SotU2 Chpt 7

=Chapter 7=
==State of the Union - Book 2==
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The Triad, Tharkad
Donegal Province, Lyran Alliance
17th November, 3064
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To some the election of the First Star Lord might have seemed a minor event, given the largely honorary nature of the role. Even under the First Star League, the post had been first among equals and the margin of distinction had been shaved razor thin now… but to men and women whose ancestors had fought for generations over the title, securing was a very real political prize.
“I believe we should elect the new First Lord before discussing the admission of new members.” Theodore Kurita began. “It would be best for the First Lord welcoming to be the one who they will be working with over the years of their provisional membership.” And since they would be provisional members with no vote until the next Whitting Conference, their attendance wouldn’t change the election.
Sun-Tzu Liao steepled his fingers. “Shouldn’t they at least have their say, even if they cannot vote on the matter?”
“Trying to win points from his allies?” asked Victor in a low voice from next to Peter. “He can’t be elected himself.”
Peter shrugged. “Both positions have merit.” he told the rest of the council diplomatically. “What’s your feeling, Captain-General?”
“On balance, I believe representation of their interests sends a better signal, Lord Steiner-Davion. And it is, of course, the originally scheduled agenda.”
“Let us by all means not confuse the schedule.” Peter said, rubbing his jaw. “Do you wish a formal vote, First Lord?”
“No, I concede the point.” Theodore shook his head. “Very well, we have before us the motion to admit the Taurian Concordat as a member of the Star League on a provisional basis for the next three years, to be elevated to a full member or expelled from membership at the first meeting of the Fourth Whitting Conference. Protector Shraplen has signed the treaty today, is it your will to accept Taurian membership?”
The decision was unanimous, it had been discussed already and copies of the treaty were placed before each lord to sign and then pass to their left, until all the copies had been signed. The tables had already been rearranged so some of the treaties had to be carried by the left-most aide at a table past a vacant space.
The first space was filled as Grover Shraplen was invited to take his seat, followed by the rest of the Taurian delegation, and then the entire dance was repeated with Emma Centrella on behalf of the Magistracy of Canopus.
“Are we sure that the Word of Blake shouldn’t be admitted on the same basis?” asked Thomas Marik mildly before the third member was put to the vote. “An advisory membership like ComStar’s may be less than equitable since we have all recognized the Word as the legitimate government of Terra.”
“ComStar’s advisory position is on the basis of our neutrality,” observed Gavin Dow from the ComStar desk. As had become traditional, the Precentor Martial spoke for the organisation when it came to the Star League Council with the Primus not even attending. “If the Word of Blake wish to assert that they aren’t neutral then full membership may be offered, but in that case, would you trust them with your communications.”
“I already do.” Thomas pointed out, but other people behind the Free Worlds League desk seemed less sanguine.
Theodore shook his head. “This has already been discussed. Your votes please.”
Dow would clearly have voted against ComStar’s rivals being admitted but even with Sun-Tzu abstaining there were four votes in favor so ComStar wouldn’t be called on to break a tie today. William Blane moved from the table from the Free Worlds League to take the central seat at the one bearing the banner of the Word of Blake, joined by aides and advisors who - according to Peter’s briefings - represented at least four different factions within the organization.
“With our last business prior to the election cleared,” declared Theodore, “I formally relinquish the position of the First Lord so that my successor can be elected.”
Peter had missed the last election but he’d seen pictures and the last three years had aged Theodore markedly. Whether that was serving as First Lord or not was had to say - he had fought two wars, even if one had been undeclared - but on balance it was most likely losing his wife during the war with the Ghost Bears that had worn him down. She hadn’t even died in battle, she’d committed seppuku after half her regimental commanders decided that Coordinator’s wife or not they couldn’t accept that a woman was competent to plan an offensive.
One more sign that the ‘bad old days’ of the Combine were by no means as far away as Victor thought, in Peter’s opinion. Theodore had certainly handled it like his father had, by inviting them to commit seppuku in the gardens of the Imperial Palace. With chopsticks rather than their swords, according to some reason. Then again, his grandfather would have probably just lined them up against a wall and had them shot so that was progress, after a fashion.
“May I be the first to thank you for your distinguished service in the position.” Thomas offered as Theodore returned from the podium and Gavin Dow replaced him. The Coordinator chose to dignify the blatant flattery with only a polite nod.
“Sun-Tzu made a point of nominating Katherine as his successor,” Victor recalled. “he wanted it to be a tradition. Glad to see that Theodore isn’t continuing it.”
“Ladies and gentlemen.” Dow cut straight to business, not consulting any notes. Then again, it wasn’t a great feat of memory. “Who is nominated for the office of First Lord?”
Christian Mansdottir cleared his throat. “I think the candidate is obvious, my lords. Tharkad has hosted these deliberations three times now and Prince Victor led the SLDF to victory over the Clans. Surely we owe it to House Steiner-Davion that their leader should hold the office.”
There was a muted chuckle from the Liao desk and all heads turned towards the Chancellor. The thin man waved his hand dismissively. “Please continue, General. I will be most interested in how you credit the Archon-Prince with affairs none of his doing.”
Peter rose to his feet. “I am honored by the nomination, Lord Mansdottir, and I hope to live up to your high expectations. Nonetheless, my realm is currently recovering from a Civil War and I am only a few months into my reign. It is quite understandable that some of the Council will wish longer to take my measure before entrusting me with the responsibilities of First Lord. Rather than prolong the debate, I ask that you withdraw the nomination. If you still feel me worthy in three years then I would count it as high praise.”
The Rasalhagan nodded. “Your humility does you credit and I believe you underestimate yourself, Lord Steiner-Davion, but I will accept your preference in this matter.”
