Post by Chan on Oct 13, 2011 17:51:33 GMT -5
Side 3, Zum City
Republic of Zeon Capital Building
Republic Senate
"The floor now recognizes Secretary of Defense Rear Admiral Veronica Wu."
Aside from a cough and people adjusting their seats, the large chamber is quiet. The silence is punctuated by the sound of leather military boots on marble flooring. A middle-aged woman in full military dress stood in front of the podium. The medals and decorations on her chest spoke volumes about her. It is as if she was meant to stand in front of the Republic of Zeon flag that decorated the wall behind her. Those who are sitting in the room sat up straight; this is a person to be listened to.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Republic of Zeon's Defense Force took one look around before speaking.
"Senators, ministers, colleagues, and distinguished guests, I bid you good morning."
The screen in the center of the room blinks to life. "I am happy to report that the Side 3 Defense Fleet is effectively securing Side 3's airspace. Civilian traffic for the past quarter has been unharassed by pirates and we have prevented over a dozen criminal operations with the intent of compromising Side 3's authority."
"The good news, however, can only be said for Side 3's region."
Veronica gestured towards the central screen where a map of the Earth Sphere appears.
"According to reports collected over the last year, our merchant convoys have been boarded by pirates in multiple sectors." Yellow splotches showing pirate activity show up on the map. "As the Financial Minister mentioned earlier this week, this loss in merchant trade is hindering our GDP. Especially with our obligations to the Earth Federation."
"There has been indicators in those reports that some of these pirates are disgruntled former Zeon soldiers."
"We are most fortunate that the crews of the attacked merchant ships all made it back to Side 3 safely." Fortunate isn't quite the word, mused Veronica, not when you pay the crews to hand over their cargo 'without a fight' for their safety.
Someone clears their throat before speaking. "That's all well and understood Admiral Wu," said a senator," but what do you expect to do about it? Your precious Defense Fleet cannot leave Side 3, not without starting another war."
"You are correct Senator, which is why I put together the proposal that is being handed out right now." A low mumble spills over the room as Veronica's aides distributed the pamphlets.
After a moment, a different senator throws the papers down on their desk. "You want to put together a fleet and take a it out of Side 3?"
"Yes, senator," confirms Veronica," the proposal in front of you authorizes the reactivation of enough supply and support vessels to allow a small force of ships to venture outside of Side 3."
"You are going to provoke the Federation!" remarks another senator.
"On the contrary," counters Veronica," this new fleet will stay in international regions and avoid all Federation territory. At the same time, the Defense Fleet will remain at Side 3 as declared by the Federation Occupation Authority."
"I don't see how this would help our situation, Admiral."
"Allow me to explain then," said Veronica as she pushes a button on the podium. A red line emerges on the map of the Earth Sphere that loops around much of the international regions and back to Side 3.
"The fleet will perform a 'good will' tour of our fellow space nations: the Lunar Union, Riah Republic, and especially the corporation known as Anaheim Electronics. This will bolster our relations with them and strengthen the Foreign Minister's program to improve our trade relations."
"The Athenas Might is already forward deployed at the Moon. Lieutenant Commander Tony Knight is already onboard the ship and will be assisting me."
A senator raises a hand. "Are you talking about the spokeman for the Zeon Reform Party?"
Veronica nods. "Yes I am. I'm sure Commander Knight will keep his politics out of his military obligations."
"Make sure you do," insists the senator.
The middle-aged asian woman continues. "I will accompany this fleet to all of these locations and have meetings with my counterparts there. I understand that Anaheim Electronics have bids and contracts they wish to show to us. Afterwards, the fleet will travel through the denser piracy pockets as a show-of-force."
The admiral cocked her head slightly as she said the next line. "If the fleet comes across any former soldiers of the Duchy of Zeon committing criminal acts, we will arrest them and bring them back to Side 3 for trial." Or whatever we want to call it at that point.
Veronica straightens a bit. "Ladies and Gentlemen, the Earth Federal Fleets are content to sitting inside their asteroid fortresses and bases. They have no interest in securing international trade, so we must pick up this responsibility if we are to become a major influence in the Earth Sphere. If we are successful, we can improve our standing in the Earth Sphere and gain the confidence of the space colonies in addition to securing our trade routes."
Muttered conversation erupts as the senate looked at one another and conversed in hushed tones. Veronica just stood there, waiting patiently.
Finally, the room became quiet. "Admiral Wu, what would this fleet be called?" asked a senator.
