State of the Republic - Year 13 Day 307

(This address was held on Day 307 in Year 13 by several members of the Advisory Council in the format of a press conference )

Taka approached the podium and started talking to the audience.

"For the last State of the Republic of my term, we've decided to hold a press conference with the participation of both the Advisory Council, the Senate and myself as well. Hopefully this type of events will help integrate our bodies a little better."

"So different journalists and guests have been invited to make any questions they'd like to ask us, let's start with Damon."

Walking up to the podium, Lieutenant Commander Damon Phet was in his formal Navy Uniform. The shape of the uniform accentuated his already muscular frame and the black and blue colors gave a heightened edge to his appearance. He stood at the podium with his hands clasped behind his back as he addressed the individuals before him.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to thank you for having me here today. If you don't know me already, my name is Lieutenant Commander Damon Phet. I am a member of the New Republic Navy, Recruitment Department, Republic Diplomacy Command, and the New Republic News Network. My question for the gathered panel is, what do you believe is the best way to improve our recruitment efforts and what in particular is being done to improve the Recruitment Department?"

Stepping back from the podium, Damon stood with his feet spread apart and his hands still clasped behind his back waiting for a response from the panel.

Taka nodded and looked at Damon, before answering his question.

Hi Damon, thanks for joining us tonight. Regarding your question, I remember my first job was picking up recruits in Corellian Transport Services, so I used to have a lot of contact with new people, especially since our higher ups recommended us pilots to talk to our passengers as much as we could to keep them active. Later on when I became a nat leader I had to do a lot of recruitment because usually the groups I got were bad in numbers, so what I did is trying to offer all those things these cadets I picked up for CTS usually asked for.

"Some things might seem obvious and basic for people who've been around for some time, but not always for someone who's starting out, so it's good for example adding in a recruitment message that if they join they'll get a salary and a ship. Offering someone to introduce them and teach how things work around here, a mentor, is good too. Probably these are things that our people at Recruitment already do, I have to confess I haven't been following how recruitment letters are done nowadays."

"I believe another key is accepting people in as fast as we can, an immediate insertion in the Communication Centre and in the group is critical to avoid losing applicants that just want to get started fast, usually many of them drop their applications before they're accepted. Right now our joining process requires people to be screened before being accepted and that can take days, especially if those who do the screens are busy. I believe we have a bottleneck there that other groups don't have, and that puts us in a disadvantageous situation. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but a few years ago the application to the NRCC wasn't like this, people would apply and get instant access to public areas, including foreign dignitaries who would leave their greetings to RDC, so trying something like that shouldn't be a crazy idea."

"Anyways, I think our current application process could be improved greatly and we could reduce our response/acceptance time to a matter of minutes or hours. This is something I've been trying to change during these couple of years and we even tried for a little while to accept people right away and results were actually pretty good, our numbers increased substantially. But after some time NRI asked to revert the process to screening before accepting, if I recall correctly the main reason for that was that it brought more work for them, specially since a big percentage of people didn't stay around anyways. From my experience as a company leader I believe that the small percentage that stays around is worth it, but I guess I failed convincing NRI about it. It is pretty frustrating when the same experience that brought me to lead the New Republic is the same that is discarded once I got the position, but I do understand that making those changes were pretty demanding for them as well, and I respect their opinion."

Nodding as the Chief of State replied, Damon unfolded his hands as the Chief of State finished and replied,

"Thank you Chief of State Aioko, those are some excellent suggestions and I will be sure to take them back to the Recruitment Department."

Turning on the spot, Damon returned to his seat a few rows back and on the end of the row closest to the wall.

Greatest success & failure of your term(s)? was asked by Senator Gryffyn Grayurra

Taka laughed and smiled at Gryffyn.

I didn't know Senators were also going to ask me questions, I wasn't prepared for that!

