The Crystal Eye Project

[The Union of Tinis]

<RP Status: Tinis only until furthur notice>
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"Thank you all for meeting me here today," says Commander Ovrin Leonard before the entire Council of Commanders, as well as several select members of the Chamber of Speakers. The thin fox stands before them wearing his official uniform. A blue and black dress suit with medals and bars on his left breast and a gold star on each shoulder signifiying his membership in the Space Forces. But its his Green star on his right breast that signifies his rank of Commander of said Space Forces.

He looks over those assembled before him. The usual suspects of Supreme Commander Epshring and Commanders Vinlia and Krazalgesh, at the center of the table. To their left sits Commander Usil, still in his field fatigues, Commander Delbrook, a hulking iguana who heads the law enforcement division of the council, and speakers Dizmuluk, Ultragist, and Crimerg. To the right of the usual three sits the two admirals, Commanders Markos and Umfaro, who head up the navy and coast guard respectively, the rarely seen and freightening Commander Yerzok of Intelligence, and speakers Robin and Nat.

"I hope you don't mind if I dispense with furthur pleasantries," Lenord continues. "For years now the Space Forces have taken a back seat on the Council of Commanders. As the growing threats from outside have drawn our nation's attention emphasis has been put on defending our boarders from aggressors and nation building. But I'm afraid ladies and gentlemen that we can not let the Space Forces continue to atrophy.

"It is Tinisian law that we shall not place weapon systems in space until we are at war or attacked by a nation that has such weapons. It is our nation's policy to not be the first to weaponize space. And though some of you think I might be pushing for just that here today, I'd like to assure you that is not the case."

Lenord pauses for a moment to try to read his audience. Epshrine looks bored. So does Usil and Vinlia. Umfaro looks supicious, but that's pretty normal when he's with his fellow commanders. Nat and Dizmulak seem caught off guard.

Lenord smiles. "I am here to propose two things. The first is the completion of the Furry Federation's space station, the Dawn Sister. In order for a new push to be put forward I would like to ask the speakers present to inform the First Speaker when he returns to duty of my request for such. Once a formal resolution has been passed I will be willing to work with other interested governments on the project as an equal partner, should our government wish such.

"The second proposal I would like to put forward is this."

The fox shows some teeth in a knowing grin as he turns and uncovers a poster. The poster shows an oddly shaped space vehicle. Below the artist rendition are the words 'Crystal Eye'.

"May I present the Crystal Eye," he continues. "The Crystal Eye shall be the first interplantary craft to carry any furson beyond local Earth space. It will have a ten person crew, its maiden voyage will be a three year journey through the solar system and back safely to Earth, and it can be constructed using parts off the shelf. To your right and left are boxes. Inside are copies of the plans and fesability report for this project, its science goals, as well as recommendations for its first crew. Please take a moment and browse through the reports while I continue the presentation."

"Ovrin," says Admiral Markos. "Please don't call her it."

"Excuse me?"

"If she's to be a proper ship, you can't be going around calling her 'it'."

As the report reaches Supreme Commander Epshrin. "Perhaps we should adjurn for a short time so we can read these reports properly. Agreed?" Several nods, several not paying attention. "Very well, we'll meet again in two hours for the rest of Commander Lenord's presentation unless duties require otherwise."

[The Union of Tinis]

"What the hell is this Lenord?" says Dizmuluk, trying not to yell, after making sure the others had disappeared into their respective places for their own secret meetings.

"Calm down Dizmuluk," replies the fox.

"Why are you pushing this?" demands the wolf.

"Simple really. I need a record of accomplishment."

Dizmuluk groans. "You should be damn glad I'm not going to contest the primary against you. Otherwise I'd end your plan right here."

"That's why I thought it appropriate to invite you Chuck. I need someone from our own party to help me push the plan in the chamber. And you can use it to your advantage. In a couple months after they fix the spire up with new security you can make a speech endorsing the Crystal Eye. If questioned about it, say, well if the powers that be assure us that we are more secure now than ever, then it should be safe to launch."

"I see," says the wolf who suddenly has a smile on his face. "And if the Unionists or Socialists move against us we can claim they are weak on security since the only reason they would oppose such a plan was if they had failed to make Tinis secure enough for it."

Lenord nods. "And the Nationalists can't oppose us because they're running on patriotism next cycle and can't be seen as trying to stunt Tinisian dominance in any thing by opposing the Crystal Eye."

"So it passes and it goes up. Then what?"

"I'm hailed as hero, run for First Speaker, and bring our party back to and above where it was at its height."

Dizmuluk laughs at this. "Are you saying that this little rocket will destroy Union dominance in the chamber?"

"Yes."

"You're insane."

"Yes, yes I am. So are you with me?"

"I'll have to talk with the caucus and my advisers, but if it won't hurt us, then sure."

-------

Epshrin sits down in his large leather chair in his private office and starts scanning Lenord's report. Commanders Yerzok and Markos take up residence in the two remaining chairs. Usil leans against a wall.

After a pause, Epshrin says, "Well this is unusual. His plan is apparently under his usual asking price. Only three billion."

