The Kamurizu Family is assured that The Ninkyō Dantai Shall resolve the drug problem that covers in Shikoku's sector. Mother, Father and elder sister of Kamurizu Family have lost a young son by a hand of a Cardamine addicted Criminal on the Planet Junyo.
Just as they did as a family, so in politics were they united, and to The Ninkyō Dantai their votes were cast. The success of Kusari was non-negotiable, and The Ninkyō Dantai understood this.
It was a surprisingly calm day in the shadow of Honshu's docking ring. The early fervor of the election period had passed, leaving just a trickle of citizens coming and going from the polling stations. Amongst them was a man, around thirty, still wearing a Naval Forces flight suit. He walked swiftly, his leave only approved for a quick trip to the polls, after all. He had to excuse himself at the entrance after a near-miss with another voter, then making his way to the machines. A quick swipe of his ID card had the machine recognize him as Natsu Kitamura, a KNF pilot and Honshu native. Unlike most of his fellow officers, especially those hailing from military families, the man placed well on the progressive spectrum of Kusari politics. While Kitamura was regular HUP supporter in the past, the scandals that brought the party down years prior left him in somewhat of a bind. Although he still favoured their overall policies, he was also distrustful of the successor party. As such, he was left with little choice but casting a reluctant vote for the Social Democratic Party of Kusari.
Later the same day, an older man walked across the main street of a village, deep within Kyushu's rural farmlands. It was his home town, once upon a time, though not much of his family remained here anymore. Still, he enjoyed taking a trip here every now and again, figuring the elections were as good of an excuse as any. Much like the soldier from Honshu, the man wore a Naval Forces jacket over his civilian clothing, though his was much older and well worn. It still bore the patches of the Yamaguchi's airwing, from the Tau Wars and their triumphant return alike. Rather typical of Imperial pilots like himself, he was a staunch patriot and a believer of the Empire, as his decades of service through numerous conflicts would readily prove. However, as loyal as he was to his homeland and its Emperor, he was not ignorant of its flaws. The social stagnation, the corruption, the rot inflicted upon his people by foreign corporations. Last but not least, the blind fanaticism of his fellow Kusari. He was a believer in Kusari's cultural, economic and military supremacy, of course. They had to be preserved. But not at the cost of the freedom and dignity of its people.
As he entered the polling station, a small, cozy building with just one voting machine, he pondered his options one last time. On one hand, there were patrons of the very same culture and the very same Emperor he himself believed in. Traditionalists, militarists. But also blind fanatics, more than happy to keep Kusari stagnant and corrupt for their own benefit. On the other hand were the progressives. Educated, egalitarian. But weak-willed and ignorant of what made Kusari and its people great. And then, there was one last option, right down the middle. A sleazy political project by a neuralnet personality with barely disguised Hogosha backing. Yet, they put in the work. They preserve the soul and the might of Kusari, yet empower its citizenry at the same time. The man chuckled to himself as he approached the machine. Years ago, he would've never imagined himself voting for anyone but Sunrise. But, times change. As such, old man Masaru Murayama cast a vote for Ninkyō Dantai, leaving the station lost in thought about what Kusari's future would look like.
Later on during the night, on the ever rainy New Tokyo, a sharply dressed woman walked down a shady alleyway. Passing by a few suddenly well behaved goons from the local Hogosha gang, she emerged from the shortcut not too far from the local polling station. She wasn't too bothered by the rain, simply hurrying her steps towards the entrance. Unlike the men before her, she had no political binds or pickles to resolve. She would pick the shortest queue, politely waiting her turn despite some nervous glances. The machine was barely done confirming her identity as Chou Nishimoto when the woman already tapped past the menus, casting a quick and confident vote for the Ninkyō Dantai. That done, she would turn around and head out again. Business wouldn't wait.
For Tenze Benito, this election was a pivotal time. One that stood close to his heart. His family had been working for decades, from Kusari's fabled early days to the stars around Nago. He was a miner; his father had been before him. And when his father had the opportunity to do what nobody had done in his family before, and started his own crew to mine the fields of Galileo, contracted by it felt like his family had achieved his destiny. True, it was not all legal, but nobody really was, and if his father performed well, they could be acquired by a larger company, no doubt a Kusari one as they would surely win, and gain a position on the corporate ladder. Tenze himself had the opportunity to go to university and quit the fields. They were moving up in the world, with the promise that he would be able to pass it down to his son, and every son after.