"Anyways, let me tell you that I was asked a similar question in another interview recently, and my answer is that if I had to take one success would be the liberation of Adbauniac planet from Black Sun. There were other things I feel we were able to improve, like the situation in the Galactic Alliance with the new treaty, the campaign in Taris against Eidola, the preparation for war, ending the CoS curse, finding stability in the civil AC, which had many changes the first year if you remember."

"Regarding the second part of your question, to be honest the second year was pretty slow and as a leader I failed to smooth the internal division in the New Republic, or at least trying to divert the focus to fighting the Empire or to more pragmatic projects like construction and production. I can't say in general that the Republic went in the direction I would have liked to, and that was partly my fault. There's still many radical, organizational and structural problems, and many of them will need a constitutional reform. It feels that lately we've been applying patches and putting band aids over wounds rather than finding a more standing solution. I guess there's still many challenges for the new generations to entertain themselves with."

The large and bulky figure of 1st Lieutenant Griggs made it's way to the podium and took place at one of the microphones.
"Good day to our viewers and all people gathered here. I would like to adress Director Achilles of New Republic Intelligence. Mr Achilles, you have recently taken over as Director from High Admiral Narvaka. Much of NRI's work is classified, but can we expect NRI to head in a different direction, or will you continue in the direction set by your predecessor?"
He pauses for a moment before continuing with another question
"Many believe that the moment when the current stalemate in the galactic war ends and violent conflicts become inevitable is rapidly approaching. do you believe that NRI is ready to inform and direct our military in a full-scale war?"

Wedge stood to answer the question before beginning his reply. "I have worked as Deputy to Admiral Narvaka for over a year and we continue to work closely together within NRI. As such I do not foresee any major changes in the direction of NRI. However both Lukastar and myself have various ideas to improve NRI as we see the department as a continuously evolving entity in constant need of improvement and advancement.

As to your second question, NRI works closely with our Galactic Alliance counterparts to ensure we will have the necessary intelligence to aid our military in the fight against the Empire. We are confident that we will be ready and raring to go."

Popara The Hutt slowly made his way up to the fore once again, this time with the foresight to have asked for a cordless mic.

"This question is for our esteemed Minister of State, Mr. Endaro Kassan. I am directing this question to you as each of the Academy, the Recruitment Department and the current Justice Department fall under your direct oversight, but, if you so deem, feel free to invite the comment of our Chief of Military Operations, Chief of State, and other Advisory Council members.

"There has been extensive debate in recent months regarding the possibility of amending the Constitution to allow for an independent judiciary endowed with additional powers and responsibilities of Legislative and Executive review. Irrespective of the possibility of such an amendment, one of the arguments made during that discussion stood out to many citizens as particularly concerning: specifically, that there could not be found or spared three to five trustworthy and credentialed individuals to fill the positions. Do you find merit in such a claim, and if so, what programs are in the works to nurture the next generation of Republic Leaders?

"Thank You," Popara finished, slowly backing into the gathered crowd swarming in anticipation of the response.

I don't think we can't find enough trustworthy and credentialed people in the NR, but if you don't mind I would like to answer your last question first and then elaborate on the independent judiciary.

The Academy offers some advanced courses all suited well to learn the theoretical basis needed in leadership positions.

But the more important part is the practical experience, which can only be acquired through learning by doing. The best way to prepare yourself for a leadership position is to gather as much practical knowledge in the different departments and factions. You'll not only learn how things work in general, but how they work specifically in the NR. All skills earned on your own won't bring you far in a community if you don't know how to act with the people working with you, regardless if they are equal, above or beneath your level.

And of course every part of the NR, every Ministry, every department, every NAT and it's sub-departments differ from each other. They are consisting of different people with different methods to work.

Those are the main reasons I prefer to promote deputy leaders if possible when a faction or department leader resigns from his/her position. To give people a chance to prove themselves and gather more experience and to have a superior who knows his people and has their respect.

And just like those leaders we'd have to choose people for the position of a judge with knowledge in the current juridical system and the NR as a whole and "train" other people in this area to make them fit for it.

