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In the Bretonian Parliament - Capt. Henry Morgan - 02-05-2009
Prime Minister Lord Mountbatten had been listening to the debate on the Junker issue carry on for some time. Though he had taken a a stance on this issue very similar to Lord Grey's, the past few weeks he had spent as Prime Minister have forced him to see the bigger picture. He was reluctant to alienate the Junkers too much, since Bretonia had enough enemies without looking for more. Even so, there was still a real problem, and something needed to be done. To that end, Lord Mountbatten rose to address the House.
My Lords, all of you who have weighed in on the Junker issue have raised good points, and proposed good ideas for solving the problem. Yes, it is true that the Junkers have been known to support various pirate groups who have preyed on Her Majesty's shipping. On the other hand, though, they have provided an economic benefit by processing the scrap in the Southampton field and returning useful materials back into the Bretonian economy. In addition, us and the Junkers share a common enemy in Kusari. As it's been pointed out, therein lies a possible solution to the problem.
I propose that we send a diplomatic delegation to the Junker Congress. We should offer them support in their struggles against the Kusari, as well as allowing them to continue operations in Bretonia in exchange for ceasing their direct aid to our enemies. Should that fail, we will consider taking more drastic action, but I'm confident that hostile action against the Junkers will not prove necessary.
My Lords, I leave this issue in your capable hands.
I propose that we send a diplomatic delegation to the Junker Congress. We should offer them support in their struggles against the Kusari, as well as allowing them to continue operations in Bretonia in exchange for ceasing their direct aid to our enemies. Should that fail, we will consider taking more drastic action, but I'm confident that hostile action against the Junkers will not prove necessary.
My Lords, I leave this issue in your capable hands.
Prime Minister Lord Mountbatten returned to his seat, and observed as the debate continued around him.
In the Bretonian Parliament - pbrione - 02-06-2009
Lord Canning rose to deliver his address on the ongoing negotiations with the Junker Congress.
"The Foreign Secretary."
"My Lords. It would appear that the Junkers have responded favourably to our requests. I have the assurances of the Junker Congress that they will fully investigate any possible uses of their base for the staging of corsair attacks, and will do whatever is in their power to prevent such abuses in future. Regarding possible cooperation in the war against the Kusari, negotiations are still ongoing, though it appears that our original offers have not been accepted. It is my personal belief, however, that these discussions can succeed - I am confident of acheiving a consensus within the next few days if we continue. I await your Lordships' decision on how to proceed from here."
Lord Canning resumed his seat and waited to see the response of Parliament to his negotiation attempts.
(Diplomatic Dossier for Lords' perusal: http://discoverygc.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=31410)
In the Bretonian Parliament - Reverend Del - 02-21-2009
Lord Gregory Bayliss entered the chambers to hushed whispers, it had been some time since he'd last been in here. His last visit remembered witha degree of shame. As usual he had been blasted on whiskey and gin, and had made quite a fool of himself and the office he held.
He sat down and waited for the floor to go public. He had something to say and it was imoportant that he say it.
When other, more urgent, matters had been attended to, Gregory stood up.
"My Lords, Ladies and gentlemen. Some of you may remember me, others should be glad they do not. I am Major General Lord Professor Gregory Bayliss. Formerly in charge of the 8th Bretonian Marines, I led the rescue of 130 civilians from the Canbridge incident. I charged a Kusari landing force on Planet Harris with nothinng more than a company of men and the backing of my House. I taught at Sandhurst Milirtary College, educating young officers. I also brought shame and disrepute upon the House of Lords, with my actions after these deeds.
"A drunkard, a blaggard, a liar and a cad. All these could and should have been applied to my name. I was cast out from Bretonia in disgrace. My holdings repossessed, my home, everything except the titles I still hold.
"But it is strange how this sector turns. Nothing more than a chance encounter can twist everything on it's head. A chance encounter with the IND led to the restoration of my riches. But more importantly a chance encounter with my wife has led me to this. Six words, just six words has led me to your chambers once more. For the words she said to me after our meeting are the words I shall have etched upon my headstone. "I love you when you're sober". So here I stand, sober, contrite, emboldened. Ready to do my part for my House in the war. If, that is, you will have me back."
Gregory returned to his seat, awaiting the response.