"I don't like it," snaps Yerzok. "This is the wrong time for such a stunt. And it will be like painting a target on our countries launch facility."

"Agreed," adds Usil. "This is a distraction. A waste of resources. We all know space is the next frontier and most likely the next battle ground. But we need to finish up the battle on Earth before we go gallivanting around space."

"Markos?" asks Epshrin.

"Well, it is an interesting idea. Move to establish technological dominance in space minus the weapons. We are very much lagging behind other nations in that department. I kind of feel sorry for Lenord really, always getting the shaft when it comes to funding and priority. And it would be a way to get him out of the Tower. I'm guessing you're getting tired of him sitting around, peering at you all day Supreme Commander."

"We are lagging in space," acknowledges Epshrin. "But I am doubtful that this is the time for such a pie in the sky adventure."

"I also fear that this move is politically motivated."

Usil responds to Yerzok, "What do you mean?"

"Well," she says. "Lenord is the only well known Anti-Union official who isn't desperately holding onto his or her office. In fact, as head of space, he doesn't have much power at all. Either he's trying to get some power through this project, or else he's going to run on it for another office. The First Speaker is in his final term, remember that."

Usil nods in agreement but then says, "But he wouldn't be the only commander running for that spot either, would he?" Yerzok ignores him.

"Well either way," says Markos. "I'm going to read his report and find out if it really is pie in the sky or not. I doubt we'll decided her and now if we'll endorse it or not, but I'd rather know what I'm asking about when we meet back up in a few."

"Alright, all of you can go," says Epshrin who turns his seat around and looks out the window at the natural underground cavern that is outside his office. "And please Yerzok, you're good at being sneaky. But please don't sneak so much while you are here."

[The Union of Tinis]

"What are your thoughts Amiral?" Speaker Nat, a wolf, says as she sits down next to the goat in charge of the coast guard. She hands a cup of coffee to the boar on her right, speaker Ultragist.

"I think I'll support it. It obviously won't hurt my funding and I doubt it will do the same for the others. From what I've read so far, and I'm no expert on space by any means, it seems like a rather straight forward plan. Though I'm a little concerned about the use of an orion drive as the main means of propulsion," says Commander Umfaro quietly.

Ultragist nods. "It seems that would be the only component that would require any real R and D. No ones ever built one before but we've technically had the technology since our first nuclear test back in the seventies."

"I don't think I understand what you're saying," mentions Nat. "Nuclear tests? What does that have to do with this?"

"And I thought you socialists were supposed to be the educated ones," says Ultragist. "An orion drive uses small nuclear detonations to propel a space craft through space. Drop a couple suit case sized bombs out the back and away you go. And after you've gotten your speed up, you just coast on over to your destination." Ultragist takes a sip of his coffee.

"Wow, never thought about something like that."

"Now the question is, are you going to have a cow about nuclear weapons in space Madaline?"

Speaker Nat roles her eyes and lowers her ears. "Always with the insults. Today you say I'm reactionary and tomorrow you'll say I'm to progressive. But I'll have to think about it. I highly doubt we'll have a final decision today."

"Speakers?" says Commander Umfaro in almost a wisper. "Its almost time to get back."

------

"Never thought I'd hear you agree with Lenord twice in a decade," jokes Chief Delbrook to the tiger.

Commander Krazalgesh answers back, "Well these are strange times we live in. I honestly think we need a national project, like we used to have in the old days. Something to pull us togeather that at least unites us in spirit."

"Well unity is one of the reasons we're here," says the female iguana. "But I've been hearing a lot of disconent form my officers about how thin their getting stretched. This project will require a lot of security. My boys and girls can't be doing the normal police thing, pull tripple security on major land marks, quadruple at government buildings, and protect Lenord's pipe dream. If he's going to get my support he'll have to state directly how he'll provide security, because I might have to refuse to do so."

Krazalgesh looks off across the empty analyist room. "I had heard that you're recruiting numbers were down."

"They're more than down, their nearly imaginary. All the angry youths just itching for discipline and all that are joining the army or air force, no offense, and barely any where else. Usil gets his meat puppets but if the Shimandu problem continues we won't have anyone to handle keeping order back home."

"Then I think I'll second your request for non police security," says the tiger.

-----

While walking down the hall back to the meeting room, Speaker Crimerg says to Speaker Robin, "So we won't demand it now, but later, got'cha."

"If he has the commander's support today, Lenord can shlush off our request easily. We need to wait until its time for to approve the funding."

"Very good."

[The Union of Tinis]

Supreme Commander Ephsrin of the Union of Tinis takes his seat at the center of the table. After checking quickly to make sure everyone was ready he begins, "After careful review of the proposed Crystal Eye Project we are nearing the call for a vote. However two requests have been made by members of this panel for modifications of the project as outlined in the material you have given us.

"The first request is about security of the project. Knowing the current state of affairs of the various protection branch divisions, several on this panel have asked that the project be ammended so that space forces provide their own security of the project, its facilities, and the launch point. Commander, do you accept this proposal?"

The fox before the room nods. "I do."

