for over half a millenia, what are your thoughts on Istar as it takes it's place in the solar system?

~Professor Blossom Devganges
University of Lattakay

If I may be so bold as to ask, The Holy Empire of Istar has been in the process of building it's first colony on the moon and the Empire has endured a rather nasty backlash due to the 500 year old slave policies that have held the minotaur in Istar under bondage for over half a millenia, what are your thoughts on Istar as it takes it's place in the solar system?

~Professor Blossom Devganges
Err... slavery is something we really despise, and it doesn't seem to be too useful in an advanced society. Other than that, we've really no opinion on Istar as we've never really needed to have one.
--Hertzfeldt

---

We would prefer that you not enslave sentients.
--Speaker-to-Animals

---

Slave labor... isn't that sorta counterproductive? Any potential gains would get eaten up by security costs.
--Al-Thynniyan

---

Slaves? And you advertise that fact? Goodness, read The Prince and get back to me. Liberate the minotaur, be called a wonderous do-gooder, and then get back to using them for minimum wage as 'workers.'
--Melicharov

---

Ugh. Slavery is only useful for ancient nations that have very little freedom of information and thought. As nations become more modern, it becomes easier to inform and incite the populace. Based on that, I don't think my opinion of you is very good.
--Gopalakrishnan

"What are each candidate's view on trade and cultural exchange, with other TofY members and especially with nations that are not as advanced as ours?"

edit: Ah, would it be possible to say this is coming from a Scolopendran citizen?

[SCOLO HERE: Yeah, sure. Just edit this post... just change the possessives from 'yours' to 'ours' or something.]

The only question the empire wishes to ask:

The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one.

Agree or disagree?

http://www.strategyplanet.com/aow/lizardmen.jpg
Ambassador Krall'c
Head of Foriegn Relations and Embassys
Former Head Ambassador

<tag>

The only question the empire wishes to ask:

The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one.

Agree or disagree?

Ambassador Krall'c
Hrm... the many are made of the few. I think that there... umm... has to be a balance between the two. The few or the one has to make sacrifices for the many, but the many in turn has to make sacrifices for the one. That's where the balance of safety and freedom comes in.

I can't just agree, because that's a dictatorship. I also can't disagree, because that's an anarchy.
--Hertzfeldt

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Neither. Equilibrium must be maintained. Things such as the Collectivist Alliance show us that.
--Speaker-to-Animals

---

Hrm... disagree, most certainly. The more the government tries to control, the more it screws up.
--Al-Thynniyan

---

Agree wholeheartedly. The needs of the state come first... it is vital for the very survival of the state.
--Melicharov

---

As with everything, it depends. Could you be more specific?
--Gopalakrishnan

Andrei Stanislov. Patrolman, Precinct 19. Stonozka.

My question is this. What are your feelings on capitol punishment as a deterent to future criminals? While I have the floor, I would like to know what will be done for the public sector employees? There has been talk of a contract re-negotiation, and i'm sure my colleagues would like to know your stances.

OOC: Repost.

IC:

A tall, elegantly clad Scolopendran lady raised her hand. Given permission to ask her question, she gazed at each candidate and then inquired:

"What are each candidate's view on trade and cultural exchange, with other TofY members and especially with nations that are not as advanced as ours?"

Andrei Stanislov. Patrolman, Precinct 19. Stonozka.

My question is this. What are your feelings on capitol punishment as a deterent to future criminals? While I have the floor, I would like to know what will be done for the public sector employees? There has been talk of a contract re-negotiation, and i'm sure my colleagues would like to know your stances.
I dunno about capital punishment as deterrence... it is an option if criminals are too violent and dangerous to return to society and unable to reform, but using it as a deterrent turns us into a sort of police state that rules through fear.

As for a contract renegotiation... ummm... that's Interior Advisor Luis Cousteau's job... and he hasn't gotten back to me on it.
--Hertzfeldt

---

Capital punishment is the deterrent of the fearmonger. Public corporal punishment, with its shame and dishonor, is more effective.

