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[Joesefus Quick]

Ministry of State
Office of the Supreme Chancellor
His Excellency the Supreme Chancellor

FROM: SUPREME CHANCELLOR JOESEFUS A. QUICK
TO: HIGH COUNCIL, SENATE

By the authority and special command of His Majesty the Supreme Ruler, I hereby call a special combined session of the Senate and High Council to convene in 72 hours. Attendance is highly encouraged.

Supreme Chancellor Joesefus Quick
Minister of State
Acting President of the Senate
Vice Chair of the High Council
Member of the Throne

[Joesefus Quick]

The Supreme Chancellor Joesefus Alastar Quick looked around the Senate Chambers as the special joint secession was about to begin. This was truly a historic day for the Imperial Republic for they were about to do something that had not been done since its formation. They were going to be considering the changes made to the IR Charter. The under taking had been intensive and painstaking to make sure that the revisions were better than the original. The Charter we had lived our lives by for so long was not adequate enough to see us through the times that lay head. So even though it had served us well it was time for a change. We were here to make a better Charter to help guide us through to the future.
The Senate was present, as was the High Council and so would be the Throne. Were almost ready to start the only thing we are waiting for His Excellence James Stratus in order to begin. I remember those early days when we were just two wary rivals seeking to better the lives of those around us. The galaxy had been scary place after the fall of the Republic and the Empire. To think that all this was a result of what was sub post to be a simple trade agreement. Somehow it grew into the United Factions of Peace and Order and then, and then into something a whole lot more, something magnificent and spectacular. Who could have imagined that this would be the result of our meeting that day. We have accomplished much together over the years and today would be no exception.
He gathered his thoughts and prepared to address the joint session. Today will be an historic day, one of renewed hope for a brighter future. He thought to himself as he took a deep breath and look around some more as everyone gathered in the great Senate Chambers, it was quite the sight. Security was at the highest it had ever been. Coruscant and the entire Imperial Republic Defense Forces stood at the highest level of readiness and alert status, as was protocol for such occasion. Senators from all over the Imperial Republic, including the largest majority of the High Council were present. Rumors were floating around as to what this session was about. Much anxiety and anticipation lay ahead for what the Supreme Ruler would say. The Supreme Chancellor raised his hands in the air and the chamber fell silent. Already seated at the Grand Podium were High Prince James Stratus, Executor Tavria Treyson, Commandant-General Kaidlen Shan, and High Councilor Ieyena Cohean, representing as the Senior High Council member.

"Members of the Senate, High Council, and other esteemed guests. It is my pleasure to introduce His Imperial Majesty, High Prince James Stratus, and Supreme Ruler of the Imperial Republic."

[James Stratus]

The High Prince stood and took his place at the center of the grand podium. The audience cheered and stood as he approached. They finally took their seats when he raised his hands in the air and motioned for silence. He commanded the respect of everyone in the room, whether they wilfully gave it or not. Drawing on the Force, and with all his might, power, and stamina, he addressed the leadership and representative bodies of the Imperial Republic.

"Members of the Galactic Senate, esteemed members of the High Council, government leaders, and to all my fellow citizens of the Imperial Republic:

I have called you to this assembly through the mouthpiece of the government, our esteemed Supreme Chancellor, an incredible leader and servant of the people, and loyal friend, to address you on a matter of galactic importance. That which I am about to address you concerns the stability of this government, and of the galaxy. Thirty-two years ago I made a similar address, as the Chancellor of the United Factions of Peace and Order, at the inauguration of the New Order and the foundation of the Imperial Republic. I was elected to my position by the Supreme Council of the United Factions. I have since done my best to serve you and protect your freedoms, and to maintain order in the galaxy. I know there are many who question my motives, who question my actions, and who question my very authority. I am an imperfect man, and this is an imperfect government run by imperfect people, who strive to do their best. I acknowledge that there are among us, those who have sworn to serve the people and protect their rights, who, are only interested in personal gain and power, and have not or who are not faithfully serving their people or supporting the New Order in its strive for order and stability in the galaxy. I am directing the Ministry of State, COMPNOR, and the Ministry of Defense to respectively seek out those individuals within their lines of jurisdiction and remove them (using authorized and approved means) from high office and restore them to private citizenship where they can do no more harm in government office and fail their people no longer.

