Fellow councilors, please find below my votes, added to councilor Qrtxian's ballot:

Research:

Andimus Proposal (Prioritize research of Xeno Biology and Xeno Medicine)

FOR: Noctilucus

Qrtxian Proposal (Prioritize research of Universal Translator and Sensors I

FOR: qrtxian

Development and Colonization (All proposals are not mutually exclusive)

Construction of Trade Centers on our colonies

FOR: qrtxian, Noctilucus

Transferring our research base to Fortuna

FOR: qrtxian

Lower desired Planet Quality to 6

FOR:

Use of colony ships to transfer population to new colonies

FOR: qrtxian, Noctilucus

Research:

Andimus Proposal (Prioritize research of Xeno Biology and Xeno Medicine)

FOR: Noctilucus, LordCarlos

Qrtxian Proposal (Prioritize research of Universal Translator and Sensors I

FOR: qrtxian

Development and Colonization (All proposals are not mutually exclusive)

Construction of Trade Centers on our colonies

FOR: qrtxian, Noctilucus, LordCarlos

Transferring our research base to Fortuna

FOR: qrtxian, LordCarlos

Lower desired Planet Quality to 6

FOR:LordCarlos

Use of colony ships to transfer population to new colonies

FOR: qrtxian, Noctilucus, LordCarlos

Considering how good of a job the commander is doing i might take a small vacation to our paradise world.

Research:

Andimus Proposal (Prioritize research of Xeno Biology and Xeno Medicine)

FOR: Noctilucus, LordCarlos

Qrtxian Proposal (Prioritize research of Universal Translator and Sensors I

FOR: qrtxian, SarcFa

Development and Colonization (All proposals are not mutually exclusive)

Construction of Trade Centers on our colonies

FOR: qrtxian, Noctilucus, LordCarlos, SarcFa

Transferring our research base to Fortuna

FOR: qrtxian, LordCarlos, SarcFa

Lower desired Planet Quality to 6

FOR:LordCarlos

Use of colony ships to transfer population to new colonies

FOR: qrtxian, Noctilucus, LordCarlos, SarcFa

Tallybot 5201:

Input data . . .

Analyzing . . .

Analyzing . . .

Compiling results . . .

Generating report . . .

Voting results

Councilors Responding: 5

Research:

Andimus Proposal: Passed 3-2

Development and Colonization:

Construct Trade Centers: Passed 5-0

Transfer research base to Fortuna: Passed 4-1

Lower Desired PQ to 6: Not Passed 2-3

Ferry population via Colony Ships: Passed 5-0

Transmitting results to Exterra Command . . .

Transmission complete.

***INCOMING TRANSMISSION - SECURITY LEVEL ALPHA***

***FROM: COMMANDER MEKOIDES, EXTERRA COMMAND***

***TO: INITIATIVE COUNCILORS AND ROYALTY, TOLMEKIA PRIME***

***SUBJECT: QUARTERLY REPORT, JANUARY 01, 2228***

Cmdr Mekoides:

  Councilors, before we begin I need to inform you that there may be prolonged interruptions between our transmissions.  Our proximity to a dark energy source is causing some technical irregularities, forcing us to transmit as we are able.  Rest assured that the entire staff will be presenting their reports as conditions allow.

So, on to business then.  We've had another good quarter.  Two more worlds were claimed for the Initiative - Bastion II and Otho I, both near Thalan space.  The Kushana reaped more bounty (+5% espionage, +1% repair, +500bc) and began exploration of the corridor systems, finding another high quality planet.

An ambitious social spending program led by Minister Andimus allowed planetary development to exceed expectations.  Our research program was temporarily slowed, but our excellent progress has allowed us restore funding to usual levels.  Even with reduced funding, Dr. Malar's team continues to produce results.  We also had our first United Planets vote concerning region RADS 2227, attended by our representatives along with those from the Drath and Thalans. 

Before we get to all that, though, let's review our current situation.

  The quarterly report.  We've made contact with the Thalans in this region, and our analysts put us behind both them and the Drath in terms of our presence here.  The Sakkra remain a minor concern.