I did my research. The good Advisor Cousteau has been outsourcing our public duties to private firms. He has no authority to do so. It will be stopped and the public service returned to the status it formerly enjoyed.

The UN classifies us as 'Capitalizt.' This is unacceptable.
--Speaker-to-Animals

---

Hrm... capital punishment is dictated by secular and religious law. I'm sure deterrence plays a factor, but I'm not a criminologist and wouldn't know.

I have no problem with Cousteau outsourcing government jobs. It's simply good business.
--Al-Thynniyan

---

Tricky. Capital punishment needs to be a deterrent without offending the populace it's trying to deter. Honestly, it's too messy to be effective in 'enlightened' societies.

The public service must be strengthened if for no other reason but the service is the instrumentality of the state. If the government cannot project its authority, then it has no power and will fall.
--Melicharov

---

Capital punishment is... simply put, wrong. I can see how it's applicable, but only in very rare circumstances. We do need to support our workers. If it weren't for the Stonozka police, my job would be a lot harder.
--Gopalakrishnan

"What are each candidate's view on trade and cultural exchange, with other TofY members and especially with nations that are not as advanced as ours?"
Cultural exchange is great! It lets us learn more about others, and, from their reactions, more about ourselves. Trade is simply a side benefit. I think we should exchange and trade with everyone, from the low-tech Freod to the ultra-advanced Menelmacari. Sure, Trium members get preferential status, but we should trade outside as well.
--Hertzfeldt

---

We are a nation of thinkers. Trade in goods and cultures teaches us of other nations, other modes of thought. Technology is irrelevant. Political affiliation is relevant. We do not want to fund enemies.

Learning should be our goal, but I believe our current administration believes too firmly in profit. This is not PseudoEmperor Hertzfeldt's doing... but I am determined to resolve it.
--Speaker-to-Animals

---

Trade with everyone possible. Culture is secondary.
--Al-Thynniyan

---

Trade and cultural exchange are great, but they need to be moderated so the state maintains control. We can't let extranational cultures override our own; we should assimilate the best parts of each.
--Melicharov

---

I can't see anything wrong with cultural exchange. There's just so much to learn. Trading with less advanced civilizations may not be wise, though... we may give them too much technology that they aren't ready for yet.
--Gopalakrishnan

S.I.N. Poll

"Who should be the next Supreme Emperor of Scolopendra?"

PseudoEmperor Jon Hertzfeldt: 15% [ 7 / 46 ]
Advisor Speaker-to-Animals: 47% [ 22 / 46 ]
Mister Ayman Al-Thynniyan: 13% [ 6 / 46 ]
Doctor Karel Melicharov: 13% [ 6 / 46 ]
Doctor Vasundara Gopalakrishnan: 10% [ 5 / 46 ]

4,600 people were polled; error is estimated around five percentage points.

(OOC: Well... thread's stagnated. Might as well.)

Election day comes to Scolopendra; the general atmosphere is one of festival as the populace goes to vote for their representatives in the Legislative Unit and for, finally, Supreme Emperor of the Federated Segments. While much more festive than most election days, it is also far more sedate in that news channels don't have giant media blitzes as if it were a horse race... no need to convince people that one candidate will 'surely' win with 'projections' and other such snake-oil magic.

The people go out, vote, knock back a few, party, go home, and sleep off the effects of the postfranchise activities. They'll find out who won tomorrow...

Scolopendran Independent News
"Because it sucks to be S.I.N.-less"

"Well, the results for yesterday's elections are in. The moment you've all been waiting for...

"Out of 1,634,482,787 total population, 64 percent or 1,046,068,984 citizens were eligible to vote due to public service time in the CDC, SMS, or the government. Out of those, 71 percent or 742,708,978 voted in the election, leading to a total of 45 percent populace representation.

"Doctor Vashundara Gopalakrishnan came in last, garnering only 12 percent of the vote--89,125,077 total votes. Her base of intellectuals in the college districts of Stonozka and Ruiz seemed relatively true, but, according to exit-poll questionnaires, her 'fence-sitting' kept her from popular appeal.