I'm far more concerned with setting up the restrictions needed a priori. They have to be much stronger as the ones for Senators and the CoS, because the nature of an independent judiciary would be that it will also decide what's wrong and right for the legislative and executive.

Even the voting process needs to be different from what we are currently used. In my opinion the outline should be that the CoS or Senate proposes each judge separately and a distinct majority of the populace would be needed to confirm a judge. This way it's not a system where every seat would be filled automatically if the numbers of applicants equals the number of seats.

So to recapitulate: In my opinion the independent judiciary is possible, but we should rather care of its outline before speculating about if we can find enough trustworthy people to become judges.

I hope this answers your question, Lieutenant.

Popara The Hutt slithered his way up to the podium, wondering, as usual, whether or not many of his kin took to hiring slave-bearers out of necessity rather than sloth. He toyed with the mic-stand for a moment before just giving up and leaning over as best he could,

"Honorable High Ambassador, Thank you for your service to the people of the Republic these past many years. You have achieved great personal success and played a key role in many of the major triumphs of the Republic during the course of your career; however, your most trying struggles may have yet to come.

"Since the dissolution of the Imperial Union there have been endless rumors about the future allegiances of each of its members (other than the First Galactic Empire, of course). Probably the most credible whispers (for a myriad of reasons, likely all known to you) still swirling point to The Hapes Consortium and the Aurodium Legion aligning with The Avance Coalition in forming a neutral, passive power bloc, a move which many anticipate would likely cause The Trade Federation (and potentially others) to follow.

"It is well established that the potential power wielded by the ever-expanding collective of independent nations could well turn the tide in the event of full scale galactic war. With that in mind, the people of the Republic would like to know, can you confirm or deny any such rumors regarding the activities of former-IU and neutral governments? furthermore, what steps is the RDC taking to ingratiate The Republic and the Galactic Alliance to the former Imperial Union members and to other currently neutral parties? Finally, what recommendations will you give to the Senate in terms of the potential for agreements with those among the aforementioned parties which may be more open to negotiation as a result of the changing political landscape of our time?

"Thank You."

With that, Popara slithered aside to allow the audience behind him full view of the stage as they awaited an answer.

"Thank you, Popara.

"I can confirm that there are rumours about the formation of a neutral power-block, but I can't confirm whether or not it is actually going to happen with any degree of certainty I'm afraid," he replied with a slight grin. "With the dissolution of the Imperial Union we already have a naturally occurring collection of neutral partners in the Former Union States, but I'd estimate there would be a lot of ground to be made up before the Coalition would choose to formally join that group. If such an expansive, neutral alliance were to be created I don't think it would feature greatly in the war between the Alliance and the Empire. Neutrality would likely be its primary aim; providing a large enough deterrent to prevent either side from involving any of its members in actions they would rather avoid."

Cheda paused a moment, considering Popara's second question.

"Our own efforts towards the Former Union States are more aimed at renewing and maintaining communication than ingratiating ourselves at this point. We haven't chosen to go running to these governments with offers for alliances or GA membership. Right now these groups want a degree of neutrality, and we both want to respect that and allow our own relations to become more comfortable before we consider the possibility of anything along those lines.

"That said, we're not going to be sitting on the sidelines either. There are some opportunities to make progress on our current, neutral relations and establish a firm footing for future diplomacy; in other cases there are some old differences to resolve before we can move forward which could have a knock-on effect across the Alliance. I hope you can understand that I don't want to put any pressure on any negotiations or the parties involved just yet, as agreements are far more easily achieved without the weight of expectation. However, I can tell you that my recommendations are for the Republic's approach to remain fairly consistent with what it has been up until now: one of peace and neutrality towards the Former Union States, with the hope of improved relations to come."

Major General Fo approached the microphone. It didn't really seem like he was talking, due to his breathing mask, but his voice sounded out all the same. "Madame Speaker, how do you think the new session of the Senate has been performing thus far?"

After waiting for her answer, he continued. "What goals do you have for the Senate to accomplish in the remainder of the session?"