  The current galactic map.  We've established a strong presence on our eastern border and have the capacity to do the same on the western.

  Our eastern front.  The Thalans have reached this space, but as you can see we've secured the choice planets and secured the resource with the completion of Felicity Station.  Otho I was claimed by the first of our X2 class Colony Ships carrying 500M colonists.

  One of the corridor systems explored by the Kushana.  An X2 Colony Ship is underway and will claim the world next quarter, extending our range and further strengthening our eastern front.

I'll end the introduction here and allow the others to present their reports before returning for the conclusion.  We also have a special speaker who will address the council after the report.

***TRANSMISSION INTERRUPT - STAND BY FOR RECONNECT***

***RESUME TRANSMISSION - SECURITY LEVEL ALHPA***

Minister Andimus:

  It is my pleasure to present the council with the ongoing development of our colonies.  By temporarily shifting spending from our research program, we were able to exceed our goals for the quarter and position ourselves to secure claims to our western systems.  At this point, we can review our progress on a colony-by-colony basis.  If you'll turn to the display . . .

  We've opted to take advantage of the facilities on Fortuna.  With the amazing production capability of the reactivated precursor factories, we completed work on the research facilities ahead of schedule.  Seeing an opportunity, we started shipbuilding operations and already have a Colony Ship in orbit ready to depart.  Due to population constraints, we're using the older designs here.  We've started work on a Navigation Center, and when that's complete I am requesting approval to establish the Stellar Forge on Fortuna.  You can see the details of the Forge on the screen.  I further propose that we build our Orbital Command Center here once we've finalized the planning process (requires Interstellar Construction).

  Work on our Economic Capital is complete.  Increased economic activity and the shuttering of our old research facilities have helped to control our deficits, though we're still in the red.  We could increase production capacity here, but the cost of additional factories is difficult to justify given the relatively small increase in output.  I'd rather expand our economic capabilities here.  We can still push out two X2 Colony Ships every quarter, which should be sufficient with shipbuilding at Fortuna.

 The Bastion system.  For the time being we're developing these planets as business and commerce centers.  We've taken advantage of abundant resources on Bastion II to speed development.  In time, we may further develop these planets.

  Our recently claimed colony in the Otho system.  Another site of interest to our researchers has been found by our survey teams.  We started economic development, but Dr. Malar certainly has an interest in this new site.

Commander Mekoides will present our colonization plans in his conclusion.  Thank you, councilors.

***TRANSMISSION INTERRUPT - STAND BY FOR RECONNECT***

***RESUME TRANSMISSION - SECURITY LEVEL ALHPA***

Dr. Markus Malar

  Well, councilors,though I can't say I was pleased with the funding cuts, however short lived, I must say that I'm more than satisfied with the results.  Our new facilities are already being put to good use.  During construction, we moved a large portion of our research to Research Base Altius.  Working conditions there were ideal for studying the effects of dark energy on living organisms, and our team reported a breakthrough during research into Xeno Biology (4 weeks early).  Everything seems to come together, as our early success allowed us to focus on medical uses for the materials being returned from Felicity Station.  With our understanding of Xeno Medicine, we'll have usable medicines within two weeks that will help solve our issues with population growth.

I'm disappointed with the statements about our research program given in the quarterly report.  I can't say they were unexpected, given our temporary funding situation, but they fail to account for our situation as a whole.  We're in a better position now than we were before the changeover.  It did get me to thinking, though, about our contacts in the region.  If we can establish communications, then perhaps we can consider technological exchange to address any lack of progress.  Let's view our current research outlook, then I'll present my recommendations.

  With our current facilities and funding, we can reasonably pursue a number of technologies.  After Xeno Medicine, I put my full support behind Councilor qrtxian's proposal to research Universal Translator then Sensors.  Both of these technologies can be mastered in the next quarter and factor into my proposal to further our exploration and research, as outlined below.

• Complete work on the Universal Translator, establish communications, and leverage our expertise in Advanced Trade and Master Trade into favorable technology exchanges.
• Complete work on Sensors to allow design and commission of a new Explorator class ship to locate galactic resources and study anomalies.
• Take advantage of any precursor sites we find, such as the one on Otho I, by constructing research facilities as soon as we are able.