“I’m pretty sure Theodore would have backed you.” Victor muttered.
“I doubt it.” Peter glanced across at the Coordinator. “I’m not his son-in-law in all but name and I didn’t quash James Sandoval, which makes him neither personally nor politically inclined to back me. And I don’t really need the extra work.”
And without Theodore’s support, he’d need either Thomas or Sun-Tzu to vote for him. Neither seemed likely and any price for their support wouldn’t really be worth it for what was a mostly honorary post. Katrina had campaigned relentlessly to secure the post and that wasn’t an example he wanted to follow. Besides, three years wasn’t that long.
The Magestrix of Canopus cleared her throat. “I believe I am free to make a nomination,” she said in a throaty voice, “although I have no vote as yet.”
Dow nodded. “That is correct, Magestrix.”
Emma looked around the chamber before speaking further. “While it may concern certain of my late mother’s allies in Andurien, I wish to nominate Captain-General Thomas Marik. He has proven an able administrator and war leader over almost thirty years, a record to be respected, and he is the only lord on this council still holding his seat from the First Whitting Conference who has not thus far held the position. It seems reasonable to redress this.”
Sun-Tzu chuckled again. “Due to personal issues between myself and House Marik, I abstain on this nomination.” He rose to his feet. “In fact, I abstain entirely from this matter. Elect who you please - and as this is the last matter to be debated, I will withdraw to my quarters. I have a long voyage back to Sian and wish to be well-rested.”
Emma stared at her neighbor, a ‘was it something I said’ look in her eyes for an instant. She either hadn’t been forewarned of this or was an excellent actor. It could be either. On the other side of the Capellan table, Grover Shraplen broke off from a thoughtful examination of Peter and seemed similarly unsettled as the Chancellor left the ballroom, trailed by the other Capellans present.
Whatever Sun-Tzu was up to - and he was far too skilled a politician not to be up to something - he’d reduced the votes to four, meaning ComStar would be breaking ties, Peter reflected. That meant Thomas needed three votes including his own because ComStar couldn’t vote for the Free Worlds League while they remained the biggest patron of their rival Word of Blake.
“That was… unexpected,” Thomas said, looking after the departing Chancellor for a moment. “I trust that you won’t consider me immodest if I don’t follow your example, Peter?”
“Not immodest, no.” Peter glanced across the room at him. “Indeed, your position is almost the inverse of mine. I’ve just completed a civil war and you appear to be about to begin one.”
“Rumors of our internal divisions have always been exaggerated in other states.” Thomas Marik said
“Yes, but usually those divisions aren’t the result of the Captain-General having lied about his identity for his entire reign.”
The unscarred side of Thomas’ face went white and then red as Peter brutally brought the matter into the public eye. Notably, no one at the table seemed even remotely surprised. “I… you…”
“Who leads the Free Worlds League is absolutely none of my business,” Peter continued with less than total honesty. “but if the First Lord tries to use the SLDF to win a civil war in his own realm then that affects us all. And your identity is the key issue that the Free Worlds League may fracture over. If you weather the storm then your other qualifications are excellent, but I don’t favor propping you up.”
Theodore cleared his throat. “Since any of us could die in office or face unexpected developments in the next few years, I don’t find your arguments compelling, Lord Steiner-Davion.”
“That is your right, sir.” Peter answered
“Does anyone else wish to speak on the matter?” asked Dow. “In that case, your votes, please.”
Thomas and Theodore voted aye and Peter nay. All eyes went to Mansdottir, who hesitated. He couldn’t win really - either way he would be disagreeing with one of his small realm’s powerful neighbors. The hesitation was brief though and he looked to his side. “Our Elected-Prince will vote on this matter for Rasalhague.”
Ragnar Magnusson stood, wearing crisp Ghost Bear dress uniform. “The duplicity in the Captain-General’s identity is something I am uncomfortable with. It would be a capital offense under the laws I have spent the last decade upholding,” he said firmly. “Rasalhague votes nay.”
The Captain-General lowered his head and said nothing.
“Who else is there?” asked Grover. “The five great houses have all either served already, been voted down or rejected nomination.”
Peter nodded. “That being the case, I nominate the head of the other remaining member state. General Mansdottir, do you accept nomination.”
The regent gave him a rueful look. “Yes, Lord Steiner-Davion.”
“I second the nomination.” Theodore agreed firmly - tacitly confirming he wasn’t going to take too much offense at the disagreement over Thomas’ election.
Dow nodded. “The votes please.”
Three votes would have carried the matter anyway but Thomas added his own with some attempt at graceful acceptance of defeat and Mansdottir accepted his election with a few short words couched in generalities, clearly not having expected this. Ragnar was beaming from beside him.
“While there is nothing further for debate,” Peter offered as the new First Lord returned to his seat, “there is a small presentation I wish to make to our new provisional members.” He smiled slightly. “I didn’t offer these earlier in case it seemed I was trying to buy votes.”
Servants carried small computer cores into the room and handed them off to Canopian and Taurian aides.
“May I enquire as to what is on this?” asked Shraplen, looking at the core as if it were a ticking bomb.
“You may have heard that during the Civil War my sister Catherine obtained an old Terran Hegemony computer.” explained Peter calmly. “So far as we can determine, it holds data their intelligence gathered on other states’ military hardware including schematics, construction data and detailed analysis of both recorded performance and salvaged examples. Almost four hundred years of it. I had our own analysts compile all data regarding your respective state’s and you’ll find it on the cores.” He sat back in his chair. “Some of it may be of no more than historical value, but it is your heritage so it seems only right to return it to you. And if you find use for it, so much the better - NAIS is currently working to some former Federated Suns early BattleMech designs for modern service so the potential exists.”
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