In the Bretonian Parliament - Capt. Henry Morgan - 02-24-2009
Prime Minister Lord Mountbatten remained seated during Lord Bayliss' request. Regardless of how other members of Parliament might feel, George had his own opinions on the issue. Lord Mountbatten stood to address the Lords.
Lord Gregory Bayliss. Everything you've said today is quite true. You did build a reputation as a drunkard. Sadly, that reputation eclipsed your earlier achievements, and you paid a heavy price as a result of your actions. You lost your lands, you lost your office, you lost your Knighthood, and you lost a great deal of respect. Only thorough the generosity of Her Majesty were you even allowed to keep your Lordship.
There are those in our society that would believe that your actions are irredeemable, and that you should remain forever disgraced. I am not one of those people. I am aware, first hand, of what can be done with a second chance. After my own mistakes, I should have been shot, but for the mercy of Her Majesty. If I can make the most of a second chance, then I have to believe that you can as well.
Lord Gregory Bayliss, I will allow you to retake your seat in this House. See that you make the most of it.
There are those in our society that would believe that your actions are irredeemable, and that you should remain forever disgraced. I am not one of those people. I am aware, first hand, of what can be done with a second chance. After my own mistakes, I should have been shot, but for the mercy of Her Majesty. If I can make the most of a second chance, then I have to believe that you can as well.
Lord Gregory Bayliss, I will allow you to retake your seat in this House. See that you make the most of it.
Lord Mountbatten was sure that he had offended at least a few of the members of the House of Lords, but looking over the faces before him, he was certain that he could easily weather whatever storm those few individuals threw his way. He only hoped that he wasn't wrong about Lord Bayliss.
In the Bretonian Parliament - pbrione - 02-25-2009
In response to Mountbatten's words and realising the quick need to show solidarity with the Prime Minister to dispel any opposition, Lord Canning rose to his feet to be the first to greet and welcome back Bayliss to the House.
"My Lord Speaker, I wish to extend my hand of welcome to Lord Bayliss. Whilst I, like many in this House, remember with great shame the last days of his Lordship in this House before his long exile, it is nonetheless true that the loss to this nation of any of its noble Lords is always a cause for regret, however much they may disgrace themselves. In the present times of strife that we all face, any man willing with humility and dignity to stand with us here is a sorely needed friend indeed. The time has long since come for us put old emnities aside and stand shoulder to shoulder against the common foe. For this reason, I applaud Lord Bayliss for his reformed character and I hope, should his intentions prove sincere, that one day soon he may see his lands as Baron of Coventry restored to him by the good grace of Her Majesty."
Lord Canning stepped forwards and clasped Bayliss firmly by the hand, before returning to his seat amid a brief smattering of applause and cheers of agreement from many of the Lords, though a few of the older ones remained silent looking distinctly unhappy. The portly red face of the Duke of Leeds could be seen glowering at Bayliss with a look of the deepest contept, though he was in a clear minority of those present.
In the Bretonian Parliament - Reverend Del - 02-27-2009
Bayliss looked happy, it was good to be welcomed back with such open arms. There was no way to get around the fact that some would forever know him as he was before his fall. But he knew he would do his best to erase the shame he had brought upon himself. Deeds were the worth of a man, not words, however.
"I thank you my lords. Such a welcome I could not hope to have received. So long have I been out of Bretonian politics that I am now unsure as to where to place my feet. But rest assured I shall endeavour to bring myself up to speed as soon as possible. However, deeds are the worth of a man, not words. So without further pomp and ceremony, I say let's get to the business at hand.
Bayliss sat back down and endured the glare from the Duke of Leeds. 'If looks could kill, I'd be a greasy stain.' He thought. It didn't matter, he was back where he belonged. Now to business, oh and ensuring that the BAF war coffers were up to scratch. He could afford it, after all
In the Bretonian Parliament - Capt. Henry Morgan - 03-08-2009
Prime Minister Lord Mountbatten had been having a terrible morning. The Admiralty had been assuring him that the Kusari were pinned down in Tau-31, and that they were incapable of staging a massive offensive. The sudden loss of the upper part of the Leeds system to Kusari forces came as a shock to everyone involved. Worse still, any hopes that Bretonia had of Liberty becoming involved are gone now, with the Libertonian declaration of war against Rheinland. He knew that there were plans in the works to shore up the remaining defenses in the system, and hopefully hold back the Kusari invader, and maybe even push them back into the Taus. Lord Mountbatten, on the other hand, had other issues to deal with. The citizens of Bretonia, as well as the members of Parliament, were understandably frightened, and worried about what was going to happen next. It was up to him to calm their worries.