We have learned from sad experiences over these past three decades, that our Charter, the very principles that we were founded on, is insufficient in many areas, has many loopholes, and, quite frankly, is outdated. It is a document of our childhood. Now in our thirty-third year, though still young, we have survived and maintained our government with some difficulty. The time has come for us as a people, and as a government and institution to mature, and for that same foundation to be strengthened and improved.

Over the past year, Executor Treyson, myself, Chancellor Quick, Admiral OVERMIND, and others have met in private to discuss how we could make a great contribution to this government by means of improving it. We discussed in great detail what possible changes this government needed to grow, to maintain peace, and to survive the storms ahead. We wanted to further protect the rights of the individual, to establish more checks and balances, and to enforce more accountability of this government's leaders to its people, whom we all have taken an oath to serve and protect. Executor Treyson and I have spent countless hours, entire days and weeks at a time working diligently to compile all of these ideas into one solid piece of legislation. We soon came to realize, however, that it would need to be a piece of legislation so strong that even I myself must be bound to it, unlike our present charter, which binds everyone save the Throne itself. I have conceeded powers over my own position, returning my accountability to the same Supreme Council, which will soon be known as the Supreme Electorate, that elected me to this position. The present charter allows me to alter it by simple majority vote of the Royal Family and High Council combined, and does not even bind me to its contents. Think of how easy it would be for us to destroy all that this government was founded on, and all the rights you hold dear, or dream of holding. Let us not forget our history, when times of corruption and instability caused this great assembly to be dissolved, becoming a true Empire rather than a Republic of any kind. Yes, we are a cross between an Empire and a Republic, but we have seen the results of leaning too strongly in either direction, both of which have led without exception to complete and total collapse and ultimate failure, all of which led to galactic instability.

The time has come, for the charter itself to be revised, not replaced outright, but to undergo a Grand Revision, in which the rights of the people are restored, increased, and enforced. The time is now in which whomever stands in my position, now or in the future, will know that they are accountable to their people, and that should occasion arise that they fail to do so, they will be accountable, as will every member of the Throne, to stand trial and face consequences including removal of power. The time has come to strengthen our very foundation, upon the principles of which that foundation was established, to allow us to weather out the storms of the future, and from following in the footsteps of our predecessors and generations before us.

The results of the Throne's labors, especially Executor Treyson and myself, is just that, it is the Grand Revision of the Imperial Republic Charter. By authority of the present charter, only a majority vote in the High Council and Royal Family, and Senate, if active, is required for it to be altered. This new document by my special command will not only require what is presently required by law, but in itself sets new high standards of requirement for alteration, amendment, or revision. I submit the Grand Revision of the Imperial Republic Charter, to the entire Galactic Senate, the Imperial Republic High Council, the Royal Family, the Royal Imperial Throne, the Supreme Electorate, and ultimately to the people of the Imperial Republic, for ratification, approval, endorsement, and for Supreme Election. By doing so, this document will replace its predecessor, and restore the rights of the people, and return the power of the local governments to their own populace, respecting the customs and cultures of the individuals, and promoting peace, order, and stability throughout the galaxy. We the Royal Imperial Throne, ask for your support in voting in the affirmative for this Grand Revision. We cannot do it without you, and we will not do it without you. We invite foreign states and civilizations who are not members of the Imperial Republic to submit their applications of admittance and join us in membership, and in celebrating our rights, freedom, and stability."

The High Prince concluded, as the chamber roared in applause and support. There was not a person in that room who was not stirred by the majesty and power of the words and voice of the Supreme Ruler that day, and all those who watched and witnessed it all over the galaxy, it being broadcasted over Channel One. He motioned to the Chancellor, who, with the Executor, would both speak to gain support for this new great document.

 IR_Charter_Final_Draft.pdf   727.94K   7 downloads


High Prince James Stratus
Supreme Ruler
Chief of State
Supreme Commander-in-Chief
Supreme Ambassador-in-Chief

OOC: All players of the IR represent one senator character, using their own handle. Note that the floor was not opened for debate or discussion, though it is a historic moment and one of strong emotions. Everyone is asked to vote, though preferably in favor, of the new document.