Until destiny revealed its final course. A cruel trick. While on a mining expedition, his father and his entire crew went missing. When a search party found the wrecks of their ships, the ugly truth revealed itself. It was not radiation, or an asteroid, or some other accident that had befallen them. Someone had murdered them. Everything he had been promised had been taken away from him in one fell swoop. He burned with righteous fury.
When the investigation into the attack concluded, they told him it was "likely a pirate attack", with no conclusive answer. He had nobody to direct his anger towards. Until he saw Libertonian warships massing on their borders. It was then that he knew who had been responsible for this treachery. There was only one option, total, vengeful enough to satiate what he wanted. The Hanazono(花園) Party
It's been another long day- week- year- in the Kusari State Police, but Senior Inspector Tanaka knew it was important to fulfill his civic duty, and cast his vote in the elections. Making his way to the nearest voting booths on the Shinkansenn, he thought back to what he had seen of each parties campaigns- The reigning Sunrise Party had done a lot to help the police in their last term, and promised more. The Social Democrats, too, promised to help out the State Police, extensively, even. Another squadron of fighters would be a massive boon, and cut back on overtime. Kanagawa only seemed to care about food- imoportant for sure, but their other policies felt vague and impIauseable. As did the parties wanting to invade the sigmas, be it for the gas fields or to fight the Outcasts. That left United Kusari, they seemed okay... but a quota for women in parliment felt ridiculous- Surely the best nominee should get the seat.
As the train glided to a stop, Tanaka disembarked, and entered the nearby municipal chambers. Waiting in line to cast his vote, he thought of the tensions with Liberty. War did not yet seem unavoidable, and truth be told, the wars he's seen in his lifetime didn't seem to turn out well for anyone involved. So. A peaceful solution would be best.
Then, it was his turn. All but pushed into the booth by those behind him, it was time to decide. War or peace. Life or death. New or old. He held his breath. Cast his vote. And hoped he hadn't doomed Kusari.
Another tally mark for the Social Democrat Party of Kusari.
As Akiko Miku approached the polling station, a flood of emotions swept over her. It had been so very long since she'd put her faith in anything. Between losing Sasha, the Blood Dragons continuing their endless cycle of collapse and recovery, and the slow march of time, she wasn't the young woman that she once was. Time and circumstance had radicalised her, but the instability of the Blood Dragons brought her back to reality, back to the civilian life, and back to home. After all the time that had passed, Akiko never really got over losing Sasha, but her life would always remain guided, and Akiko's actions influenced, by her. Off to vote, giving the system once more chance, the only choice that would have been approved of in her mind: United Kusari.
Once a proud member of the Yubokumin, one of the most revered and feared of the Blood Dragon clans, now a cast aside by the very faction he bled for; battle after battle. He once went by a monicker: Vengeful Shadows - A childish name that in his youth he thought would inspire fear in the enemies of the Yubokumin. As time took his toll, and he had to slink back into the society he tried so very hard to destroy, he took up his old name: Satoru. The Dragons tried to destroy the Yubokumin, but their legacy lives on as long as the members carry the torch. The Dragons may have rejected the old ways, but some still venerate them, as they should. While the thought of democracy carried a stench that never truly left, it was the one chance to indicate that the course should be corrected. The choice was obvious: Hanazono(花園) Party
Reason: Even though I work for a foreign trading company, I believe Kusari should aim to support it's domestic industries first and foremost. Having a strong military and making alliances will hopefully combat some of the trade retaliation that comes with tariffs. I am grateful Gryphon Shipping allows me to practice my traditional values upon their vessels, and I wish for my brothers and sisters of Kusari to be allowed the same. Arigatou gozaimasu!
Gryphon Shipping— "Mythical customer service, or your credits back!"
Being the house capital of Kusari, it is no surprise that the voting stations on Planet New Tokyo would be crowded. People of many professions including businessmen, factory workers, pilots, and much more would come to cast their vote in the Kusari Parliamentary Elections. Kira Kawakami was one such voter.
The Naval Forces pilot stood in line, deep in thought of what lead her to her current choice. She believed voting for the Kusari Sunrise Party to be the only choice. While some of the party's goals were worrying, she found them to be a necessary price to pay to safeguard Kusari. Normally she is sympathetic towards United Kusari, but with rising tensions between Liberty, she believed any kind of drastic change would cause instability within Kusari.
Her turn finally arrived, and she cast her vote for the Kusari Sunrise Party without hesitation.
