Tom
Well-Known Member
(All cameras are focused on a podium resting on a large stage in front of the Nepleslian government headquarters. An anxious buzz is heard among the thousands waiting. After a few minutes, Master Admiral Robert Davis takes the stand, escorted by two guards. He wears a conservative blue suit. His gray beard is perfectly trimmed and polished. He looks into the camera and begins his speech.)
Emperor Blackman, distinguished guests and citizens of the Star Empire of Nepleslia,
Together we mark the first year of our independence, take the first steps along a magnificent path of self-sufficiency and idealism. It has indeed been a long time coming.
We mustn't forget the toils of earlier generations, the pioneers who molded our society with their unyielding patriotism and sacrifice. We as a people have persevered through every challenge, vanquished every foe before us.
Our will is insurmountable, our spirit unshakable.
My fellow citizens, we are finally a nation. (applause)
However, it would be foolish to think that our job is done, that our future is free from difficulty. We live in a dangerous universe. We have only to look to our neighbors in Yamatai, see the rising casualties of a war most tragic to realize the severity of our times.
More than three trillion on both sides are dead at Hoshi No Iori-- A hundred and twenty times more than the entire population of our empire.
(Silence among the audience. Davis shuffles his papers, emphasizing the numbers. The Master Admiral shows no outward signs of panic or sorrow. He looks up once more, his face unchanged.)
But during this whirlwind of uncertainty, the will of the Nepleslian people will make very clear, to ALL the nations, in ALL the galaxies, across ALL the star systems in ALL the universe, that we will NEVER suffer so.
(Wild applause erupts from the audience. Cameras pan across the gathering, focusing on the faces of tear-filled citizens. The Master Admiral overlooks the throng, waiting for the applause to die down. It takes almost a minute.)
Our brilliant scientists and engineers are working hard to create the greatest military strength in the universe. The past has proven while we worked for the Star Army of Yamatai that our people are unparalleled in matters of starship design. Like the ancient master potters, we seamlessly mold technology to our whims. For technology is our lifeblood, our safeguard from harm. No other society is as intimately connected to it as we are.
But it takes more than scientists, engineers and a love of technology to make our empire the greatest in the universe. Every man, woman and child should devote some measure of their talent to our future. We are all in this together. For our nation to work, we must have unity. Our lives depend on it.
I have just sent a letter of directive to the appropriate departments ordering that immediate steps be taken to create the 1st Fleet of the Nepleslian Star Army. To do this we will need:
-2000 Warships of the highest caliber.
-Several thousand smaller fighter ships.
-200,000+ Power armors piloted by our skilled soldiers.
-Several hundred supply and cargo ships.
In addition to this, a long term goal will be the creation of a self-sustainable space station, fully equipped with a defense force for each of our planets. (Davis takes a sip from a water bottle.)
The numbers may seem daunting, if not impossible for our workforce to complete in short order. I, however, disagree.
You, the citizens, make the difference.
The lives of several of you are wrought with difficulties. Some of you struggle to feed yourselves, to feed your children. Some of you even lack a place to call a home. (Cameras pan to nodding people in the crowd, one woman holds a malnourished baby.)
Effective immediately, I am initiating the Nepleslian Defense Act, a program intended to serve both the military and the public. Those who are qualified to enter the program are stationed at one of our manufacturing sites where they will contribute to the building of our fleet. There, they will receive the following benefits:
-Simple room and board at the manufacturing site.
-Access to medical and entertainment facilities.
-Peace of mind. The facilities will be guarded by my own hand-picked military police to ensure the peace.
-A small monthly stipend.
-The knowledge that you are contributing to the strengthening of the Star Army of Nepleslia.
Furthermore, there is an optional opportunity for advancement directly into the Star Army of Nepleslia for those who pass the proficiency test. Workers who pass this test will be guaranteed admission into the Star Army of Nepleslia.
We must face the possibility of war. We must guard against complacency. So I ask that all willing and able Nepleslian citizens work.
I ask you to work for security, for progress and for the continuation of the independence and freedom that we so fervently cherish.
