Felicia Winters

理念
--

>
> 政治從來都是孕育謊言的溫床，但有一個謊言卻勝過所有的謊言，今天我們有幸再次耳聞此謊言。它影射了尋求外交手段是軟弱的表現。偏好商討而非衝突意味著我們畏懼戰鬥！
> 當然，我們已經習慣了。我們已聽見總統的支持者一次又一次扭曲我們的話語。當我們勇敢地面對聯邦過往錯誤時，他們嘲笑我們所謂的自由主義罪惡感。當我們慶祝超級勢力間的緩和會協助我們共同抵抗Thargoid的威脅時，他們暗示我們是叛徒。
> 然而他們才是處於畏懼之人，而他們理應如此。因為聯邦的人們早已受夠這一切。他們不再會被操弄而跳入毫無意義的衝突，進而讓軍火商和掌權者賺得缽滿盆滿。他們不再假裝Hudson的自吹自擂和耀武揚威是空洞得無以復加的宣傳。從一個恆星到下一個恆星、從殖民地到文明區、從衛星到空間站，我們都聽見了相同的心聲：讓過去成為過往，讓聯邦納入最好的自身。讓我們回到艱苦奮鬥、誠實交易、支持弱勢群體和相互尊重的核心價值觀。
> 人民已為我們做好準備，讓我們嚴正以待。
>
>
> — Felicia Winters，3303年自由黨年度申報
>
>
>

Felicia Winters是聯邦的影子總統，以及自由黨領袖。在Jasmina Halsey執政期間，Winters擔任邦務卿，並於3301年5月26日的星艦一號事件發生後，在時任總統Halsey與副總統Ethan Naylor失縱的情況下，宣誓成為聯邦代理總統。

Winters未曾計畫擔任自由黨領袖，但星艦一號的失縱和前副總統Nigel Smeaton的刺殺讓她順勢登上此職位。她在危機中維持了政黨的存在，並成功建立起足夠的名聲在大選中對抗Zachary Hudson總統。

生平
--

Felicia Winters在3229年出生於Tau Ceti星系的Taylor Colony。她原本是Sirius Corporation的職員，直到3273年時以44歲年齡從政。當Jasmina Halsey在3300年競選聯邦總統時，人氣十足的Winters被任命擔任她的邦務卿。當3301年5月26日星艦一號失縱，艦上的Halsey總統與Ethan Naylor副總統下落不明後，Winters毫不意外地宣誓成為代理總統，在她毫無準備之下無奈擔當重任。當時，共和黨的影子總統Zachary Hudson因不信任Halsey的掌權迅速召開緊急大選，並以壓倒性的勝利於6月2日就職，使得自由黨領袖Winters成為新的影子總統。

Halsey的失踪加劇了自Lugh戰爭以來吞噬自由黨的危機，當時聯邦與Lugh星系中的一個分離主義派系發生衝突。Halsey命令聯邦艦隊對難民飛船開火，震驚並疏遠了自由黨的支持者。Winters雖然私下針對該決策與Halsey爭論，但在公開場合依舊維持與總統的良好關係。到Winters繼承政黨的領導權時，其價值觀已不再完全符合其黨派，因此選民支持度發生轉變。人們普遍預期Winters會辭去職務，讓該黨自行重建，但她卻採取了積極主動的做法，努力勸說各聯邦星系不要投靠聯盟，並發放援助。她的活力和成就激發了人們對她和政黨的重新支持，因而取得了與Hudson總統相當的人氣。

3306年10月，艦隊上將Lucas Vincent逮捕因3301年星艦一號事件中犯下的謀殺與叛國罪讓Hudson政府發生動盪。由於Husdon與Vincent的交情，有人指控Husdon亦捲入暗殺前總統Jasmina Halsey的陰謀。Husdon拒絕對Vincent的被捕發表評論，並沒有平息如此猜測。在10月19日時，對總統Zachary Hudson以及共和黨的支持度急劇下滑，多名眾議員遞出辭呈進行抗議，拒絕與媒體所謂的『世紀罪行』有所牽連。Hudson政權的動搖讓Felicia Winters和自由黨的支持度大幅攀升。如此變化在10月26日變得更為明顯，國會投票通過影子總統Winters 的提案，授予帝國的馬琳主義者難民臨時公民身分，推翻了Hudson原先宣稱要將他們驅逐的意圖。然而，情況在11月時急轉直下。11月19日，在聯邦安全局逮捕了藏身於難民中的新馬琳主義解放軍團的恐怖分子後，該組織隨即炸毀了關押其人士的空間站。對Winters接納難民的支持度隨即下滑，而Hudson總統藉由對壘帝國一舉站穩陣腳。