These are the most important steps at the moment.  Expansion of Research Base Altius is also a consideration, but I'm aware of our current shipbuilding limitations.  Establishment of colonies in the Dark Sol system will eventually allow robust support of our research base there.  I await your response, councilors.

***TRANSMISSION INTERRUPT - STAND BY FOR RECONNECT***

***RESUME TRANSMISSION - SECURITY LEVEL ALHPA***

Viceroy Gunray:

   Oh, good, we've reestablished contact.  Our budget deficit continues to grow, councilors, though completion of our Economic Capital and Advanced Market Centers has helped.  I fully support the activity in the Bastion system and economic development of Exterra.  Though colonization remains a priority, I would like to see a trade ship or two commissioned by the second or third quarter of this year.  I also think we would benefit from using the great output on Fortuna to establish the Galactic Bazaar there.  We would not likely finish work before we begin foreign negotiations, but the long term benefits would be great.

  Our current financial situation.  We'll make it through the next quarter, but may start facing budget shortfalls by mid-year.  Continued development and additional income from the Kushana will help.  I'm also told that this region may contain extremely valuable resources.  I concur with Dr. Malar's proposal to launch survey ships in search of them.

Minister Sune:

  Greetings again, councilors.  We've been able to gather more information on our immediate neighbors.  Our agents among the Drath have also been able to achieve a low level of infiltration into their government and society, providing us with basic information and, importantly, allowing us to determine the destinations of their spacecraft.  Here is some of the intelligence available to us.

  The Drath economic outlook.  Though they haven't expanded any further into our space, they are already generating more than twice our level of income.

  The Thalan Empire has managed to expand quite rapidly.  We should count ourselves fortunate, and wise, to have secured the Bastion and Otho systems against them.  With luck we'll claim Sauron and stem their advance.

  The Thalan economy is a powerhouse, dwarfing ours nearly six-fold.  They are running a slight surplus after their considerable expenses.  Our agent has been transferred to the Thalan Empire, and within one week we'll have a second agent to deploy.

G'Norlisk:

 As head of the Election Commission, I am here to present to you the results of our first UP meeting.  We will make every effort to involve the council in future UP proceedings, but circumstances prevented us from holding a formal session this time.

  Though we voted in favor of the proposal, the Drath sided with the Thalans and voted it down.  In time, our influence at the UP will grow, but for now we are dependent on the support of others to pass any proposals favorable to our interests.

***TRANSMISSION INTERRUPT - STAND BY FOR RECONNECT***

***RESUME TRANSMISSION - SECURITY LEVEL ALHPA***

Cmdr Mekoides:

  You've heard from the staff councilors, now I'll finish by presenting our colonization plans and a summary of the issues before the Council.

  An overview of our current holdings.  The red lines indicate the paths of our current ships.  The green lines show the paths of the next wave.  The Colony Ship orbiting Fortuna will head north to explore those systems.  Future Colony ships will head east to claim the worlds already discovered.  At Exterra, we'll first head to the Dark Sol system, then begin expansion westward to meet the ships from Fortuna.

And here are the issues presented this quarter:

• Construction of Stellar Forge on Fortuna
• Construction of Orbital Command Center on Fortuna (provisional - requires research)
• Construction of the Galactic Bazaar on Fortuna
• Research Plan - Universal Translator and Sensors
• Authorization to conduct negotiations and technological exchange with foreign powers, particularly exchanging Advanced Trade and Master Trade to further our technological expertise.

Now I present our special speaker.  Please rise, councilors, and welcome His Royal Highness Prince Temeculus the Thirteenth.

Prince Temeculus XIII

  Councilors, loyal retainers and supporters of Tolmekia, I am proud to stand before you on this first anniversary of the great Kushana Initiative.  You are the best and the brightest the Federation has to offer, and all your skill and daring will be called upon before we can claim success here.  Early reports show that those around us have seized the advantage, but know that their position is only temporary.  We have yet to display our true mettle here, preferring to plan carefully and build a solid foundation to support our dominance.  Whether that dominance comes from conquest, diplomatic maneuvering, or the supremacy of our cultural values is the only thing yet to be determined.