I ask you to work for the glory of our Great Star Empire. Together, we can ensure that our union will always remain strong. Thank you.
(Applause. Master Admiral Davis looks over the crowd and gives a wave before stepping off the podium. The cameras cut to news commentary.)
Emperor Blackman, distinguished guests and citizens of the Star Empire of Nepleslia,
Together we mark the first year of our independence, take the first steps along a magnificent path of self-sufficiency and idealism. It has indeed been a long time coming.
We mustn't forget the toils of earlier generations, the pioneers who molded our society with their unyielding patriotism and sacrifice. We as a people have persevered through every challenge, vanquished every foe before us.
Our will is insurmountable, our spirit unshakable.
My fellow citizens, we are finally a nation. (applause)
However, it would be foolish to think that our job is done, that our future is free from difficulty. We live in a dangerous universe. We have only to look to our neighbors in Yamatai, see the rising casualties of a war most tragic to realize the severity of our times.
More than three trillion on both sides are dead at Hoshi No Iori-- A hundred and twenty times more than the entire population of our empire.
(Silence among the audience. Davis shuffles his papers, emphasizing the numbers. The Master Admiral shows no outward signs of panic or sorrow. He looks up once more, his face unchanged.)
But during this whirlwind of uncertainty, the will of the Nepleslian people will make very clear, to ALL the nations, in ALL the galaxies, across ALL the star systems in ALL the universe, that we will NEVER suffer so.
(Wild applause erupts from the audience. Cameras pan across the gathering, focusing on the faces of tear-filled citizens. The Master Admiral overlooks the throng, waiting for the applause to die down. It takes almost a minute.)
Our brilliant scientists and engineers are working hard to create the greatest military strength in the universe. The past has proven while we worked for the Star Army of Yamatai that our people are unparalleled in matters of starship design. Like the ancient master potters, we seamlessly mold technology to our whims. For technology is our lifeblood, our safeguard from harm. No other society is as intimately connected to it as we are.
But it takes more than scientists, engineers and a love of technology to make our empire the greatest in the universe. Every man, woman and child should devote some measure of their talent to our future. We are all in this together. For our nation to work, we must have unity. Our lives depend on it.
I have just sent a letter of directive to the appropriate departments ordering that immediate steps be taken to create the 1st Fleet of the Nepleslian Star Army. To do this we will need:
-2000 Warships of the highest caliber.
-Several thousand smaller fighter ships.
-200,000+ Power armors piloted by our skilled soldiers.
-Several hundred supply and cargo ships.
In addition to this, a long term goal will be the creation of a self-sustainable space station, fully equipped with a defense force for each of our planets. (Davis takes a sip from a water bottle.)
The numbers may seem daunting, if not impossible for our workforce to complete in short order. I, however, disagree.
You, the citizens, make the difference.
The lives of several of you are wrought with difficulties. Some of you struggle to feed yourselves, to feed your children. Some of you even lack a place to call a home. (Cameras pan to nodding people in the crowd, one woman holds a malnourished baby.)
Effective immediately, I am initiating the Nepleslian Defense Act, a program intended to serve both the military and the public. Those who are qualified to enter the program are stationed at one of our manufacturing sites where they will contribute to the building of our fleet. There, they will receive the following benefits:
-Simple room and board at the manufacturing site.
-Access to medical and entertainment facilities.
-Peace of mind. The facilities will be guarded by my own hand-picked military police to ensure the peace.
-A small monthly stipend.
-The knowledge that you are contributing to the strengthening of the Star Army of Nepleslia.
Furthermore, there is an optional opportunity for advancement directly into the Star Army of Nepleslia for those who pass the proficiency test. Workers who pass this test will be guaranteed admission into the Star Army of Nepleslia.
We must face the possibility of war. We must guard against complacency. So I ask that all willing and able Nepleslian citizens work.
I ask you to work for security, for progress and for the continuation of the independence and freedom that we so fervently cherish.
I ask you to work for the glory of our Great Star Empire. Together, we can ensure that our union will always remain strong. Thank you.
(Applause. Master Admiral Davis looks over the crowd and gives a wave before stepping off the podium. The cameras cut to news commentary.)