## 重大事件

3306年11月27日

* NMLA恐怖分子襲擊和馬琳主義者難民讓帝國與聯邦紛紛投入大量軍費。《聯邦時報》針對Zachary Hudson總統的行為做出報導：『在新馬琳解放軍恐怖分子炸毀聯邦空間站後的公眾抗議基礎上，Hudson總統再次將自己定位為聯邦強人。這顯然是在星艦一號審判後，為了重新獲得政治權力而精心策劃的行動。影子總統Felicia Winters接受馬琳主義難民的做法已失去民心，現在隱藏於他們之中的恐怖分子已殘害數以千計的民眾。然而，國會中還保持冷靜的人一致認為，挑釁帝國可能導致死亡數字增加。 』 據《帝國先鋒報》觀察，帝國的反應與聯邦相應：『除建造新旗艦之外，參議員DentonPatreus還下令撤銷對Aegis的資助。帝國議會的共識是既然Thargoid活動減少，當下重點就應該放在面對聯邦以及新馬琳主義解放軍所造成的內部威脅上。超級勢力之間的合作正在迅速瓦解，進而導致星際邊緣化政策展開。新馬琳主義者的革命訴求確實可能產生比他們預期更廣泛的影響。』

20 NOV 3306

* Relations between the Empire and the Federation have deteriorated following a terror attack by Neo-Marlinists against a Federal starport. Kepler Orbital in the Atropos system was bombed by the NMLA to eliminate several of its captured members, before they could reveal anything under interrogation by the Federal Security Service. Imperial Ambassador Imogen Luciana made this statement: "The NMLA was obviously able to make use of its bomb-making factories within the LTT 1935 system. If the Federation had not resisted our investigation, we would have shut these down and prevented the attack. Our warning about the extremist threat went unheeded, and the Federation is now paying the price. We once again insist that all Marlinists are repatriated to the Empire." Ambassador Jordan Rochester has not responded, but did confirm that Federal embassies in several Imperial systems have closed after violent anti-Marlinist protests placed diplomatic staff's lives at risk. In Congress, Vice President Brad Mitchell directly blamed Shadow President Felicia Winters for the recent attack. He accused her of "laying out the welcome mat for terrorists" by offering sanctuary to the Marlinists. Other congressmen argued that she had prioritised aid for Imperial rather than Federal citizens. There is evidence that Winters is now losing some of her recently gained political capital. However, the Liberal Party's popularity remains high in the wake of President Hudson's alleged association with the destruction of Starship One.

06 NOV 3306

* Neo-Marlinist extremists are continuing their campaign of terror, while the Empire and Federation clash over issues caused by Marlinist refugees. The Imperial Herald has featured updates on terrorist activity across the Empire: "The NMLA has claimed responsibility for over fifty bomb attacks during the last three weeks. These mostly targeted local authority buildings and security forces, killing hundreds. Hit squads have also assassinated several high-profile individuals connected to the Duvals, including the Emperor's relative Baron Cesare Lavigny. Senior IISS leaders have admitted to being unprepared for how organised and well-equipped the paramilitary group is. Critics suggest that the mass arrest of Marlinists may have radicalised many people who were already sympathetic to the republican ideology." The Federal Times has focused on the tensions between superpowers: "With diplomatic channels closing down, the possibility that the confrontation in LTT 1935 might escalate into all-out war cannot be ignored. There is added pressure from the exodus of millions of Marlinists, whose beliefs align with the Federation's democratic principles. President Hudson is still suffering from reduced congressional support, and many have said that it feels like Felicia Winters is running the show. But although her humanitarian efforts undoubtedly saved many refugees' lives, the acceptance of Imperial outcasts into Federal society remains in question."