From this day forth, let us proceed onward in the name of Tolmekia, extending our hand to those who would take it, and raising our fists to those who would oppose us.  The fortunes of our Federation rest on the shoulders of those assembled here.  Deliberate well, councilors, and deliver us great prosperity in this our greatest time.

Good luck to you and may the wisdom of Temeculus guide us all.

***END TRANSMISSION***

Your Highness, general assembly,

Thank you for sharing this valuable information with us.

My first concern is on our East and West borders. We should ensure that our furthest colonies will indeed form a barrier against the Drath and Thalan, a barrier which will not yield to foreign influences. Therefore, as soon as we have reliable data on how strong or weak our influence is on those planets, can this information be shared with the council? Based on that, we might want to consider building a Restaurant of Eternity.
On the upside, I am glad to see the new generation of colony ships being put to good use!

My second concern is of course our economy. If the survey ships don't manage to find sufficiently valuable resources, I would consider increasing taxes. Our newly colonized planets should be happy enough not to have any impact on morale while on Exterra the slight decrease in morale would be a price I'm willing to pay for increased income.
Could we also temporarily lower espionage funding or are we running the bare minimum? Also, can some simulation be done whether we can benefit from a slight change in focus (sliders)?
The Drath are clearly levying higher taxes than us, at the expense of the population's morale.

Regarding Fortuna, I am surprised to see a proposal to build an orbital command center so soon. I would rather follow the Viceroy's proposal and build a galactic bazaar first. Unless I am overlooking a benefit that the command center would bring us now?

On the topic of research, fully agree with Dr. Malar. For the next quarter we may want to look at advanced computing to try and catch up with the other races' research speed, but it's too soon to decide upon this for the upcoming quarter.

Commander, you mention "exchanging Advanced Trade and Master Trade to further our technological expertise."
Wouldn't that reduce our bargaining power in the longer run? My fear is that trading these technologies with the other races will improve their bargaining ability in future negotiations.

Looking forward to your answers and my fellow councilors' view.

Your highness,

I am honored by your prescence at this meeting. You represent a better and brighter future to the citizens of the Initiative.

Commander and the Assembly,

I strongly support Councilor Noctilucus in his comments about our border colonies. We cannot let alien cultures and influence spread to our worlds. That would dilute the council's power and our people's way of life. A Resturant of Eternity would fix this problem. Keep our colony ships running and give us a place to make a home. That is all we need.

I would like to present to the council a proposal that would help relive our budget restraints. As Viceroy Gunray suggested we would build a Galactic Bazar on Fortuna. Then, halt production of colony ships, build two trade vessels, then go back to colony ship production. After that we would send our two newley commisiond trade vessels to the homeworlds of the Thalan and Drath, thus eliminating part of our debt while NOT stopping all production. 

Espianoge funding must continue and an Orbital Command Center would benefit us greatly in the long run.

I belive that Dr. Malar should be given full authority to proceed as he feels is necesary in regards to research this quarter.

Also, we MUST NOT give away our technological secrets to those who might use them against us. Plus, we need all the economic advantage that we can get.

A notice to all councilors- I am oficially announcing the dissolution of the Advocates for Defense. I have come to realize that political parties are just obstructions along the way to progress. They can become set in their ways and inflexible. I would hope that the Coalition follow my example.

Thank you councilors for your time. I now yeild the floor.

Your Highness, general assembly,

I would like to propose researching Stellar Cartography in the near future. It would help us avoid wasting time exploring empty systems and would only take 2 weeks to complete. I do not see an immediate need for it, so this can take action on this at a later date, but I feel that it should be done within a reasonable amount from now.

That is all.

***SUPPLEMENTAL TRANSMISSION - SECURITY LEVEL ALHPA***

Viceroy Gunray:

  Let me assure you, councilors, that we guard our diplomatic clout jealously.  Sponsoring our neighbors into advanced trade treaties will allow them more trade routes and greater revenue, but gives them no diplomatic leverage. (Advanced Trade and Master Trade = +10% trade, +2 trade routes each).  Master Trade status does grant license to establish the Galactic Bazaar, furthering the incentive to begin work on ours.

