UEE CONGRESS (396)

2945-11-10 SET

Session AutoScript

Proofed and Admitted – Archivist Yates (#57573BDF)

2945-11-10_13:01 – Transcript Begins

SPEAKER MARSHALL MADRIGAL (U-Borea-Magnus Sys): Ladies and gentlemen. If you will settle, we can get started.

< pause >

SPEAKER MARSHALL MADRIGAL (U-Borea-Magnus Sys): As we have a quorum, this session is officially called to order and may conduct business. If you will all rise, it is my honor and privilege to present the Imperator of the United Empire of Earth …

< sustained applause >

IMPERATOR KELOS COSTIGAN (U): Thank you, Speaker Madrigal. Thank you, esteemed members of the Senate. And thank you to the people of the UEE.

These past few weeks have been some of the darkest of my life. As I toured the devastation of Estilia, I saw nothing but pain, loss and soulless brutality.

Imperial Disaster Relief forces have worked tirelessly alongside the military to provide aid and support, but in the days since, I’ve seen something even more inspiring. I have seen people pulling together. I’ve seen cargo haulers organize relief runs from across the Empire. I’ve seen children in Aydo canvass their neighborhoods collecting blankets and toys. I’ve even seen support flood across our borders from the Banu and the Xi’An. In short, despite the profound darkness of our loss, we have found light in each other. And that should be celebrated. As the wounds from this tragedy begin to heal, I hope we don’t forget that charitable spirit.

Thank you.

< sustained applause >

Speaker …

SPEAKER MARSHALL MADRIGAL (U-Borea-Magnus Sys): Thank you, Imperator. We have the privilege of welcoming another esteemed guest to this session. A Citizen and member of Vega II’s representation committee. Please step forward and state your name.

EDWARD AEMILE: Edward Aemile, Speaker.

SPEAKER MARSHALL MADRIGAL (U-Borea-Magnus Sys): Now, as many of you know, before the attack, Vega II was in the final stages of its review for recognition. Our envoys had only just returned and filed their reports when the system came under attack. I wanted to share those findings with you today. Vega II was found to be a shining light of industry and thought. Your planet showed a genuine and steadfast commitment to the betterment of Humanity and the Empire which is nothing short of inspiring. In short, the UEE would be proud to count Vega II as a contributing member to this Empire, regardless of whether the attack had happened or not.

EDWARD AEMILE: Thank you, Speaker.

SPEAKER MARSHALL MADRIGAL (U-Borea-Magnus Sys): Imperator.

IMPERATOR KELOS COSTIGAN (U): Does Vega II still wish to be recognized?

EDWARD AEMILE: Yes. More than ever.

IMPERATOR KELOS COSTIGAN (U): Under what name does Vega II wish to be recognized?

EDWARD AEMILE: Aremis, sir.

IMPERATOR KELOS COSTIGAN (U): I recognize Aremis, granting it a voice in the direction of Humanity and affording it all rights and responsibilities bound by a planet of the UEE. You were submitted as the pro tem representative, should your planet be recognized.

EDWARD AEMILE: It is my honor, sir.

IMPERATOR KELOS COSTIGAN (U): Then step forward and take your vow.

EDWARD AEMILE: I, Edward Javier Aemile, do solemnly vow that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the United Empire of Earth, that I will support and defend the Empire against all enemies, that I will not let injustice stand within the law and use reason and compassion to seek change through the law, that I will use this power granted to me to serve the best interests of all Humanity and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter.

IMPERATOR KELOS COSTIGAN (U): Congratulations, people of Aremis, and congratulations, Senator Aemile.

SENATOR EDWARD AEMILE (C-Aremis-Vega Sys): Thank you, Imperator. Speaker. Senate.

SPEAKER MARSHALL MADRIGAL (U-Borea-Magnus Sys): You have the floor to make your opening pronouncement, Senator.

SENATOR EDWARD AEMILE (C-Aremis-Vega Sys): First of all, to all of the people of Aremis: etace tu adille! We did it! It is your heart and spirit that inspires me to make things better. And we will rise from this. We will, though it may not seem like it. If you are lost in your sorrow, you only need to step outside and look around. You will not only see other Aremisians, you will see family. We have all suffered, but in that, we are all in this together.

To my new colleagues in the Senate, I thank you for this opportunity and look forward to working with each and every one of you. However …

I find myself conflicted.

On October 10th, Admiral Bishop made an impassioned speech in this very hall. He spoke for the dead and shattered of my world and implored the Empire to take action to prevent the same thing from happening again. Shortly thereafter, Imperator Costigan called for a declaration of war against the Vanduul. The High Command quickly provided their support of such action. The people showed their support by rejecting the Polo Initiative, but the Senate … the Senate has done nothing. It has been locked in a circular debate for weeks. Now I understand that war should not be invoked lightly and I respect the diligence with which you would weigh this decision, but I ask you, what other choice do we have?

To me, who saw the Vanduul attack first hand, who saw their ferocity and absolute lack of empathy for another sentient species, it seems that they are already at war with us.

It is time we return the sentiment.

So, as my first action as a UEE Senator, I would like to file a motion to close discussion and call a vote on the Imperator’s declaration of war against the Vanduul.

SPEAKER MARSHALL MADRIGAL (U-Borea-Magnus Sys): Senator Aemile, I’m not sure this is the time.

IMPERATOR KELOS COSTIGAN (U): Will all due respect, Speaker, you have a quorum to conduct business.

SPEAKER MARSHALL MADRIGAL (U-Borea-Magnus Sys): Yes, we do.

< pause >

SPEAKER MARSHALL MADRIGAL (U-Borea-Magnus Sys): Archivist, would you prepare the system. Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, if you will bring up your terminals, we will get started.