"The incumbent, PseudoEmperor Jon Hertzfeldt, recieved 96,552,167 votes or 13 percent of the voting populace. He was simply described as 'a weak leader' and the populace seemed uncomfortable with his apparent discomfort in office.

"Mister Ayman Al-Thynniyan generally ties with Hertzfeldt, recieving only 31 more votes. People are dissatisfied with the lassiez-faire attitude of the current Scolopendran government and do not want a businessman in charge.

"Doctor Karel Melicharov was next, with 14 percent of the vote... coming to a total of 103,979,257 votes. Mostly appealing to reactionary groups, he was described as 'too pessimistic' by voters.

"Finally, International Relations Section Advisor Speaker-to-Animals gathered an uprecidented 48 percent of votes, with a total of 356,500,279 endorsements from the populace. Those who voted for him preferred his populist stance and apparent willingness to get things done in government.

"We here at S.I.N. congratulate Supreme Emperor-Elect Speaker-to-Animals and wish him the best of luck.

"In other news..."

***

"Good job, Speaker!" Jon slaps the rat-cat on a burly shoulder with his left hand, shaking with his right... a broad (and forgetful) grin on his face.

Speaker actually steps forward with the force of the friendly blow, and double-takes between the monitor and Hertzfeldt's face. "Err, thank you, sir... um..." He points at his closed maw.

"Oh, yeah." Jon closes his mouth but continues to smile, eyes sparkling. "Knew it all along. Actually, couldn't go to a better man. K'zin. Being. Whatever."

"Thank you." Speaker smiles broadly and looks around at his friends... Julius Razak leans against a cubicle partition, half-grinning with bright eyes; Janus Garbo looks between the bottle he's trying to force open and Speaker with a happy smirk; Al Rijil, sitting on a desk, nods with a smile; Agent Simmias points at random points of the room, making a little bit of a psionic fireworks show with a boyish grin; Ralph Spoilsport fiddles around his desk, looking slightly at unease but still smiling, a tiny bit of tightness around the eyes.

Next to Razak, Kommetrez scratches the back of his head. "I saw this coming, actually. Couldn't be happier. Of course..."--he looks to Hertzfeldt, then to Garbo, and finally on to Speaker--"continuity must be maintained."

Razak chortles. "Briefing time. National security first; Ralph, Al, clear out."

vonKarma appears on the office telecom system.


"Speaker! Congratulations! Look foward to working with you more in the future. One of you spray that ratcat down with champagne or something already."

http://okcac.freeyellow.com/sarge.gif
President-General Xeruyu VonKarma
Ordinance Enabled Karmic Hegemony of Karmabaijan
Triumvirate of Yut
Titan

"Will do, boss."

*POP*

"Hrrgrarrgh!" Speaker waves off the spray of pressurized grape fermentation byproducts while Garbo grins impishly. He growls some choice phrases in the Hero's Tongue, then retaliates by giving Garbo a big soaked-K'zin hug.

"Urf... sponge effect! My 'fro!"

<Transmission Type: Private Transmission>
<Destination: Supreme Emperor-Elect Speaker-to-Animals>

On behalf of the Empire of Khenala, and its people, I would like to extend our congratulations on your election to Supreme Emperor.

Scolopendra is one of Khenala's most steadfast allies and we have stood together, through thick and thin. We have always had great respect for you and your work as International Relations Advisor, and hope that the close relationship between our two nations will continue with your new Administration.

Best of luck to you!

Regards,

http://members.aol.com/FumetsuGolf/andrew_ns.jpg
Prime Minister Andrew Seal
Empire of Khenala

Thank you, Prime Minister Seal. Your friendship, and the relation between our nations, has always been appreciated.

I look forward to working with you at the Council of Yut.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/speaker-to-animals.gifSupreme Emperor-Elect Speaker-to-Animals
International Relations Section Advisor
Federated Segments of Scolopendra

Emperor Gorrm gets wind of Speaker-to-Animals election victory, and sends a communique.