After being acknowledged by the Speaker, Lord Mountbatten stood before the House of Lords, and prepared to give his speech.
My Lords, Members of the House of Commons, and Citizens of Bretonia,
I know many of you have seen the reports or heard rumors from the BAF forces in the Leeds system. I regret that I must confirm those reports. The Battle of the Taus is over, and the Battle of Leeds has just begun. Earlier today, Kusari forces began a massive offensive through the Tau-31 gate, and have taken the upper part of the Leeds system despite a valiant defense by the BAF, BPA, and Bowex forces stationed in the system. Our stalwart defense has halted the Kusari advance before they could reach Planet Leeds itself.
As dire as our circumstances may seem, I assure you that we are far from defeated! Measures are now being put in place to fortify our defences around Leeds, and meanwhile we are taking steps to build up our forces ready to one day strike back against our enemy. But to do so, we must mobilise all our available forces, and be prepared to endure great sacrifices. We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many long months of struggle and of suffering. You ask, what is our policy? I can say: It is to wage war, by space, air and land, with all our might and with all the strength that God can give us; to wage war against a monstrous tyranny, never surpassed in the dark, lamentable catalogue of human crime. That is our policy. You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word: It is victory, victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory, however long and hard the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival.
To aid in that victory, the entirety of the Bretonian economy and it's populace must be dedicated to the war effort. Every citizen, whether in Leeds or elsewhere in Bretonia, must stand ready to defend our worlds against Kusari aggression. Leeds shall not fall! Bretonia will not be defeated!
We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in Leeds, we shall fight in orbit and in the atmospheres, we shall fight hand to hand on our space stations and battleships, we shall defend our systems, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the Planets' surface, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets,we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender, and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, Leeds or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire across the stars, armed and guarded by the Bretonian Armed Forces, would carry on the struggle, until, in God's good time, foreign fleets of our allies, with all their power and might, step forth to the rescue and the liberation of Bretonia.
Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves that if the Bretonian Realm and its Empire last for a thousand years, men will still say, 'This was their finest hour.'
I know many of you have seen the reports or heard rumors from the BAF forces in the Leeds system. I regret that I must confirm those reports. The Battle of the Taus is over, and the Battle of Leeds has just begun. Earlier today, Kusari forces began a massive offensive through the Tau-31 gate, and have taken the upper part of the Leeds system despite a valiant defense by the BAF, BPA, and Bowex forces stationed in the system. Our stalwart defense has halted the Kusari advance before they could reach Planet Leeds itself.
As dire as our circumstances may seem, I assure you that we are far from defeated! Measures are now being put in place to fortify our defences around Leeds, and meanwhile we are taking steps to build up our forces ready to one day strike back against our enemy. But to do so, we must mobilise all our available forces, and be prepared to endure great sacrifices. We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many long months of struggle and of suffering. You ask, what is our policy? I can say: It is to wage war, by space, air and land, with all our might and with all the strength that God can give us; to wage war against a monstrous tyranny, never surpassed in the dark, lamentable catalogue of human crime. That is our policy. You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word: It is victory, victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory, however long and hard the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival.
To aid in that victory, the entirety of the Bretonian economy and it's populace must be dedicated to the war effort. Every citizen, whether in Leeds or elsewhere in Bretonia, must stand ready to defend our worlds against Kusari aggression. Leeds shall not fall! Bretonia will not be defeated!
We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in Leeds, we shall fight in orbit and in the atmospheres, we shall fight hand to hand on our space stations and battleships, we shall defend our systems, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the Planets' surface, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets,we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender, and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, Leeds or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire across the stars, armed and guarded by the Bretonian Armed Forces, would carry on the struggle, until, in God's good time, foreign fleets of our allies, with all their power and might, step forth to the rescue and the liberation of Bretonia.
Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves that if the Bretonian Realm and its Empire last for a thousand years, men will still say, 'This was their finest hour.'
Lord Mountbatten accepted the applause from the House of Lords for a few moments, then stepped down. Now that this duty was done, he had to meet with Her Majesty and the newly constituted War Cabinet to plan the details of Bretonia's defense.
In the Bretonian Parliament - pbrione - 03-08-2009
Lord Canning led the applause following the Prime Minister's stirring speech. It had truly come as a terrible blow when he had had to inform Mountbatten of Liberty's Declaration of War against Rheinland only minutes after the news of the invasion of Leeds had broken, and now the entire Government was desperately in need of strong leadership. Mountbatten had done much to calm the fears of the assembled Lords, but there was still need for urgent action. As Mountbatten hurried from the chamber to meet privately with the Queen and Admiralty Board to review the military situation, it was left to Lord Canning to stand and push through the hastily drawn up War Measures Act in an all-night sitting of both Houses of Parliament.
"My Lords, I wish to echo the fine words of the Prime Minister. We are not defeated, but let us be under no illusions - if we do not act decisively now to bring the full weight of Bretonian resources to bear, then we will be overwhelmed. The War Measures Act is, I readily admit, rash, unpleasant, hastily put together, painful no doubt to many of you here, and will place great strains on our citizens. But it is also neccessary. No, more than neccessary, it is vital, vital that it is passed, passed now, and passed unanimously. We must stand together if we are to have any hope of halting this invasion, we must put aside our political differences and unite in defence of Queen and country! I know that the time for debate has been limited tonight, but the time has come. I call a move to vote, let the joint Houses now divide at this desperate and decisive hour in our History."
War Measures Act Wrote:Article I
A War Cabinet shall be established to direct the Bretonian War Effort, coordinating all government departments, state corporations, police and military forces and all other Crown agencies in defence of the Realm and Empire of Bretonia. The War Cabinet shall consist of the Prime Minister, the Fleet Admiral and one other Admiral of the Armed Forces, the Chief and Deputy Commissioners of the Police Authority, the CEOs and a designated second of Border World Exports, Bretonia Mining and Manufacturing, Gateway Interstellar, and Planetform Inc., and shall be presided over and chaired by Her Majesty Queen Carina. The War Cabinet will have full executive powers to direct the forces under the Crown's authority in any way deemed neccessary for the War Effort. The War Cabinet shall meet at least weekly to guide the ongoing war effort.
Article II
Until further notice, the Leeds and Dublin systems shall be under Martial Law. Regular BPA operations in these systems are being withdrawn, and the BAF will have ultimate authority over civilian vessels in these two systems, in terms of restricting activity considered detrimental to the Bretonian War Effort. BAF BAF will have powers to demand that civilian ships in Leeds accept BAF escorts, or turn back from the system. Any civilian ships attempting to cross the blockade into Kusari-held territory with war-materials onboard may be shot on sight by BAF officers. Provisions put in place are also to allow for the BAF to assist in the typical BPA responsibilities of enforcing the Bretonian Constitution and Bretonian Charter of Interstellar Law.
Article III
The Civilian population on Planet Leeds, between the ages of 18 and 50, is to be mobilised into Civil Defence Corps by the Bretonian Armed Forces, in order to defend the Planet's surface in the event of Kusari invasion. Essential personnel in careers vital to the war effort will be exempt from this provision. Firearms and munitions are to be stockpiled on the planet in secure bunkers, and fortifications are to be constructed around key spaceports and faciliites.
Article IV
All heavy industry in Bretonia with the available capacity is to be nationalised and turned over to the production of munitions and ships for the war effort. This is to be coordinated under Bretonia Mining and Manufacturing and Border World Exports corportate structure. Farming industries on Planet Cambridge are to recieve similar government coordination and a rationing policy is to be implemented amongst the civilian populace in all systems.
Article V [Part of this Article is Classified under the Official Secrets Act and not publicly available]
Due to the increased Kusari presence in Tau, and the fall of Upper Leeds, the Orkney System is declared to be off limits to all non-authorised vessels. This is done to protect our last foothold in the Empire of Tau, and keep open supply lines to the Tau 23 BMM Site, and to prevent the Kusari from opening a new front against us in Edinburgh. Bretonia's sovereignty in the Ornkey System is to be enforced by official agents of the Bretonian Crown.