26 OCT 3306

* The Federation will grant sanctuary to Marlinist political refugees from the Empire, following a congressional vote in favour of Felicia Winters. President Zachary Hudson had stated that illegal immigrants in the Federal systems Charunder, Ennead, HIP 36081, LTT 1935, LTT 3607 and Thetis would be detained and returned to Imperial space. This was challenged by Shadow President Felicia Winters, who argued that they deserved a more compassionate response. Congress debated and then voted on her proposal, which received majority support. Government funding will soon be released to provide resources and accommodation for the refugee population. Shadow President Winters told the media: "Charities such as Safeguard Interstellar are already doing excellent work, but now we can officially offer safe haven and temporary citizenship to all Marlinists. These innocent people only seek what we in the Federation take for granted – democracy, fairness and political representation. Their values are closer to ours than the Empire's, and we have an obligation to protect them." Several newsfeeds, including The Federal Times and Sol Today, commented that President Hudson's authority has been undermined by his refusal to comment on the charges against Fleet Admiral Vincent. The accompanying rumours of corruption and conspiracy have had a demoralising effect on his supporters, and increased the Liberal Party's popularity.

19 OCT 3306

* Political support for Federal President Zachary Hudson has plummeted after the results of a trial concerning Starship One's destruction. Fleet Admiral Lucas Vincent was charged with sabotaging the presidential vessel, leading to hundreds of deaths. His close relationship with Hudson has triggered a public outcry and accusations of a conspiracy to assassinate then-President Jasmina Halsey. Political analyst Vihaan Niven reported on the situation: "The Republican Party is officially in a state of crisis. President Hudson has refused to make any statement regarding Fleet Admiral Vincent, despite pressure piling up from all corners of the Federation. Over a dozen congressmen have resigned in protest, refusing to be associated with what some newsfeeds are calling 'the crime of the century'. Shadow President Felicia Winters has stopped short of making direct allegations against Hudson but, in several powerful speeches, she stressed that no elected ruler can ever be above the law. Opinion polls suggest that the Liberal Party now has majority support for the first time in years, and that many people view Hudson as a symbol of corruption. In 3305, halfway through his term of office, the President won the scheduled congressional vote of no confidence by a slim margin. It is doubtful that his administration would survive if it were to be held today."

18 SEP 3306

* An officer in the Federal Navy Engineering Corps has been arrested for sabotaging the presidential vessel Starship One. A statement was made by Milandu Okoro of the Federal Attorney's Office: "Chief Technician Rory Webster was a department head of engineering for Starship One. Testimonies from members of Mr Webster's team claim that he ordered unauthorised adjustments to the ship's hyperdrive systems while in drydock, shortly before its launch in May 3301 and subsequent destruction. This case is now being brought before the Federal High Court, where Mr Webster will stand trial for mass murder and attempted treason." There has been no comment from President Zachary Hudson, but Shadow President Felicia Winters told the press: "This was a truly horrific tragedy, and there must be justice for all those who lost their lives on that sad day." The apparent death of many Federation leaders aboard Starship One resulted in Winters briefly becoming acting president, shortly before Hudson won a vote of no confidence. There has been much media attention regarding how this event proved pivotal to both of their political careers.

26 DEC 3304

* Federal Shadow President Felicia Winters has appointed Isolde Rochester as the deputy leader of the Federation's Liberal Party. The new Shadow Vice President made a statement to the media: "After a decade of serving in Congress, supporting both President Halsey and Shadow President Winters, it is an honour to accept this position. Many challenges face the Federation, and the Liberal Party is ready to meet them." The former deputy leader, Edgar Santiago, recently made the sudden decision to retire from politics and purchase a private luxury starship, despite not being known for extravagant spending. Isolde Rochester is the matriarch of the powerful Rochester family, which includes the CEO of Core Dynamics and two Federal Navy officers. Rumours suggest that she called off the wedding of her son Ambassador Jordan Rochester when suggestions arose of Princess Aisling Duval's infidelity.

03 MAY 3304

* Shadow President Winters commented on Simguru Pranav Antal's suggestion that humanity could lose the war against the Thargoids: "It's surprising to hear such a dystopian prediction from the leader of Utopia! I know Antal's heart is in the right place when he talks about preparing for the far future, but our focus should be on the present. The Thargoid threat has prompted an unprecedented level of inter-power cooperation, and this positive approach is what we must concentrate on."