It becomes a balancing act of boosting the economies of our rivals versus the technological gains to be made.  There is, however, the hope that they will use their expanded trade rights to establish additional trade routes with us.  Our expertise in trade would then make us the net beneficiaries of the transaction. (Our Super Trader SA gives us a bonus to trade revenue above any technology, so we would make more money than them overall.)

Overall, I favor expansion of trading rights, at least for our immediate neighbors who could reasonably be expected to expand trade with us.

***END TRANSMISSION***

***SUPPLEMENTAL TRANSMISSION - SECURITY LEVEL ALHPA***

Minister Andimus:

  Councilor Noctilucus, though it may be some time before we require an Orbital Command Center to coordinate fleet defense of our planets, it does provide some other benefits to the planet it is built upon.  The facilities would further enhance Fortuna's shipbuilding capability (+10% Hit Points), and can also aid directly in the defense of the planet (+10% Planetary Defense).  The inhabitants would, of course, gain some measure of comfort from its presense (+10% morale).  Combined with the Stellar Forge, it would make Fortuna the premier shipbuilding planet in this region of the galaxy and a symbol of Tolmekian strength (+35% Hit Points and +25% Ship Quality - Weapons and Defense).

As you noted, it is not a pressing need at this time.  Work could begin on the Bazaar with the OCC being worked in as we are able.  With the construction of factories on Fortuna's remaining two resource deposits, and perhaps an upgrade to our factories themselves, we would then be able to finish the OCC in a short time.

***END TRANSMISSION***

G'Norlisk:

   Here is the ballot for this session, councilors.  Given the consensus on proposed research, no voting has been called for.  Following on the proposal by councilors Noctilucus and TMS2224 to build the Restaurant of Eternity, it is suggested that Exterra be chosen as the site for construction due to its state of development and production capabilities.  A few market centers would be built, then work would begin.

Development

• Construction of Stellar Forge on Fortuna

FOR:

• Construction of Orbital Command Center on Fortuna (provisional)

FOR:

• Construction of Galactic Bazaar on Fortuna

FOR: 

• Construction of Restaurant of Eternity on Exterra

FOR:

Diplomatic Relations

• Grant authorization for technological exchange

FOR:

Development

• Construction of Stellar Forge on Fortuna

FOR: TMS2224

• Construction of Orbital Command Center on Fortuna (provisional)

FOR: TMS2224

• Construction of Galactic Bazaar on Fortuna

FOR: TMS2224

• Construction of Restaurant of Eternity on Exterra

FOR: TMS2224

Diplomatic Relations

• Grant authorization for technological exchange

FOR:

Development

• Construction of Stellar Forge on Fortuna

FOR: TMS2224, SarcFa

• Construction of Orbital Command Center on Fortuna (provisional)

FOR: TMS2224

• Construction of Galactic Bazaar on Fortuna

FOR: TMS2224, Noctilucus, qrtxian, SarcFa

• Construction of Restaurant of Eternity on Exterra

FOR: TMS2224, Noctilucus, qrtxian, SarcFa

Diplomatic Relations

• Grant authorization for technological exchange

FOR: Noctilucus, qrtxian, SarcFa

Development

• Construction of Stellar Forge on Fortuna

FOR: TMS2224, SarcFa, LordCarlos

• Construction of Orbital Command Center on Fortuna (provisional)

FOR: TMS2224

• Construction of Galactic Bazaar on Fortuna

FOR: TMS2224, Noctilucus, qrtxian, SarcFa, NikolaiOmega

• Construction of Restaurant of Eternity on Exterra

FOR: TMS2224, Noctilucus, qrtxian, SarcFa, NikolaiOmega, LordCarlos

Diplomatic Relations

• Grant authorization for technological exchange

FOR: Noctilucus, qrtxian, SarcFa, NikolaiOmega, LordCarlos

Tallybot 5201:

Input data . . .

Analyzing . . .

Analyzing . . .