"On behalf of my people and all Sakkrans abroad, we congratulate you on your victory. May your path be straight and true, and may you walk on warm sands. We stand ready to aid you in any capacity you may ask of us."

Emperor Gorrm
Kargaah Imperial Complex

Thank you, Emperor Gorrm. May your reign be long and fruitful, and your claws forever sharp. Thank you for your offer of assistance. We are here to help you if you need us.

I also look forward to working with you. While not unexpected, my election is... still surprising to me.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/speaker-to-animals.gifAdvisor Speaker-to-Animals
International Relations Section
Supreme Emperor-Elect
Federated Segments of Scolopendra

Congragulations, there could not be a person better suited for the job.

Nathicana read the reports with a genuine smile. "Way to go, big guy."

Still, her brow furrowed in thought. This ... complicates things. Speaker, she was certain, would be a stronger leader than Jon had been, bless his heart. That had served her well, she was certain, in more than one case. Speaker would most definitely be more of a challenge to deal with. She knew well enough his personality and tendencies from her previous dealings with him, and from careful observation of how he handled things within the Triumvirate, and in the political arena.

I will have to walk more carefully, I think. Perhaps it's time to run another close search for possible moles ... She idly tapped the end of her pen against her lips thoughtfully for a moment before setting it aside and typing in a message to Speaker.


Congratulations, Speaker. It is a well-deserved honor, if I may say. May your period of governing see peace and prosperity. I am proud to count among my allies such an honorable and capable leader as yourself. Know that you may rely on the Dominion to support you and your nation in your endeavors. I look forward to continued good relations between our governments.

--Nathicana D'Aquisto dal Lupo

Incoming voice message for Speaker-to-Animals from Devon Treznor:

Congratulations, Speaker-to-Animals. Welcome to the rarified territory of national governance. I'm sure you'll find the experience exhilarating, much like the passion of the Hunt. Please accept my most sincere regards, and an invitation for an official state visit to Devonton when your duties allow for it.

Insert sound of a man attempting to simultaneously howl and gargle at the same time.

At least, I hope I said that right. Please forgive my pronunciation; I'm still learning.

Devon Treznor

To the Dread Lady of the Dominion:

I also look forward to continued good relations. Now we can take the hunt to a national scale, Nathi. Stalk silently and when you bite, bite deep... but, of course, you know this already, packmate.

--Speaker-to-Animals, Kzintosh of Tender-of-Fields, House of Riskadh

***

Thank you, Emperor Treznor. I hope to take you up on that offer when I can... and I hope you are well.

Finally... my mother was facially experienced, a hunter of high regard. How kind of you to notice, unless you meant [Hero's Tongue] for "May your claws always be sharp." In that case, may yours be as well.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/speaker-to-animals.gifSupreme Emperor-Elect Speaker-to-Animals
International Relations Section
Federated Segments of Scolopendra

Supreme Emperor's Office, Stonozka, Scolopendra

Speaker-to-Animals frowns. "Keep him in his position? Is that wise, with our evidence?"

Garbo nods. "We can't let him know we're on to him, and what we have right now is just a lot of coincidental evidence tied together with a tiny dot of conjecture. We need to keep up the pressure on him... I think he's near to cracking and slipping up badly."

Kommetrez half-smirks. "Also sounds like you want a little vengeance, Janus."

The intelligence advisor blushes slightly with a frown. "Yeah... well, I got used. Totally played... and in my job, that's damn near fatal. I just can't believe it worked so well."

Alshai shrugs. "No hard feelings, Garbo."

"Though..." Razak snaps his fingers and stabs the air with a finger. "Ever since you showed back up, Bob, he's been acting a lot more uncomfortable, and he's not the only one. Rijil's report from the Vrak mission said that Al-Thynniyan was acting mighty oddly around the Vrak guards--"

"--and Hesche's OPO report confirms that." Agent Simmias adjusts his ubiquitous monocle visor. "I can say that by passive scan only that our little friend has been a lot more nervous as of late. Maybe his vote-buying didn't work out as planned and his ScoloMart buddy didn't get in charge..."