22 FEB 3304

* The Federation has announced that the Bulwark Project reached a successful conclusion. As the campaign drew to a close, Federal Shadow President Felicia Winters released a statement: "My sincere gratitude goes to those who supported this campaign. But I want to remind you that we’re still some way from a fully automated defence force. The Bulwark Project's initial remit is simply to establish the economic and military feasibility of such an enterprise."

15 FEB 3304

* The Federation has launched an initiative to develop autonomous military hardware with which to fight the Thargoids. Federal Shadow President Felicia Winters shed further light on the initiative, which has been christened the Bulwark Project: "As the Thargoids' aggression escalates, it's essential that we find ways to minimise casualties while continuing to protect ourselves. Aegis is doing commendable work, but it needn't be our only line of defence." Winters was quick to dismiss concerns about circumventing conventions against AI creation, saying: "The purpose of the Bulwark Project is to investigate alternative defence strategies, not to develop machine intelligence."

13 AUG 3302

* At a rally on Mars in the Sol system, Federal Shadow President Felicia Winters has addressed the escalating tension between the Federation and the Empire. "Both the Federation and the Empire have access to tremendous military power, and a war between our two societies could have a disastrous impact on the galaxy. We must turn away from acrimony, and move towards mutual understanding and cooperation. It is not too late to change course."

15 APR 3302

* Harris claimed that the destruction of Starship One was not the result of mechanical failure, as was widely reported, but was in fact the result of deliberate sabotage by Imperial agents. The Federation appeared less eager to dismiss Harris's claims, although a statement from Shadow President Felicia Winters indicated that she was not necessarily ready to accept the story, either.

13 MAY 3302

* Shadow President Felicia Winters focused her Federal aid campaigns on the Kali system, in an attempt to demonstrate how Liberal values will bring a better life to all. Kali has been controlled by the Alliance-aligned Green Party of Kali for some time, but Blue Netcoms Ltd – a Federal corporation – is likely to gain influence with the increased Federal presence.

20 NOV 3301

* Shadow President Felicia Winters secured the support of 41 Lambda Hydrae and HIP 38747 this week, amid some mild controversy. The Shadow President now looks to Kherthaje and Catun for additional support. In an odd turn of events, the Mbutsi system deep in the heart of Winters' territory appears to be courting Imperial favour. Shadow President Winters is reportedly engaged in talks with the local system leaders in an attempt to secure their loyalty.

18 SEP 3301

* Felicia Winters has consistently proven her ability to defy the odds, and this week was no exception. Withstanding the established norm of heavy opposition, the Shadow President’s couriers busied themselves with the distribution of aid packages throughout her sphere of influence. Her people now stand ready to extend Federation aid to additional systems.

31 JUL 3301

* Felicia Winters has seen her space come under heavy assault this week. While Winters' supporters are by now extremely proficient at defending her space against enemy undermining action, two setbacks have hurt the Shadow President's ranking this week. The attempt to expand her influence into the system of Liburodo has been stopped by overwhelming enemy action, and Edmund Mahon's expansion into Lugh has contested Felicia's hold over several other systems, further taxing her administration.

24 JUL 3301

* Felicia Winters saw her efforts to claim HDS 1065 and Potamoi fail, as Federal space continues to see heavy, regular infiltration by hostile Commanders. At the same time, the Shadow President managed to expand her influence to three new systems, and to counter undermining efforts by the means of well-coordinated fortification.

02 JUN 3301

* Zachary Hudson declared president from galactic vote, Felicia Winters becomes Shadow President.

27 MAY 3301

* At a press conference held earlier today, Acting Federal President Felicia Winters made a personal appearance to address the disappearance of Starship One after failing to re-enter normal space following a routine hyperspace jump. “The disappearance of Starship One has us all on edge. Tensions are high, and the rumour mills are making all their usual noise about terrorists, aliens, conspiracies and cover-ups. I’m afraid the truth will likely get you all far fewer viewers, but it is the truth that the people of the Federation need to hear from me now.”

26 MAY 3301

* Felicia Winters declared Acting President following the disappearance of Jasmina Halsey.

1. ↑ Powerplay: Weekly Report
2. ↑ https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/20-NOV-3301
3. ↑ A Week in Powerplay
4. ↑ A Week in Powerplay
5. ↑ A Week in Powerplay
6. ↑ Zachary Hudson Becomes the New President of the Federation
7. ↑ Shades of the Antares Incident
8. ↑ Galnet reports from the day Spaceflight One went missing