Here's the blurb for an idea I have for the next design competition:
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Cross-factional Kerfuffle in the Hall of Worlds.
Everyone is used to hearing of the endless bickering in the Assembly -
the very nature of the Coalition seems to demand it. However, most of
the vitriol is directed at those holding opposing political views.
Today, with a little help from the members from Spires, the axis of
politics was spun on its head - and friend denounced friend, ally
attacked ally. How did this happen? With a modest proposal...
During a call for any other business to be discussed before the close of
the General Assembly session, the Spirian delegation rose and indicated
they wanted to make a proposal to the Assembly. Most members were
expecting impenetrable suggestions, and convoluted prose - but, for
once, the Spirians were direct. So direct that it is possible to quote
the words of the delegate who put the proposal to the Assembly, Harran
Belferth, with no editing for clarity:
"Dear Consophonts, it has been brought to our attention that two large
jump drives have been recovered from Thoezentt Subsector. As is
required, first choice on the purchase of these drives was offered to
the Coalition - and accepted. It is our understanding that these drives
will be used to launch a new class of naval vessel: a Combat Support
Ship. Whilst not being opposed to this, we do not see why both drives
are needed to trial this new class of ship - and so suggest that one of
the recovered drives be used to launch a new class of ship, one designed
to directly provide aid and support to the peoples of the Wilds.
We have gotten too used to taking what we need from the Wilds, putting
our needs first. This has given our enemies easy propaganda to use
against us. This can change - we must change. What will this ship do?
How will it be equipped? We make no suggestions! It is for the Naval
Architects of our worlds to decide - and why not? Is not crafting
reality from dreams the core of their work?
We ask for a vote on this matter after a thirty minute recess to allow
our fellow Assembly Members to discuss the matter amongst themselves,
which we hope the Speaker will grant."
The recess was granted, and discussion began - slowly at first, with
plenty of derision being directed at the proposal and proposers - first
from the Fijians, but then joined by the Eosians, Aubani and Balduri.
Just when the Nimbans usually join in to try and pour oil on troubled
waters the unexpected happened: Oriflamme indicated general agreement
with the Spirians (truly a first!), followed by the Aurorans, Tribeci,
and finally the Schalli. It seemed that most of the shipbuilding worlds
could not pass up the opportunity to bid on two new ship designs - not
matter how low the chances of the new Spirian vessel seeing mass
production seem to those with a knowledge of naval acquisition policy.
With the most populous world in the Coalition in support, and the Human
Aubani representatives unsure of whether to vote against the proposal -
seeing that their Schalli compatriots seemed eager to pass - it the
motion was passed. What legal force it has on the RCES and RCN is
unsure, but whether they can withstand the pressure of so many delegates
is perhaps the more pertinent question.
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So, depending on what people want - we can have a competition for a
Combat Support Ship* or a ship designed to directly help the people of
the Wilds, or both (consecutively, I guess).
* The CSS is a ship whose major role is to enable existing Coalition
naval assets to perform their missions more effectively and efficiently
- as defined by the designers, of course.
Let me know what you think,
Eamon