"Very good. The second request is for a complete technical study on feasability and risks of the engines to be run before construction of the orion drive component of the vehicle. This study will be presented to the chamber of speakers and the council of commanders upon its completion and the study must contain all information on the construction, deployement, and use of the drive as well as schematics and engineer reports. Do you accept this proposal?"

"May I ask the reason for the report?" asks Commander Lenord.

"Those on this panel who request it are worried about the health and safety of the citizens of Tinis, the possible issiues involved with international concerns about the use of nuclear devices in orbit, and the potential of a catastrophic failure. I do not know their movtives beyond that in any official context. The full proposal is here," the wolf hands Lenord a paper. Epshrin waits for Lenord to respond.

The fox reads the page quickly. Finally, he says, "I accept the proposed modification of the plan."

"Then it is settled," says the Supreme Commander. "We shall then vote on the proposed project as amended on weather or not to approve its submission to the chamber of speakers for review and approval. All those in favor raise your arm."

Lenord is the first with his arm up. Markos, Umfaro, Robin, Krazalgesh, Dizmuluk, Crimerg, Delbrook, Ultragist, and Vinlia raise theirs soon after.

"I believe the ayes have it," says Epshrin. "This special committie here by endorses the proposal by Commander Lenord. It shall be submitted as a special priority bill to the chamber of speakers next thursday during the morning business. Having completed the task assigned, I here by dissolve this special committie and dismiss its members."

Lenord's smile grew a bit as the others began to get up. His first target was Epshrin.

"Supreme Commander, thank you very much for chairing this committie."

"Can it Lenord, I have other business to attend to."

After Epshrin's quick departure, Lenord makes his way over to Robin. Putting his hand on the avians shoulder from behind he says, "I wasn't expecting so much Union support today. May I ask why you and Crimerg decided to go with it?"

Turning around, the startled speaker replies, "Simple really. We are lagging behind in space. I and Crimerg discussed this at length. Our decision was made when you accepted the proposal to have the orion drive study. Otherwise you would of been a bit closer to failure with out our support, and the support of those who actually supported the amendment."

"That is a little suprising then that it wasn't you two who demanded the amendment," says Lenord.

"I hear the navy is still having issues with radioactive hulls. Good day commander."

[The Union of Tinis]

"Next on the agenda," begins Speaker Tilzoni, acting chair of the chamber of Speakers. "Previously classified bill eighty seven. As in concurrence with rule fifty eight of the Chamber of Speakers, upon bringing to the floor all classified bills, the bill in question shall be properly renamed as described in its contents. Thus the bill is renamed Chamber Act Nine Nine Seven, An Act to Provide Funding and Rules for the Construction of a Manned Space Exploration Vehicle. The bill in question shall have the short form of either CA Nine Nine Seven or Crystal Eye Authorization Act. I now open the floor to debate and amendments."

The game begins.

Buttons on desks are pushed and the speeches begin. It is after the tenth long winded praise of the bill that Speaker Robin is able to take the floor.

"Thank you madam speaker. I move to amend the bill in question."

Speaker Tilzoni responds, "What is the nature of your amendment."

"The amendment," replies Robin. "Is to add a section to the bill requiring a new regulation on the mission of the Crystal Eye."

"Such an amendment is in order at this time. You may read the amendment."

Robin nods to the speaker. "Thank you. The amendment is as follows. Amendment one to CA nine nine seven. Insert after section five, chapter two the following text. 'Chapter three: The crew of the Crystal Eye shall consist of no fewer than three international scientists, engineers, or persons of exceptional quality and skill. These persons must not duplicate skill sets possessed by other crew members and their qualifications in all areas must meet or exceed those required for other crew members. It is suggested that all three international participants be citizens of friendly nations that are a part of the Furry Federation as well as being in good standing in their home nations. These persons must be accepted by the Space Forces for the Crystal Eye project by the deadline already described for other crew members. If the Space Forces fails to find qualified applicants, the launch date for the Crystal Eye will be delayed for each day they fail to find enough qualified applicants after the deadline. All international crew members must also meet the requirements for level four security clearance.' That is all."

The debate quickly shifts. All the glowing praise is replaced by a storm of rhetoric for and against the new amendment. Two hours later, the amendment passes by a 51% margin. Three more amendments pass, including one to modify the engine design for improved safety and to have an experimental back up drive based on ion propulsion. Slower than the orion drive, but less dangerous and easier to find fuel for. Another amendment extends the time schedule for construction, launch check out, and journey. The third adds extra mission objectives.

Two weeks later, after moving about in the chamber, the bill is passed with 59% of the chamber's approval. Not enough support to avoid institutionalized public scrutiny.

The next stop for the Crystal Eye, public referendum.

[The Union of Tinis]

"Simon Skunk reporting from our voting headquarters in the Arx Spire.

"With nearly three fourths of the vote, the big referendum up tonight has passed with seventy four percent. That referendum being the Crystal Eye Project. A very big win for Commander Lenord's proposal tonight as well as an affirmation of Tinis' quest for knowledge.

"Also up for vote tonight was a controversial farming bill that eked a win tonight..."