Compiling results . . .

Generating report . . .

Voting results

Councilors Responding: 6

 Development:

• Construct Stellar Forge on Fortuna: Voting Tied 3-3
• Construct Orbital Command Center on Fortuna: Not Passed 1-5
• Construct Galactic Bazaar on Fortuna: Passed 5-1
• Construct Restaurant of Eternity on Exterra: Passed 6-0

Diplomatic Relations:

•  Grant authorization for technological exchange: Passed 5-1

Transmitting results to Exterra Command . . .

Transmission complete.

I, Representative Mambaman of the Mambani do have been watching the machinations of this Council with much interest and therefore do respectfully request to join this August body. I bring many years of diplomatic skill to the Arena

I wait, with anticipation, for your decision

***INCOMING TRANSMISSION - SECURITY LEVEL ALPHA***

***FROM: COMMANDER MEKOIDES, EXTERRA COMMAND***

***TO: INITIATIVE COUNCILORS AND ROYALTY, TOLMEKIA PRIME***

***SUBJECT: QUARTERLY REPORT, APRIL 01, 2228***

Cmdr Mekoides:

  We've had a busy quarter, councilors.  There's a lot of material to review, so we'll be moving quickly.  The sheer amount of data we have coming in will soon make complete or even comprehensive presentations too cumbersome.  You'll simply be presented with what we've determined to be the most important information.  As always, don't hesitate to ask if there's something else you'd like to know.

We continue to make progress by all measures.  Four more worlds have been claimed for the Initiative, including the PQ 17 planet in the Dark Sol system.  Our research program has taken off, with two stunning breakthroughs this quarter.  We were able to conduct favorable technology exchanges with the Thalan Empire and the newly contacted Dominion of Korx.  Using our newly researched and acquired technologies enabled us to boost our economy, accelerate population growth, increase the happiness of our people, increase research and production, and upgrade our ships - all while managing to slash our deficit.  We began work on two major projects, the Restaurant of Eternity and the Galactic Bazaar, and are preparing to upgrade our production facilities to speed construction.  Amongst all this, Royal Captain Solon has returned even more valuable material (+250bc, +100bc, +1bc, +4hp) and has turned north to explore outlying systems.

Enough introduction, let's move on to the display.

  Our analysts continue to rank us low among the powers we've contacted so far.  Minister Sune will have more information on our relative capabilites.

  The current galactic map.  Our borders are well established at this point.  Besides solidifying our claim to the local systems, the only way for us to go is north.  We're in a race with the Thalans, though.  They're churning out colony ships and grabbing up worlds.  You'll see more detail on their movements.  The Korx are expanding, having just claimed that one outlying system directly north of our space, while the Drath seem to be static for now.  Even the Sakkra have claimed two additional worlds, pressing us to expand east from Fortuna.

  Our eastern border.  The Drath have made no moves, but the Sakkra claimed first Rhea Prime, then Gimble IV.  As you can see, they grabbed the lower quality planets.  We've claimed Gimble II and are on course to claim the PQ6 world in the Eridani system.

You may notice that Fortuna is producing a Sooner class colony ship.  It is upgraded with dual ion engines for increased speed and is named after an ancient Earth legend about a great race to claim land.

  Our race against the Thalans for the Sauron system.  We won by one week, and the Thalan ship was last spotted heading south - presumably on course to claim a PQ4 planet in the Reaper system, not labeled on this map.  They should reach it in a week or two if that's really where they're going.

  A current image showing a Thalan colony ship en route to the northeastern-most corridor system.  We can only presume they are bound for a planet currently unexplored by us.  These images should illustrate the threat of Thalan expansion into the unclaimed systems north of their space.  We are, unfortunately, poorly situated to compete with them given the distance of our shipyards from this front.  With a more stable economy, we could perhaps establish Sauron as a shipyard.

A faint hope is that the apparently open space is home to a high number of native races that can act as a check to Thalan expansion should we fall behind in this race.

I'll leave the overview at that and turn it over to the staff before returning with a summary.

***TRANSMISSION INTERRUPT - STAND BY FOR RECONNECT***