As she left, she looked back at the voting station. She resolved herself once more that no matter who wins the elections, she would protect Kusari at all costs. Such is her duty. She turned around and left, disappearing into the crowded streets.
Meanwhile on the Battleship Nagasaki, a KOI agent was sitting in his Wyvern, browsing on a portable terminal. Agent Daigo Miyazaki was perusing through the list of parties for the Kusari Parliamentary Elections. He eventually landed on the entry for the Hanazono Party. As he read through the entry, a small smirk formed as he raised an eyebrow. He found the idea of Neo-Shinto supremacy to be amusing, and the goal of "Besieging Chugoku" to be outlandish at best. While he found himself agreeing to some of the party's ideals, he ultimately found the Hanazono party to be too extreme. Even for him.
Daigo stood up, and made his way towards the voting terminal on the battleship. Once he arrived, he voted for the Kusari Sunrise Party.
Right now, he has little to complain when it comes to the Kusari Sunrise Party and he agreed with their goals. He believed aligning with them would be the best path foward for Kusari. With little left to ponder on, he left the station and returned to his ship.
Meanwhile on Deshima station, sitting in a small room is a bounty hunter, perusing the same list of parties for the Kusari Parliamentary Elections. However, while he was reading, he was rather dumbfounded and irritated. "Are you serious? 'Limit the presence of the Bounty Hunters Guild in Kusari space?' 'Ban the Bounty Hunter Guild?' What kind of nonsense is this?" Fujio Yosuke said to himself.
"Kusari is already flooded with terrorists and pirates, and they want to expel the guild? How is Kusari suppose to keep their people safe with just their law enforcement forces?"
Though he was born of Kusari, he joined the Bounty Hunters guild to make a living. Several of the running parties listed banning the Bounty Hunters Guild completely from Kusari space, with one of them replacing them with the Hogosha. The idea of being replaced by the Hogosha was insulting to say the least.
Feeling more irritated than before, he made his way towards the voting booth on the station. There, he voted for Social Democratic Party of Kusari.
Considering their stance and goals towards the BHG, Fujio was feeling hopful that the Democratic party would win. If they didn't, at least in Kusari he might be out of work.
"It's not that I'm dumb. I just get unlucky when thinking sometimes."
IKN-Hyottoko, Captain Private Quarter
Hashimoto Ochiai sensed the tension the moment the call went out to vote on the composition of the Civilian Cabinet.
He had expected the matter to be settled quickly. The crew of the Komainu-class battlecruiser was younger than most battlecruiser crews currently in service, and Hashimoto had handpicked them for their skill and compatibility. Still, a few remained stubbornly conservative, and had begun parroting Hanazono talking points. Fortunately, the majority seemed to side with the growing anti-conservative current—an undercurrent that had steadily strengthened as the old generations died off or vanished during the last wars.
Standing before him was his executive officer, Fukushi Shōichi. Together, they tried to temper the communications officer’s more extreme stance.
“Akebono, you’re doing all of us a disservice. United Kusari is too young, too extreme, it will provoke backlash. We need to proceed step by step. Kusari will not change overnight. Please cast your vote for the SDPK.”
Hashimoto received only silence in return. His friend’s mind was made up, exhausted by political turmoil that had brought nothing but further misery.
Hashimoto sighed and initiated a secure transmission. One by one, they logged in, each stating their identification and casting their vote. He was last. With ceremonial restraint, he declared:
“Hashimoto Ochiai, Kusari citizen and captain of the IKN-Hyottoko. I cast my vote for the Social Democratic Party of Kusari.”
It wasn't often that Ozei Ruousha paid much attention to Kusari politics, these days.
Mostly, he was concerned with ensuring that the Gaelic Wyvern was svoiding any breach of Space Regulations.
But this year, was unusual. This year, the results of the Election could have a profound impact on their little Inn.
And thus - Ozei had been doing some homework.
After pouring over the options, he decided to get some input from his business/romantic partner, Kayla Trevarthian.
Though the Innkeeper's vote was ultimately his own to cast, the opinions of the Inn's co-owner would be quite valuable in this situation!
In Ozei's mind, Kayla's perspective was a must, here.
Recognizing that Kayla might appreciate the fluff cut out from the bore of political pomp and pageantry, Ozei stuck with reading key points from the Parties he was considering.
The first that drew Ozei's attention, was the Kanagawa Agricultural Association.
There were a couple Goal Points Ozei could appreciate, including the jab at Synth Foods in Goal #2.
