"For those we left behind!" ~ Those are the words that every true Colonial holds close to heart. The pain through which this nation has gone is no smaller than the distance they had to travel, from Earth to Crayter, from Crayter to Sirius, and perhaps more.
Still - the Colonials' saga continues, and with bright eyes they turn to new horizons, hoping that even in these times of war, change can happen, better lives can be forged. With that in mind - this year is when the Republic holds its first official elections after the change in government. Ending his mandate, former President Richard Connors has stepped down from the race, although certain rumours say his son may be looking into a political career in the future, especially after his latest injuries.
The main square in New Hope, on planet Pecos, is overly-crowded, the people gathering up from young to old to see the people who will run for office. They are all bewildered, unsure if to start cheering or keep entirely silent. The large podium is enchantingly prepared for the appearance of the candidates, while on the edges, two shady shapes (most likely CIS agents) intently observe the developing of the event.
In just a few moments, the politicians are about to walk on stage...
I am colonel Balthazar Angelus
I only stand here before you as a fellow soldier, survivor and to relay a message without much hope for being voted into the highest office. Many years ago, when we arrived, we have been met with understanding and hospitality. It is no longer the case. Our state has few friends, fewer still true allies and our enemies are legion. It is sadly not the time for comfort, for rest, least of all - peace. "For those we left behind" - might be held true, but the reality is such, that not only must we think of those, who laid down their lives rather than bend the knee to the implacable conqueror - we must think of what happens tomorrow, within weeks, even years. For those remain.
The hardships we have had to endure ever since we came to this region of space are not yet over, not by a long shot. We will suffer loss, defeat, shame! But the alternative is the physical destruction of our people. What i can offer you is a plan that has a good chance of at least saving us as a nation. The few friends we have, the surviving fleet units, the painstakingly developed home system - all can work towards that goal if used wisely. Just as the enemy will not relent - so must not we.
I intend to focus on securing alliances and conserving our forces. For there is little doubt, that the enemy will pursue us and arrive at our doorstep once again. So as much as one should respect the fallen, I say not - fr those we left behind. But so their sacrifice is not in vain - No Respite. No Surrender.
The second person to walk on stage comes in a formal manner, similar to the earlier candidate. His face expresses a bit of uncertainty at first, as if he's unsure if he wants to be there, but he quickly puts on a smile and displays a vigorous stance. He then paces towards the center of the stage and begins his speech:
Citizens of the Republic, Officers of the Military,
As you may know, i am Henry Gregory Corvin, member of the government and sadly not a man with Military stature. Still, while I cannot claim to understand our nation's war-bathed situation as a soldier, I have witnessed it first-hand! It is true that we may face yet another day in which destruction knocks on the door. But we must not look to the future with fear in our hearts, but with courage, with valour!
There never is certainty in the future, and as such we must be prepared for anything. I can only promise you, that as President, I will make sure we are prepared. One plan may be just all we need, but if one does not have a back-up, he might have already lost.
Remember! This is the moment when our nation's future stands in your hands and your hands only, so make sure to choose right, for there rarely are second-chances in times of war.
Whatever the outcome though, I will continue to fight for the survival and more-over for the evolution of the Colonial Republic and its people! So say we all!
A much older gentleman takes the podium in front of the assembled crowd. He wears a determined expression, but not a very formal outfit. The man wearily double-checks his surroundings, then clears his throat with a coarse cough to speak ...
"To those gathered here, elsewhere on Pecos, braving the harsh world of Yuma, working on Sabah, and even our courageous folks in space, but most importantly to those we left behind, I am Allen DeMille. Long time a statesman, and even longer a true Crayterian!
That said, I shall not dwindle on our past hardships, for" ... he coughs ... "it is our future to keep in mind! Nor shall I say how poorly my opponents argued their cases. Here, I shall present my main goals.
Upon election to the office of the President, I would see to it that our resources are spent efficiently, wisely, and to the further betterment of this Republic. To secure defenses of Coronado so that Gallia, Kusari, and the Maltese shall never set foot here. To establish firm trade relations with our friendly neighbors, Bretonia and Liberty. And to complete the lengthy process we have taken to settle Yuma, which is paramount!
Retracting our fleets should be our first step; reorganizing the military to work with the TAZ in their Baffin home" ... he coughs again, but less loudly ... "and in Cortez with our other neighbors. Of course, a presence will be maintained in the Taus, but primarily of CIS agents. Imperative is the defense of our new home, and our military assets ought not be wasted where they do this Republic little good.
While our fleets secure the borders, envoys and convoys will be sent to Bretonia and Liberty to negotiate and carry out beneficial trade pacts. We are sadly not self sufficient in our current state, so as a result we must branch out.
Through those aforementioned contracts, a focus will be set on clearing ground for founding settlements on Yuma. The more we can relocate from this harsh, frigid world of Pecos, the better off we shall be." There's a brief moment's pause whilst he catches his breath. "Furthermore, excess goods we have, such as deuterium, may be traded for mining and construction materials to help our citizenry on both worlds.
As you can see, my friends and countrymen, I have all your best interests in mind. And they shall stay there! Vote DeMille, for a better future of this Republic!"
Having concluded his speech, the candidate slowly walks off the raised platform, nearly stumbling on the short staircase on his way out.
"You see what your knowledge tells you you're seeing. ... how, what you think the universe is, and how you react to that in everything you do, depends on what you know. And when that knowledge changes, for you, the universe changes. And that is as true for the whole of society as that is for the individual. We all are what we know, today. What we knew yesterday, was different; and so were we."
- James Burke, The Day the Universe Changed (1985)
The election campaigns continued for twelve more days after the day of the competitors' speeches, as each one of them continued to present their plans for the Republic's future. It was a vivid and theater-like commotion, through which the Colonial people assessed who would be best to lead them.
But so came the day of voting, when almost every citizen of the Republic placed his choice in an urn - and only after a day of counting, the results were ready to be displayed.
It proved to be a tight fight, as Corvin and DeMille were separated by barely a hundred votes. Being fairly close, in both influence and devotion - the two candidates were obviously going to be hard to choose from. It was DeMille's rather weary condition, which brought a question mark upon his ability to lead the nation, that turned the tides in Corvin's favour.
The people were exalted, finally having passed through their first elections. Everyone is cheering for their new leader; the Crayterians are ready to honour him however they can, while the latest immigrants, be it from Liberty or Bretonia, feel a bit bewildered, yet hopeful. It is amazing how a nation that has been through so much, so fast, was able to reach this kind of social standards, and moreover with clean hands.
With the elections over now, the Colonial Republic returns to its day-to-day business, ready to make more steps forward.
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