In the Name of the Empire: Ep. 2

At the Interstellar Politics forum in Ur, live telecast, public subspace channels :-

"... however, Dr. Sangcar, surely even if the assassination did not eventuate, the Katarn Ambassador might not have the aptitude to arrive into a mutually satisfactory agreement in the negotiation table," said Mr. Reglar Irithiss, Chief Operating Officer of the Nadh-Tekal Mining Consortium.

"You have underestimated the Ambassador." replied Dr. Sangcar, resident political scientist of the Chronicles subspace network. "It's typical of you of the Inner Sectors mentality to view the Outer Rims denizens to be backwater, underclass. The late Jarcorr Larmethiss had had a commendable track record to the advantage of the Katarn government. One of his most notable achievements is the Cos Skathi Treaty, which had at one hand consolidated Katarn legitimacy of government in Cos Skathi and appeased the rebels with an economic compensation package. The Skathian rebels were at one time considered irreconcilable."

"That's where you are wrong," said Mdm. Suniddos, System MP of the Asrecta System, an Inner constituency. "The Ambassador has no experience in dealing with Inner system politics. No matter how commendable his track record is, the Empire is no rebel government. In fact, Dr. Sangcar's little comparison is an insulting insinuation of the nature of the Imperium. The near-barbaric, impulsive reaction of Katarn Prime to the death of their ambassador is evidence of non-intent in reaching an amicable agreement. Or has a certain member of the floor forgotten the original objective of the Second Imperium Act being created in the first place."

The forum chair spoke before the MP could continue, "Mrs. Suniddos, may I remind you this is not a jousting contest. Please, keep your opinions objective."

Dr. Sangcar's nostrils flared with rage. "Chairman, allow me to salvage my integrity of character: I am one of the staunchest supporter of the Imperium Act! I too believe that a singular Galactic Government is the surest guarantee to overcome the impending threat from the Left Arm, and perpetual peace and prosperity. However, Katarn Prime is the sole, powerful challenge to the creation of the Empire. Without Katarn Prime's allegiance, the Empire does not stand a chance against the first Left assault. It is truly regrettable that Katarn Prime does not share our idea to the solution of the Left-threat situation, but if war is the only way to unify our systems, let it be swift and with minimal casualty."

"Time is almost up," said the chair, "The audience may now begin their inquiries."

A man in a blue suit with white vertical lines stood, "Uhm ... I have two questions for Dr. Sangcar. I'm Ceigan Pellar, a political science student of Central University. How long do you think the Katarn-Ur War will last? Will the Empire even have sufficient resources to face the Left threat after the War?" Ceigan sat.

"The Empire has yet to test the newly created Imperial Forces. However, your question is most relevant, time is of the essence now. It has been a year since the threat in the Left Arm has been made known to us. Citizens of the Empire have now feeling restless to the state of unreadiness of our defenses. In my opinion, a quick surgical strike in the heart of Katarn Prime will dissolve the Katarn Conflict immediately. Insurgencies will result across the Katarn systems, but without central command, pacification measures will not be difficult in dealing with these cell groups. We want to keep the Katarn infrastructures intact so to add to the strength of the Empire."