Standing at the podium, Ankha listened intently to General Fo, and his initial question. Pondering her answer for a moment, she began, "Considering that many have lambasted the Senate for it's inability to 'play nice' with others and the negative environment which that had created, I believe the Senate has performed very well.

The relationship between the AC and Senate has improved drastically and the Senate has been more responsive to citizen suggestions, often including them in our forward legislative movement. There have been conflicts of ideals, and Senators, citizens, and Advisory Councillors alike have disagreed at many points but we've simply pushed through our disagreements and worked together to realize our visions."

Upon her finishing her sentence, General Fo stated another, to which Ankha once more responded, "Regarding my goals for the session, I believe myself & most of the other Senators have agreed to simply refine what we have. In the past the Senatorial focus was writing new laws, and generally increasing the scope of the Senate beyond what was Constitutionally required and generally necessary. However, I vehemently disagree with this. The first few Sessions of the Senate were charged with writing the entire legal code of the New Republic. Their jobs were to write more laws, to ensure a full and rounded legal code.

However, that couldn't be further from the job description of the current and future sessions. Our job is to refine our laws, make sure they are currently pertinent, and to simply clean up what we've got. We don't need more micromanagement from the Senate, and we certainly do not need more restrictions placed upon our citizens. What we do need is simply legislative refinement, which we've done thus far with the Governor's Act update, the Senate Procedures Act, Diplomacy Act, and are doing with the Construction and Mining changes."

Damon walked up to the podium wearing his Naval Uniform, he had a striking quality to his look and confidence didn't seem to be an issue for him.

"Senators, thank you for allowing me to be here today. I would like to ask all of you a few questions. My first question is for Speaker Natanaele, what do you think is the issue most New Republic citizens are concerned with at this time and what are you doing about it? For Senator Maximus,with the Senate's history of handling small unimportant matters such as spelling changes in various legal documents, what is the biggest topic the Senate is currently discussing that will affect the New Republic? Senator Dara, you are relatively new to the Senate but not new to the New Republic considering your position within the military, what was your biggest goal while campaigning for the position you now hold and how are you trying to achieve it? Lastly, for Senator Darksol, this is your second term as a New Republic Senator, how is this session of the Senate different from the last and what do you believe can be done to improve the opinions of the citizens about the Senate?"

As he asked questions, Damon met the eyes of each Senator and focused on the one he was directing the question at each time. Finishing his questions, Damon took a step back from the podium and eagerly awaited their responses.

Galen saunters up to the microphone, waving in random directions and smiling. He stumbles a bit after a small lump in the carpet catches his shoe, and then turns and look menacingly at the floor. After needlessly brushing off his trousers, he grabs the microphone like a seasoned rockabilly singer and replies.

"Excellent question, good citizen. I think previous sessions were mindful of opinions, as is the current one, so I'm not sure this session has sole claim to improving the opinions of citizens. Overall, I think it's progress that helps to improve the opinion of the citizens about the Senate. Perhaps this session is fortunate to benefit from progress, but not all is because of this session. For example, I'd like to think that people are appreciative of the pay raise from last session, in addition to seeing progress from this session in areas like the Gov Act. I hope we can continue to work on the Diplomacy Act and reach an amicable solution for all parties involved, which would greatly improve how NR citizens and the galaxy view the Senate."

After taking a half-step away from the podium, Galen suddenly somersaults and then sprints away while looking frantically in all directions and muttering something about someone named Lahasa stealing the cookies.

Watching Damon approach in Naval uniform, Speaker Natanaele eyed him to his final standing place, awaiting the questions which would surely follow. As expected, nearly immediately her name rang from his lips, and so she stood to answer her second group of questions.

"Greetings Commander Phet, and thank you for your question. I believe the issue which has most effected the Senate, and by extension each individual Republican sentient, has been that of conflict and a generally negative environment was has leeched political enthusiasm from our citizens in prior sessions.

