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Viceroy Gunray:

   It is my pleasure to address the council again.  We are in the midst of an economic boom, which we believe is due largely to the decrease in uncertainty on a galactic scale.  With most planets claimed, numerous treaties signed, and trade ships crisscrossing the galaxy, investors are rushing to get a stake in continuing development.  We can't accurately predict when this upturn will slow, but we are working to prevent a bubble effect that could lead to a recession.

  Our own finances have benefited greatly.  We were able to significantly reduce taxes and still maintain tremendous revenue levels.

  During the economic upswing, we were able to conclude our negotiations with the Krynn.  You can see on the earlier screen just how much benefit we reap from our economic treaty with them.  In my estimation, the Krynn have become our most valuable partners.  We would do well to cultivate relations with them.

  Our outbound freighter arrived at the Gnolams homeworld.  We also received another freighter from the Thalans.  They, too, have become a valuable partner, with 3 trade routes established and another freighter due on Exterra within the week.

With our final outbound freighter converted for colonization, I would like to request the chartering of additional trade vessels.  I understand the need to bolster our fleet, but the distance we need to cover is great.  The sooner we can launch new freighters the better.

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Minister Andimus:

  I'll get right to the details.  Though we've been able to use the economic boom to speed development in some areas, the focus on research has slowed development across the board.  Add to that the fact that a third of our colonies suffer weak production due to their extreme environments, and it's a wonder we accomplish anything at all.  That said, we have made steady progress.  A number of our smaller economic planets have reached full development and shifted focus to research.  Our larger planets that have reached full development have either constructed Weather Control Zeniths or are working on them presently.  With a return to normal funding levels, we'll see a corresponding spike in production levels.

  Our colonies have been doing well.  Taxes have been lowered to such a point that approval ratings have soared.  Birth rates have increased and people flock to join the republic.

A few of our planets have reached peak population, with others soon to follow.  Pursuing advances in Xeno Farming would allow us to support more citizens on our colonies, increasing our tax base and galactic influence.

  A cataclysmic explosion was witnessed by a converted colony ship of ours just before claiming an aquatic world in the Kwilas system.  Kwilas is one of two aquatic planets that we managed to claim between Korx and Yor space.  They will develop slowly, but will provide a foothold for us to project our power into that region.

  And that projection of power is already taking effect, as an asteroid mining base broke away from the Korx to supply one of our colonies.  Two others are set to follow.

Minister Sulimon:

   Greetings councilors.  I just wanted to provide a quick update on our starbase operations.  The suggested names have been taken down and already two of them have been applied.

  While on the way to Drengin space, the Farscape discovered yet another source of morale boosting compounds, along with a heavy gravity planet.  It was decided that the resource would benefit the republic more than a single planet, so the Farscape was converted to establish a mining operation.  The new base has been named Auxilium Stathmos.  The existing base seen right of center on the second screen has been named Yorktown Station.  Also visible are Kwilas, the other aquatic colony, a Korx reserach base, and the Yor Military mine.

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Esteemed assembly,

It was a very pleasant surprise to see our colony count compared to the other powers, from the galaxy map I would have thought us to be rather somewhere in the middle. However some of our colonies are isolated and we should remain vigilant for any signs of foreign cultural influence by our neighbours.
In addition our radioactive and toxic worlds are not working on full efficiency yet due to the harsh environmental conditions so we should not count ourselves rich just yet.

The news that our Technological Capital is up and running is truly excellent.
Speaking about research, I believe our main priorities remain unchanged with Medium Scale Building, Lasers and Research Academies being the first that come to mind.
Through trading we can improve our cultural influence (xeno anthropology)

I definitely agree that the Krynn look like our most favourable ally, even if their stance towards us is neutral at the moment (surprising in light of our various treaties): not only do we benefit strongly from their economic and research treaty towards us, location-wise they don't border on us so there is virtually no risk of a border war erupting between us.
I do hope they will build a military force soon so that they will remain a strong ally. I would agree to the Commander's idea to sell some of the more basic weapon technologies to the Krynn, as well as the Gnolams and Trilarian as these two will never pose a serious military threat to us.

Regarding the suggestion to deploy agents against the Thalans, I would be inclined to agree though even disabling critical buildings such as a technological or manufacturing capital may not be sufficient to bring them down from their position as strongest military and economic force at this point.
Targeting economical buildings wouldn't be a valuable use of our assets since all races are experiencing an economic boom.

While xeno anthropology is a crucial technology in assuring our foothold on our more distant colonies, I would rather not give xeno industrial theory to the Thalans as it would further strengthen their military potential. Would it be possible to replace it with more cash and still get our hands on xeno anthropology and impulse drive?

From the other trading possibilities, the ones with the Iconians look promising.
I would consider trading away advanced computing and research centers too steep a price in return for advanced colonization technologies that will only benefit a limited number of our colonies. Planetary invasion in itself is valuable knowledge yet not of immediate use to us and for me personally, therefore not worth giving the Torians such a big boost in research.
I'd rather offer some of our unique technologies, instead of those that further increase their research capabilities.

Yours sincerely,
Councilor Noctilucus

Councilors, commander.