"Which is a damn good thing if this paper trail Shodey's shown us is right." Garbo grimaces.

"Either way," Simmias suggests, "a quick deep-scan could easily prove his guilt or innocence..."

Speaker shakes his massive furred head. "No. Although it would prove beyond a shadow of a doubt, it is the action of a police state."

Razak grumbles to no one in particular. "We're damn near a police state thanks to his meddling."

"Simply more reasons not to use it." Speaker sets his jaw and folds his arms. "We will catch him fairly. So it is decided... Razak, you keep your position while we groom General Hawke for it. Jon will take Rijil's place as Science Advisor because he is suited for it. Garbo, you keep your position. We cannot afford to deal with continuity now."

"Of course, sir."

"I understand there will be complaints of stagnation... but you are all still qualified. We only have some rot to take care of. Does anyone have an objection to Doctor Gopalakrishnan as Internal Advisor?"

"Other than she can't make a decision to save her soul?" Razak smirks.

"She is an administrator, Julius. She has run Stonozka excellently well; I believe she can take that to a national level. Policy is not a concern with her position, and Cousteau must be removed for his incompetence."

"I don't think it's all innocent 'incompetence,' boss." Garbo sticks his hands in his pockets and smirks. "He's got connections as well."

"He is not the source; we shall get him from the testimony of others. Spoilsport will retain his position."

Garbo grins. "Of course."

"That leaves PseudoEmperor and International Relations Advisor..." Razak scratches the back of his head. "You don't plan on wearing two hats, do you, Speaker?"

"Do I have two heads?" Speaker chuckles, breath huffing from his nostrils. "You will become PseudoEmperor once General Hawke takes your position."

"Damn." Razak snaps his fingers. "And I was hoping for retirement."

"Not that you'd have any idea what to do with it, Colonel." Alshai chuckles.

"Shaddup, Major. Still leaves IntRelate."

"We need someone respected, generally liked, and experienced." Speaker drops a hand on Alshai's shoulder. "This option also has the benefit of tweaking with our rat. Garbo, you should be pleased."

"Oh, I am, boss." Garbo smiles slyly. "Welcome back to the command staff, Bob."

Alshai smiles mischievously. "Well, I guess I'll be getting a little vengeance too. Works for me..." Looking up at Speaker, he smiles broadly. "I won't let you down, sir."

Speaker blinks. "That will, of course, be the downside. I will never be used to you calling me sir, ssss..." Rolling his eyes, he chuckles softly. "Bob."

* - * - *

Titanfall Memorial, Port Aurora

Scolopendra has never been much for pomp and circumstance. The inaugural ceremony for the Supreme Emperorship exemplifies this; instead of motorcades, airshows, fireworks, and massive ceremonies of thousands on the balcony of some palace, the Scolopendrans have a small auditorium with delegates from the government, military, civilians, and media.

Instead of the slick business suits or outmoded military uniforms covered in chest music and precious-metal piping, the Scolopendrans simply wear their simple everyday Federal Service uniforms. The stage of the auditorium has a large Scolopendran flag as backdrop, black centipede with blue-triangle eyes over yellow-bordered charcoal-grey and deep-red octants. Speaker-to-Animals and PseudoEmperor Hertzfeldt face each other at attention. In between and a step away stands former Supreme Emperor Alshai Kommetrez, holding a simple wooden box with an old medal, battered but still holding a sheen like an ancient bronze helmet cleaned up as a museum piece.

Time for a few hours of practice to pay off. If nothing else, at least simplicity saves on planning and costs.