Prior to Session 15 there was an increase in 'burnt bridges' between the Senate and many Republican groups which, in my opinion, was very much caused by the Senate. However, I genuinely believe that this inability for the Senate to healthily function was unique to prior Senatorial relationships and rather than some deeper symptom of the New Republic, is merely something which the current Senate is actively moving to address."

Sweeping her eyes across those whom had attended, she placed her hands alongside the raised edge of the podium before continuing, "As we've seen, there will always be ideological conflict as each Senator represents a different constituency and their ideals. Nonetheless, as I answered to General Fo, we may disagree with each other but we do it respectfully and in the end this session has shown that we will ultimately achieve our goals as a generally cohesive group.

So to answer your question, on the issue which I believe most New Republic citizens are concerned, namely the inability for the Senate to function in a healthy and constructive manner, I as well as my fellow Senators are addressing it simply by being a better Senate."

Biff waited his turn to respond to the question. After Speaker Natanaele stepped down, Biff walked to the podium, meeting her eye and nodding to her in acknowledgement. As he approached the microphone, he cleared his throat.

"Lieutenant Commander, I appreciate your question. I believe that the biggest issue that we are currently tackling is this Diplomacy Act. This particular Act will set the stage for how the New Republic functions internally for some time to come. My fondest desire is to get this piece of legislation resolved and put to rest so we may move forward. Beyond that, my hope is that we don't have to take on any more large legislation. In the past, there have been some who have felt that the only way to justify their position and to be active in the Senate was to create new legislation. I believe in reducing the Senate's involvement in everyday life, and would rather refocus our efforts on more widesweeping issues that strongly affect the New Republic as a whole. If that means focusing solely on policy to help guide the Chief of State and the Advisory Council, so be it. If that means reviewing and eliminating unnecessary legislation, we will do so. And if we decide that everything is operating so smoothly that the best way we can serve the New Republic is to renumber legislation and check for the improper use of pronouns, then I imagine we will handle that with enthusiasm. Thank you."

Husqr Dara stood straightening his uniform and strode to the podium. He flashed a smile and pushed the microphone aside. Looking at Lt. Commander Phet, Husqr began to speak with a clear and carrying voice that reached every corner of the room,

"Greetings and thank you for your question Lieutenant Commander Phet. In fact I am not new to the Senate, I served in two terms earlier in my career in the New Republic. In the interim I have spent most of my efforts working in the Navy but I have served in a number of capacities such as a judge, Director of CRI, and a Governor. These experiences informed my decision to run for the Senate again. I believe the Senate is essential to the identity of the New Republic, to our democracy. I also believe that in order for the NR to be healthy we need a Senate that works well and serves what is best for the people and the republic with a priority of focus. My goal when I ran was to bring my experience: knowledge of how our system works gained from being on the AC, the military, the judiciary and as a Governor, and a sense of focus and repectfulness to the Senate. We have enough enemies outside to fight without fighting among ourselves. I believe that most of us agree on what is best and when we don't we can agree to disagree respectfully. So far my sense is that it is true and that the Senate can function well, be focused on what matters, and do the good work of the people even while disagreeing. It is what makes us strong, our acceptance of diversity and difference even while working together. That's what I wanted to see working in the Senate."

Luther adjusted his tie and brushed off his suit before taking the Podium. An air of confidence waked in his midst. "Greetings, Senators. Thank you for having us here today." he smiled, before continuing "My question to you is that same I posed to the Advisory Council. How do you feel the occasional tension has been alleviated, if at all, during the current and most recent sessions?"

Looking at her fellow Senators, Ankha stood first and approached the podium once more, "Thank you for your question Mr. Lightwish. First I think it's important to differentiate between the most recent and current session. During the most recent sessions, I don't believe the tensions were alleviated in the slightest and worse, I think many Advisory Councillors went out of their way to avoid the Senate. I daresay it was a one of, if not the, worst periods in New Republic history regarding Senate and AC relations.