My first remarks will be on the subject of our proposed trades. Firstly, I entirely support the trade with the Yor - the ability to fully develop our barren worlds is easily worth the price they request, which would be fair in any case. In addition, I consider at least some trade with the Torians well-advised, especially our proposed trade for Advanced Heavy Gravity Colonization. And of course, I agree wholeheartedly to supporting our possible allies, and attempting to build ties with the Krynn. Indeed, should we form alliances with any of these races, making sure they are able to defend themselves is a high priority. I suggest, though, that we hold back on trading with the Krynn until they have completed research on Planetary Invasion, a technology that would be best obtained through trade.

I remain skeptical, however, about the proposed trades with the Thalans and, especially, the Iconians. While the Thalan technologies offer significant advantages, as the commander notes dealing with the Thalans would be a deal with the "devil". The proposal to buy the technologies is acceptable, but I would firmly oppose any offer of our technologies - especially our unique technologies - to the Thalans.

The Iconians are an even more severe concern. They appear to be emerging as one of the galaxy's most aggressive species, and even under the proposed trade, we are offering them a significant amount of our technologies. I would also note that at this moment, Extended Life Support is not an urgent priority, as most if not all available worlds have been claimed. What are their necessary conditions for trading the other two technologies?

In regards to research, I highly recommend that we focus on development technologies such as Manufacturing Centers and/or Research Labs, and weapons and defense technologies. I would also like to ask our current ability to equip our starbases with defenses - in light of the growing political turmoil, it seems a necessary precaution.

On the subject of that political turmoil, I would like to make a few remarks. Firstly, the Iconian declaration of war against the Drengin suggests that they were manipulated by a third party - almost certainly the Drath. This only further emphasizes our need to keep good relations with the Drath. As for the war itself, I recommend we remain neutral, but if the Drengin request aid, we should at least consider offering some. It would potentially improve our poor relations with the Drengin, and the Iconians are clearly the more significant threat overall to our civilization. No significant help should be necessary under any circumstances - neither side appears able to pursue a long-range conflict.

I'd also like to inquire as to the staff's opinion of our future relationship to the Torians. While currently they appear underdeveloped, the commander's list of colonies indicates that they are on a level equal to us and the Thalans, and have the potential to become one of the great powers along with us. We have been pursuing a cautiously friendly policy towards the Thalans - I suggest we do the same with the Torians.

As far as the proposal to conduct espionage against the Thalans, I am somewhat dubious. While I trust there is little risk that any action we take can be traced back to us, in all probability our agents will be nullified in a short amount of time. Except for any Thalan targets that would be seriously affected by a short period of sabotage, I recommend against sending in our agents.

Finally, a request. While I hope that this remains hypothetical, there is now a distinct possibility that war may break out against one of the races we are closely involved with. Should this happen in between our meetings, I would propose that the council hold a special session to determine our response to the attack. While I do not advocate immediate declaration of war against the aggressor in such a situation, it would be best if the council was able to immediately react to such a situation, rather than remaining unable to intervene until up to several months later.

I guess i'm a little late to the conversation. I agree with councilor qrtxian in almost all points.

Every trade option seems alright. The trade options with the Iconians seem resonable.

Other than this i do not see what more can i add.

(Wow , an underwhelming return )

I'm in agreement with Councilor qrtxian, especially on the issue of starbase defenses. The trades look reasonable as well.

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G'Norlisk:

  With no further ado, I present the ballot for this session.

Research

There seems to be broad consensus on the direction of the research program - weapons, hulls, and production.  Thus, it is proposed that Dr. Malar be allowed to pursue these aims as he sees fit.  Should this proposal not pass, a supplemental research ballot will be presented.  Councilors should feel free to suggest technologies that they would like Dr. Malar to consider.

Allow Dr. Malar to direct research under advisement from the council:

Espionage

Conduct targeted espionage against Thalan interests should a prime opportunity arise:

Technology Exchange

Sell weapons and other technologies to our fiends (Krynn, Gnolams, Trilarian):

Proposed trade with Thalans:

Proposed trade with Iconians:

Proposed trade with Torians:

Proposed trade with Yor:

Foreign Aid

Provide material aid to Drengin upon request:

Councilor Signature:

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With some delay due to other matters at hand, I have added my vote below to that of my fellow councilors:

Research

Allow Dr. Malar to direct research under advisement from the council: +, +, +, +

Espionage

Conduct targeted espionage against Thalan interests should a prime opportunity arise: +, +, 0, +

Technology Exchange

Sell weapons and other technologies to our friends (Krynn, Gnolams, Trilarian): +, +, 0, +

Proposed trade with Thalans: -, -, 0, +

Proposed trade with Iconians: +, +, 0, -

Proposed trade with Torians: +, +, +, +

Proposed trade with Yor: +, +, 0, +

Note: I am surprised to see that little support for the trade with the Thalans, seeing that we can only get Xeno Anthropology from them and improving our propulsion technologies seems like a good idea when we might get entangled in a war soon

Foreign Aid

Provide material aid to Drengin upon request: +, +, 0, 0

Note: I would consider giving them technologies but at least explore the possibility of getting technologies and/or monetary compensation in return.

Councilor Signature:qrtxian, NikolaiOmega, SarcFa, Noctilucus