In the Bretonian Parliament - pbrione - 03-15-2009
Lord Canning stood before the House to deliver his report on the negotiations with the Independent Miners Guild.
"My Lords. I am pleased to report that Foreign Office negotiations with representatives of the Independent Miners Guild has reached a satisfactory conclusion. I stand before you today to present the terms that we have succeeded in aquiring, for your hopeful ratification of this much-needed agreement. I cannot stress enough how important closer relations with the IMG are need at this difficult time with our situation in Tau 31 and Tau 23 worsening daily. Friends are in short supply out in the ice fields of Tau, as those of a military persuasion amongst you will know all too well. This pact aims to remedy that shortage, by providing us with assitance in many key areas, and it is my express belief and one which is echoed by many on the Admiralty Board, that this agreement will do much to re-gain us the upper hand in fighting off our combined foes across the wide Tau systems. As we all know, this war will be won for us in Tau, not in Leeds, as it is with the collapse of the Kusari supply lines that we will finally acheive victory. Today, thanks to this historic accord, we move one step closer to that victory."
Tau Pact Wrote:Article I - IMG
Clause 1: The IMG offers an official alliance with Brtonia whilst within the star system of Orkney. IMG officially recognises that Orkney is a Bretonian sovereign system, and offers joint operations to defend Orkney from our enemies (not currently including Colonial Remnant) or ships that we consider to be attempting to supply our enemies.
Clause 2: The IMG offers docking rights for Bretonian forces, be they BAF or other official agents of the Bretonian Crown, at Dounby station (providing reasonable precautions are taken), excluding capital vessels.
Clause 3: The IMG offers help in shipping supplies to beseiged Bretonian forces on Planet Harris, and evacuating refugees.
Clause 4: The IMG agrees not to interfere in the operations of Bretonian privateers or other covert attacks by agents of the Bretonian Crown on current enemies of Bretonia such as the Colonial Remnant.
Clause 5: <strike>[CENSORED]</strike> - refer to private IMG dossier available to Council members.
Article II - Bretonia
Clause 1: The Bretonian Armed Forces promises to defend IMG bases both in core Bretonia, Magellan, Orkney and Tau against any threats to them, and to assist in the upholding of IMG neutrality and the no-fire zones surrounding IMG Freeports in the BAF zone of operations, passing on any collected fines to the IMG.
Clause 2: The Government of Bretonia grants permission for the IMG to dock at Bretonian Planets or facilities with any of their ships (Though permission should be sought in individual cases before docking large military vessels)
Clause 3: The Government of Bretonia shall fully respect the right of the IMG to freely carry any and all materials through Tau to supply their own bases, unhindered by any Bretonian forces (providing they do not trade with Kusari).
Clause 4: The Crown of Bretonia cedes full territorial and ownership rights to the IMG of all fields of presently undiscovered resources in Tau and Orkney, providing that BMM is granted permission to mine in these IMG fields in exchange for a monthly fee to the IMG, not exceeding 10 million credits per month. In addition, there shall be full official recognition of IMG claims of ownership over all resource fields currently mined by the IMG.
Clause 5: The Bretonian Home Office grants a one-off amnesty to all IMG members currently with criminal convictions outstanding in Bretonian courts, or serving in Bretonian jails, and a similar amnesty shall be applicable to new IMG members upon their joining the IMG. Members of the IMG shall still be fully culpable for any future crimes they commit from this day onwards.
In the Bretonian Parliament - BaconSoda - 03-15-2009
Lord Anthony Grenville looked over the proposal carefully, knowing that somewhere he would find something that related to internal Bretonian politics somewhere in the document. Sighting the clause regarding refugee evacuation, Lord Grenville rose and addressed the assembly:
"Lords and ladies, though I urge you to grasp a delicate understanding of the terms Lord Canning has lain out for us, I would see no reason to object to any of the terms. The boon of a safehaven for our ragged citizenry on Leeds is something we cannot pass by, especially because of the prospect of less than scrupulous characters kidnapping and otherwise conducting haberdashery with our citizens in tow."
With this, Lord Grenville returned to his seat, and awaited any possible rebuttals to the treaty.