Alshai steps to attention and announces to the auditorium in a clear voice: "Speaker-to-Animals has been deemed by the enfranchised peoples of the Federated Segments of Scolopendra as worthy to lead the Federated Segments for the next term. Ever since his naturalization as a Scolopendran citizen after the Tibetan Extraction Campaign twenty-seven years ago, he has served his country well as diplomat and leader. He has been an excellent speaker of the policies of the state and yet a champion of the people; he has defused wars before they started; he has been vigilant in peace and stalwart in war. We are honored to accept him as commanding officer of the executive branch of the federal government of the Federated Segments of Scolopendra."

Normally, at this point, the previous Supreme Emperor would remove the medal from around his neck and place it around the neck of the new Supreme Emperor. However, Hertzfeldt never took up the title and thus never took up the medal... thus Alshai's presence. As Kommetrez holds out the box to him, Jon takes the medal and presents it to Speaker-to-Animals. When the K'zin bows (rather low given his stature) to accept, Hertzfeldt puts the medal around the felinid's massive neck and salutes. Speaker returns to full 245-centimeter height, returns the salute, and drops the hand back down to his side.

Both leaders, the former and the current, turn to the audience, who break out in cheers on cue, much like the citizens in the street watching the events on the news.

* - * - *

I am proud to accept my mandate from the people. I will gladly lead the Federated Segments of Scolopendra. These are my goals:

I will eradicate the corruption in this government. The people cannot be allowed to suffer because of a few. Investigations are ongoing, and those guilty parties in the Legislative Unit shall be held responsible.

I will reverse Scolopendra's trend towards fealty to the almighty workrep. "Work Representation" -- that is our money. It is not wealth; nor shall it be power in Scolopendra. The Enforcement Directorate will recieve direct funding from the Executive Branch to enforce our antitrust laws.

I will address the increasing poverty problem. For too long our policies have oppressed the worker. Welfare is not the answer, but neither is not caring.

Thank you for this opportunity. I will not let you down.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/speaker-to-animals.gifSupreme Emperor Speaker-to-Animals
Chief of State
Federated Segments of Scolopendra

DIPLOMATIC COMMUNIQUE {
From: Goobergunchian Low Council Office of the Clerk
To: The Supreme Emperor of Scolopendra
{

I have been directed to transmit the following resolution duly enrolled and signed by the President:

WHEREAS, in elections on October 28, 2003, the people of the Federated Segments of Scolopendra held democratic multiparty elections to choose their government;

WHEREAS these elections were determined by domestic and international observers to be free and fair and a legitimate expression of the will of the people of Scolopendra; and

WHEREAS Speaker-to-Animals was elected Supreme Emperor by an overwhelming margin; Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Low Council, on behalf of the people of the Republic of Goobergunchia, hereby--

(1) congratulates the people of Scolopendra for the successful completion of free and fair elections held on October 28, 2003; and

(2) congratulates Speaker-to-Animals for his election as Supreme Emperor of Scolopendra and his continued strong commitment to democracy and anticorruption enforcement.

Approved 461-0

} }

Thank you. I am honored by the Low Council of Goobergunchia. Yet I have one question...

"President of Peru?"

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/speaker-to-animals.gifSupreme Emperor Speaker-to-Animals
Chief of State
Federated Segments of Scolopendra

[ooc: *slaps self*]

Latest Breaking News Bulletin - Low Council Watch

Jonathan Prempar, the Low Council Clerk, has been fired today. The reason seems to be that he accidentally substituted "Peru" for "Scolopendra" in the formal transmission of the resolution of electoral congratulations. Goobergunchia cartographers have been unable to locate any such nation.

"Hm. Look at this." The Steward handed his newspaper over to Achaíría.
"Well. Speaker got elected X-O of Scolopendra. You acquainted with him?"
"Nah. Only met him once."
"So... are we gonna send some sort of congratulations."
"I think Cham beat us to it."
"Uh-oh. Please don't tell me what he did."
------------------------------------------------

Congratulations on your election! I don't think I ever really met you, but you seem like a fun guy. The previous two Emperor Dudes were way too boring.

Tch-tch!
~DHX Chameleon

------------------------------------------------
"Think we better start preparing our official apology?"
"Good idea."