Goal #9 was vague, and he wondered if that was intended to help, or somehow hinder local farmers over their big corporate counterparts.
Goal #10's sustainability practices were healthy for long-term soil health.
But, he could not help but feel that there was too great a focus on agriculture, to the detriment of nearly everything else (sans the vague Goal of #7).
No, Kanagawa seemed like a weaker choice, despite the benefits to the Inn as a business.
Next, the Kusari Commoner Party.
Honestly? Hard No.
A Closed Border Policy would make exporting seafood from New Tokyo a logistical nightmare.
Third, was United Kusari.
Now this was a contender for his vote.
Goal #3 of this Party, was a huge step in the right direction towards gender equality - At least, in the governmental workplace. It would be even better if that was used as a springboard to encourage Kusari corporations and small businesses to hire and treat well, women and non-binary folk!
Goals #5-7 were also quite nice - #5 for a balance-of-power check; how the heck were 18 year olds STILL barred from voting??
#9 was certainly bold - Ozei had never truly had an issue with the Hogosha, though they were shady enough that their mere presence at times, gave him pause. To say nothing of the rumors of Hogosha holding sway over key governmental and business figures.
Even Goal #11 was agreeable! Freedom of Religion was quite important to the Gaelic Wyvern and its crew.
OK, so that was United Kusari - A strong consideration to be sure.
What about the Social Democratic Party?
Goal #1 encouraged a 'Power to the People' system - That seemed good, as opposed to a government with Absolute Say in what went on in Kusari.
Goal #3 was a really big selling point to Ozei - Kusari has always seemed to have issue with being somewhat isolationist and distant from keeping touch with the other Houses of the galaxy. This was a home they shared with many cultures, and it felt truly strange that despite being in Sirius for over 800 years, Kusari still seemed to practice rather dated cultural habits.
Goal #4 gave Ozei some.. Mixed feelings? He was uncertain of the consequences of an increased State Police presence, though the Navy being transformed into a Defense Force seemed.. Saaafe..? Unless the two combined would make for boredom amongst the Police and Navy, to the point of harassing civilians over petty things.
Goal #5, on the surface of it, sounded nice. But it could be implemented as some sort of Far-Left promotion of forced cultural changes, which would almost certainly suffer public back-lash.
Many of the SDPK's Sub-Goals were positive points, particularly the one regarding "nature sustainability." Junyo seemed to be forever plagued with over-harvesting!
Ozei: " 'Tackling the issue of Planet Junyo’s fish population through a mutual deal with the Gas Miner Guild for import of Alien Organisms utilizable as fish feed' ??? I feel as though I would want that done in a controlled test environment, first. Who knows what sort of mutations that could cause the wildlife!? Affecting flavor would be one thing, but what if feeding fish alien germs causes them to be toxic, or cancer-forming in their consumers??"
Kayla: "Aahhh.. Research, research, research! dinnae wanna throw it out there, an' it prove un-safe. All fer increasin' the way ye feed em, but ye gotta make sure its all right!"
Ozei: "Exactly!! I should hope that would be the approach they take. Aah hmm, let me read what else they have here..."
After reading the rest of the points on the SDPK, Ozei decided that there just a couple of red flags that had him hesitating to back them.
Ozei: "Hanazono..."
Okay.. This one, concerned him a bit.
There were many alarming and radical propositions coming from Hanazono - Too many to count, really.
The mandatory military training was.. Not truly desirable, as that would pull time away from both the Inn, and his love interest, Kayla.
The silver lining perhaps, was that if he was called in for training, that it also included fighter pilot courses.
Ozei: "I think I know who to support, Kayla."
Kayla: "Ahh, really? Do tell."
Ozei: "United Kusari. They seem to be the most balanced choice, and the Women's Rights plus Freedom of Religion are both the right thing to do, I think."
Ozei watches Kayla nod, and give a little 'Mhmm' of agreement.
With that, Ozei moves to go wait in line for one of the Ginza Bazaar Voting Terminals. He swipes his ID card, biting his lip as the machine sat running a background check for Voting Validity.
He blows out a little breath when a green check mark told him he was good to vote!
Once again, Ozei found himself grateful that the Civil War had wiped clean the paper trail of his troubled younger self.
With the options list staring back at him, he reached to tap his choice, then nodded.
The vote of the Innkeeper Ozei Ruousha? United Kusari
The Gaelic Wyvern Inn
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