Veronica nearly smiled as she spoke. "The Republic Expeditionary Fleet."
Republic of Zeon Capital Building
Republic Senate
"The floor now recognizes Secretary of Defense Rear Admiral Veronica Wu."
Aside from a cough and people adjusting their seats, the large chamber is quiet. The silence is punctuated by the sound of leather military boots on marble flooring. A middle-aged woman in full military dress stood in front of the podium. The medals and decorations on her chest spoke volumes about her. It is as if she was meant to stand in front of the Republic of Zeon flag that decorated the wall behind her. Those who are sitting in the room sat up straight; this is a person to be listened to.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Republic of Zeon's Defense Force took one look around before speaking.
"Senators, ministers, colleagues, and distinguished guests, I bid you good morning."
The screen in the center of the room blinks to life. "I am happy to report that the Side 3 Defense Fleet is effectively securing Side 3's airspace. Civilian traffic for the past quarter has been unharassed by pirates and we have prevented over a dozen criminal operations with the intent of compromising Side 3's authority."
"The good news, however, can only be said for Side 3's region."
Veronica gestured towards the central screen where a map of the Earth Sphere appears.
"According to reports collected over the last year, our merchant convoys have been boarded by pirates in multiple sectors." Yellow splotches showing pirate activity show up on the map. "As the Financial Minister mentioned earlier this week, this loss in merchant trade is hindering our GDP. Especially with our obligations to the Earth Federation."
"There has been indicators in those reports that some of these pirates are disgruntled former Zeon soldiers."
"We are most fortunate that the crews of the attacked merchant ships all made it back to Side 3 safely." Fortunate isn't quite the word, mused Veronica, not when you pay the crews to hand over their cargo 'without a fight' for their safety.
Someone clears their throat before speaking. "That's all well and understood Admiral Wu," said a senator," but what do you expect to do about it? Your precious Defense Fleet cannot leave Side 3, not without starting another war."
"You are correct Senator, which is why I put together the proposal that is being handed out right now." A low mumble spills over the room as Veronica's aides distributed the pamphlets.
After a moment, a different senator throws the papers down on their desk. "You want to put together a fleet and take a it out of Side 3?"
"Yes, senator," confirms Veronica," the proposal in front of you authorizes the reactivation of enough supply and support vessels to allow a small force of ships to venture outside of Side 3."
"You are going to provoke the Federation!" remarks another senator.
"On the contrary," counters Veronica," this new fleet will stay in international regions and avoid all Federation territory. At the same time, the Defense Fleet will remain at Side 3 as declared by the Federation Occupation Authority."
"I don't see how this would help our situation, Admiral."
"Allow me to explain then," said Veronica as she pushes a button on the podium. A red line emerges on the map of the Earth Sphere that loops around much of the international regions and back to Side 3.
"The fleet will perform a 'good will' tour of our fellow space nations: the Lunar Union, Riah Republic, and especially the corporation known as Anaheim Electronics. This will bolster our relations with them and strengthen the Foreign Minister's program to improve our trade relations."
"The Athenas Might is already forward deployed at the Moon. Lieutenant Commander Tony Knight is already onboard the ship and will be assisting me."
A senator raises a hand. "Are you talking about the spokeman for the Zeon Reform Party?"
Veronica nods. "Yes I am. I'm sure Commander Knight will keep his politics out of his military obligations."
"Make sure you do," insists the senator.
The middle-aged asian woman continues. "I will accompany this fleet to all of these locations and have meetings with my counterparts there. I understand that Anaheim Electronics have bids and contracts they wish to show to us. Afterwards, the fleet will travel through the denser piracy pockets as a show-of-force."
The admiral cocked her head slightly as she said the next line. "If the fleet comes across any former soldiers of the Duchy of Zeon committing criminal acts, we will arrest them and bring them back to Side 3 for trial." Or whatever we want to call it at that point.
Veronica straightens a bit. "Ladies and Gentlemen, the Earth Federal Fleets are content to sitting inside their asteroid fortresses and bases. They have no interest in securing international trade, so we must pick up this responsibility if we are to become a major influence in the Earth Sphere. If we are successful, we can improve our standing in the Earth Sphere and gain the confidence of the space colonies in addition to securing our trade routes."
Muttered conversation erupts as the senate looked at one another and conversed in hushed tones. Veronica just stood there, waiting patiently.
Finally, the room became quiet. "Admiral Wu, what would this fleet be called?" asked a senator.
Veronica nearly smiled as she spoke. "The Republic Expeditionary Fleet."