[Joesefus Quick]

The Supreme Chancellor stepped forward to the podium to address to assembly again. “Thank you for your words of inspiration and hope for the brighter new future that is waiting for us. It has been a long journey, and we have come a long way from that day when we first meet to consider a trade agreement. Who could have predicted that something as simple as a trade agreement, could set the stage for something as grand as what we have accomplished with the help of so many. True the road has not been a smooth one, it has been filled with it share of turbulent moments along the way. However we have weathered those turbulent times together and have become stronger for it. Now we stand together once again to show our resolve to do the hard work ahead of us. We are here not to read over another piece of legislation and vote on it. We are here to insure a better future not just for us but for those who will come after us. We have accomplished much together over the years and one of those crowning achievements was the Imperial Republic Charter. It has been a guiding light to us in the darkness, but the time has come that that light is failing. So we must act now to strengthen that beacon of Hope, Freedom and Justice before that flame is extinguished forever. So please, don’t waste all the hard work that went into revising this precious document that it may continue to serve us in the future. Take the time to read it over and consider the revisions that have been added and I hope that you will see what I do, a stronger and bright beacon for Peace, Hope, Justice and Freedom for all.” With that the crowd erupted into applause that lasted several minutes. Once things quieted down the Chancellor turned slightly to the Executor as he address the assembly. “Executor would you like to address this body before we move to voting procedures?”

[Tavria Treyson]

Tavria walked forward and shook hands with Joe, before continuing to the podium, "Thank you, Supreme Chancellor Quick. The Imperial Republic has matured over the past 13 years, after it found a solid footing in the galaxy. Many of the travesties, injustices, and faults of governments of the past are long forgotten by the current and upcoming generations. People only know the relative stability and peace of mind that the Imperial Republic has ensured for the last 33 years. The Charter revision is needed to hold the Supreme Ruler accountable to the people. The revision will ensure that absolute tyranny and oppression don't stem from any future Supreme Ruler.

I urge every Senator to engage their people in a public dialog about the Charter revision, and to listen to the will and voice of the people when they vote. Make a vote, based on the values of the People you represent. This charter revision is an attempt to change reality to align with the values of the people of the Imperial Republic. If the people you represent don't want the Charter revised because that would be against their values, and you vote to change their values to realign with what they view as a failed reality, then frankly you don't deserve to be an Imperial Republic Senator.

I want to thank every citizen of the Imperial Republic for making the galaxy a better place. I say to the Imperial Republic's critics, or our would be allies who misunderstand us; when you were hungry from the drought-induced famine the Imperial Republic people brought you food; when you were thirsty the Imperial Republic people brought you water; when you were sick, the Imperial Republic people were there with medicine; at your darkest hour of oppression and tyranny under an absolute dictator, the Imperial Republic helped bring you freedom; and when any planet or nation is attacked, the Imperial Republic People leave the safety of our own homes to come and defend you, an action that has led to the loss of lives of our men and woman in uniform and other loved ones. The Imperial Republic is a great nation of peoples, because the Imperial Republic is a good and compassionate nation.

And finally more than anything let us resolve to deal with the galaxy as it is, but never to accept that we are powerless to make it better than it is. Not perfect, but better.

Thank you.

Supreme Chancellor."

Tavria returned to her spot, to allow the Supreme Chancellor to finish.

[Joesefus Quick]

"Thank you for those sobering words Executor to help remind us of the importance of what we are doing here. Now it is time to move to voting procedures. You will be given one week to consult with those whom you represent, after which a final vote will be taken. We will now adjourn and reconvene in one week."

[Joesefus Quick]

A week transpired, and the time came for the final vote. The senate had gathered in the grand senate chambers and the Supreme Chancellor stood at the center podium and called the meeting to order.

"We will now take a vote on ratifying the Grand Revision of the Imperial Republic Charter."

Voting procedures were effectively carried out as each senator submitted their vote electronically through the secure senate voting system. When the final tally came through and all present had submitted their votes, the Supreme Chancellor announced the results.

" Thank you all participating in this historic session. The final votes have been tallied." The Vice Chancellor presented him with the results. He then turned to face the High Prince. " Your Highness I am pleased to announce that the vote was unanimous in the affirmative. "

There was a loud applause and the High Prince acknowledged the Chancellor's declaration. The Supreme Chancellor waited for quiet and then announced authoritatively, "I hereby declare this session Special session of the Senate adjourned."