HNN - The Hapes Consortium goes neutral!
Category: HNN Broadcasted on 21.Oct.2012 - 04:27hrs Author Alex Tylger Comments: 0
The introductory sequence of the Hapan News Network begins with images of the Consortium's worlds flashing across the screen accompanied by the uplifting theme melody. As the segment comes to an end, Anacia Chalcedon appears on screen before the familiar backdrop of the Castle of Per'Agthra. She smiles before addressing the viewers.
"Good evening, Hapes.
The Hapes system was under tight security lockdown today as representatives from all the Consortium's worlds ventured to the throne world. At the request of the Rai'ix Chume the planetary officials converged upon the capital city of Chume'Dan for a special session of Lorell Hall's Grand Council.
In his admittedly belated speech to the assembly, King Alexander addressed the issue of the Hapes Consortium's withdrawal from the Imperial Union and the impact it will have on foreign relations and the Consortium in general.
The Hapan News Network now brings you footage of the speech in its entirety. For our foreign viewers on Lorell and elsewhere in the Galaxy, subtitles are enabled.
The image of the HNN studio cuts to that of the interior of the assembly hall where thousands of planetary officials, representatives, military officers and Royal Council members are seen in attendance, chattering amongst themselves. A dugglehorn sounds and the Hapan monarch enters the chamber, accompanied by four members of the Chume'doro. He moves behind an elevated central podium standing before a backdrop of flag carrying the Hapes Consortium's emblem. Looking out upon his expectant audience, Tylger nods and smiles before raising his hand to silence the crowd.
"Honourable representatives of the Hapes Consortium! We welcome you all back to Hapes Prime for this special session of Lorell Hall.
Nearly four weeks have passed since the Galactic News Service announced the reformation of the Imperial Union, and the withdrawal of several of the charter's members - the Hapes Consortium included. As of now, the Hapes Consortium assumes a stance of neutrality in most galactic affairs.
It was Our intention to address this matter before you at an earlier date. However, circumstances would not allow, and there were details still in need of sorting before it was proper to bring you all here.
For many months, the Imperial Union Council had been undertaking lengthy talks regarding the structure and very purpose of the Union itself after a proposal for a new charter was presented. Admittedly, tempers occasionally ran high, and irreconcilable differences become apparent as time went by. As such, several members of the Union gradually began to consider the option of withdrawing from the Union.
The Imperial Union as it was, and as We see it, was a product of a different time. Five years have passed since its inception at the hands of Emperor Bonias and King James. The two rulers undoubtedly maintained healthy skepticism of one another, but still brought to life one of the most powerful coalitions in recent galactic history. Its original intention, and the obligations it placed on its members, was purposely left vague. What the newly proposed charter truly exposed was exactly how divided the member states were on how far membership in the Imperial Union ought to extend.
Therefore, as the debates extended over the months, We addressed the issue and continuously updated the Royal Council on the progress of the talks. Ultimately, the majority of the Royal Council tended to favour the Consortium's withdrawal from the Union, seeing the new charter as being in conflict with the vision of what the Consortium should be, and to what extent we should involve ourselves in interstellar affairs.
However, this was not in any way an easy decision. Over the past five years, membership in the Imperial Union has been of great importance to the Hapes Consortium, economically, industrially, and militarily.
We therefore think it is appropriate to give special recognition to King James and Emperor Bonias for the opportunities the Imperial Union gave the Hapes Consortium to grow and strengthen itself. Also, We applaud Emperors Cherokee and Ndengin for the professional and respectful manner in which they conducted diplomacy with the Imperial Union member states since the end of Bonias' reign. We also thank Viceroy Jansen, Manda`lor DeMeer, Lord Hegemon Corbin, and Legate Zeke for prosperous relations over the years. Additionally, regardless of our occasionally differing political views, Executor Seele receives Our thanks for his devotion to and ambition for the Imperial Union. Finally, Vizier Jarek Sankin deserves much recognition for his eloquence and professional conduct in his capacity as Chairman of the Imperial Union Council.
Regardless of claims from the New Republic, the Galactic Empire is not politically isolated, and Hapes Prime will continue to foster good relations with Imperial Centre. We will also still maintain friendly diplomatic relations and economic ties with the Trade Federation, Mandalore, Tion Hegemony, and Aurodium Legion. The Hapan-Trade Federation Alliance known as the Neshig Accords is still in effect and will continue to be so. There is no desire in our government to see the Consortium joining the Galactic Alliance.
For the Consortium's member worlds and average citizens, Our decision to leave the Imperial Union will have very little impact. The Hapes Consortium now reverts to a stance of neutrality, and our borders will remain closed save for Lorell. Full-blown isolationism is not an option at this time, and trade across the borders will continue to flow freely. Information regarding prices on specific items previously available to us through the Imperial Union is still pending. These will be announced once the Ministry of External Affairs and the Imperial Coalition for Diplomacy has finished revising and updating treaties and diplomatic agreements.
As the situation develops and more details are sorted out, Lorell Hall will release official statements to the media. We thank you for your time."
The image fades away as the channel goes to commercial break.
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