Where the current session is concerned however, as I answered to my previous questioners, I believe a great deal of those tensions have been alleviated. We have had many heated arguments, and on many instances Senators and Advisory Councillors have disagreed. However, the difference between then and now, is that we have managed to disagree without beating each other down. Because of that I think you'll see that even on disagreements, the Advisory Council has felt much more comfortable frequenting the Senate Hall and in general the discussions have been fuller and more informative."

Removing her hands from the sides of the podium she locked eyes with her questioner, "Thank you for your question." And finally, with a brief smile she returned to her seat.

Galen quickly walks up to the microphone, brushes off what appear to be cookie crumbs from his shirt, and addresses the audience with the tone of an announcer for a professional wrestling organization:

"Ah tension, why can't we all just get along? I'll tell you why - because we are granted that privilege thanks to our beautiful democracy. I believe there will always be tension, because we all have different backgrounds and goals. One sentient might seek structure because they were raised in a highly ordered society, while another may support great personal freedoms due to an upbringing on a sparsely populated planet. And it so happens that when they don't agree on all issues, we mistakenly attribute the argument to internal strife or perhaps a flaw in our system. However, I believe that these differences are what make us strong."

Galen clears his throat, flicks at a stray crumb on his shoulder, and then continues:

"Nevertheless, lest ye think me an anarchist, I do believe that we have and should continue to embrace decorum in our discussions, and understand that our great Republic thrives when we invite discussion and respect the opinions of others. I believe our motto has been and should continue to be 'I disagree strongly with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.' "

Galen steps back from the microphone, performs a few squats, deep knee bends, and exaggerated lunges, and then finally skips away from the podium whistling show tunes.

The bulky man squeezed into a chair behind the microphones spoke up again, turning towards the Chief of State. "Mr Aioko, you have had two very succesful terms as the Chief of State. what are your plans after the elections this year? where can we expect to see you again?"

Well, you can expect to see me around Tythe or Obana systems, I'm planning to keep training in the ways of the force and get prepared in case the time to fight comes back. I'll probably apply for governor but other than that I think I'll keep a low profile, avoiding leadership positions.

Not appearing embarassed in the the least that he was hogging the microphone, Popara directed his next question to his High General:

"High General Chran, sir, I am proud to serve under your command as a Second Lieutenant of the New Republic Armed Forces. The tales of your exploits stand as well known commendations of your integrity and valor; your name rightly commands respect among all citizens of the Republic. The threat this question poses marks the greatest test of courage for any officer of the Armed Forces

"The demands of service in the New Republic Armed Forces are well documented. Members of the Armed forces are often the first to engage the enemy on the field of battle and are deployed in hostile territory to take and hold key positions on the battlefield. Infantry must at times hold their ground against the superior firepower of mechanized units and heavy artillery, and are expected to value the common defense of the Republic above even their own lives.

"With the threat of full scale war upon us now more than ever before, and with battles in the ground theatre expected to be the first, the most prolific, and the most violent, what peace can you offer to the families of those who will be daily risking their lives, and what tactics and procedures have been developed to minimize casualties in the first place and bring wounded men home alive?

"Thank You"

Popara once again moved aside for the cameras and the audience to have a clesr view for the High General's response.

Orion steps up to the microphone.

“Thank you Lieutenant Anjiliac for your question.

The safety of the New Republic Military as well as the Civilians is always a top priority. On the advent of a full scale war we will continue our current processes to ensure the causality rate is low. Safety briefings are included in our mission briefings. Missions are closely monitored and intel is gathered to keep the Officers and Soldiers on the front lines up-to-date on any threat they may need to be aware of.

I’m also working with a wide range of New Republic personnel as well as our Allies to equip our Army and the rest of the Military with the best equipment available. Army Officers are also encouraged to receive some level of Medical Training, so they can help their brother or sister out in the field not to mention regular combat training to keep their skills top notch.

Through our training, equipment, and constant battle management, I hope to achieve a low injury and causality rate. Officers and Soldiers should always feel as they are not alone out on the battlefield. Not only do they have their fellow comrades in the field with them, I as well other Senior Officials will be watching from above and advising of the best course of action to minimize loss of life.

Last but not least, any Officer or Soldier in the heat of battle regardless of Military branch or Civilian should follow their direct leaders but if they are unable to communicate my com as well as other Senior Staff will be able to advise if a situation arises.

I have good faith in our Officers and Civilians, that each one of us will do our best to prevent a New Republican causality.”

Orion steps away from the microphone.

Major General Chi Fo marched up to the microphone, his face still as he spoke, covered by his mask and goggles. "Admiral Narvaka, with your relatively recent appointment as High Admiral, what major goals do you have for the Navy? I understand the answer may be of a sensitive nature, so if you could simply give a broad idea, where able. Thank you."

High Admiral Narvaka steps up to answer. "The Navy is widely seen, justly, as the main combat force in space. But the navy is not just about being good with ships, it is also being good aboard ships. this is why training is continuing and improving for our troops to handle themselves well in firefights. There is nothing I'd like more than see the Navy succeed in all situations, coming to help the army if or when necessary and even jumping in a squad of fighters to help win the fight against enemy fighters. I would love to go in more lengthy details, but as you mentioned, a lot of this is sensitive information that we cannot share with the public at this time. But I want to reassure the citizens that we are still here, working harder than ever in making sure our space is protected and they need not worry."

Admiral Narvaka steps away from the microphone.

Taka coughed a little bit and stepped in.

Well, I think it's getting a little late so to finish this conference I'll go on briefly about a few news our people has passed on for the State of the Republic. About the museum, there is much movement around. CTS is doing a really great job at gathering all entities around the galaxy. Some are difficult to retrieve, but we hope all can be taken. The NR Museum now owns 70% of all ships currently available; 62% of all vehicles currently available, and all droids but two.

Up to now, a rough esteem of the man hours spent in this project accounts for 2,000. The credits invested in this project sum up to over 2 billions, not counting the market value of each entity owned (that very likely would double or triple that figure).

The space station has become already too small to host everything, and we are building a bigger, larger, more luxurious, astounding station.

The Academy is selecting Docents in several subjects and is preparing them to satisfy everyone's curiosity without killing any cat.

If people want to help or take part in this project, they can contact Ruben Wan. There are many things to do still, before the official inauguration, and plenty of creative things.

I would mention also the change of Grand Historian (now Jansen Blakenshire) and Academy Administrator (now Wedge Achilles as interim).

The Academy wants to give the awards to students.

Studious Endeavours Award:

Daisuke Tanaka
Hanare Kenoshi

Acumen Award:

Maurizio Cantara Leon
Ryo Solari

Academic Excellence Award:

Kulton Thont
Roga McBea
Kahlen Calarie

Geniality Award:

Caine Lonarcch
Zerthaone Ios
Jackson Griggs

Awards from MST:

Executive's Citation

Loren Zolo - for continuously excellent work
Galen Pheras - for great project- and members management

Miners Bronze Award

Mirhepo Argor - for excellent mining at Calast system

Ancile Ribbon Award

Tal Hragon - shielded most of the slabs in Calast system
Erik KreStel and Lance Nightsky - shielding operations at Oetrago system
Galen Darksol (Incom Corporation)
Lance Nightsky
and many others.

And as my final words as Chief, I would like to thank all those who supported me during all this time, I was tempted to say the last couple of years but many of you were there even before.

I want to say thanks to all those hard workers who weren't necessarily supporting me but without them nothing would had been possible. With this I'm especially referring to the Advisory Councilors, they definitely made things a lot easier for me, and they improved the New Republic in more ways we can imagine. Also thanks to those who blindly followed me in those ops, you guys are crazy.

I'm taking with me many great memories, either working with you all, having fun or just spending time talking about anything. There were bad times too, but both sides of the coin are part of life so we have to take them as they come, we learn and recycle. I can only say that, mistakes or success, the good intentions on my part were always there. Many decisions were hard to make!

And enough of goodbyes because I'm not going anywhere, I'll just be in the usual solar system having a beer for the cause.

See you around and long live the New Republic!