Participants: Corris, Serif
Stellar Consortium Council Chamber - San Angeles – Earth
Even with the Consortium Council on recess, there are some goings on here. Some Council members use the space to conduct business, others work from here. While on recess for extended periods, the Martian councillor typically can be found on Mars, however tonight he stands near the entrance to the press room, with a number of members of the media standing near him asking questions. Corris nods to one of the reporters, "I believe the tour of the member worlds will be benificial to the Consortium. As a councillor, we spend so much time worrying about our world we represent, we forget that our actions here have wide spread implications for billions of others." He takes on another question from the reporter, regarding the current state of Mars. "Our economy is strong, and we are pleased to be a major presence in the Vanguard. Self-governance of Mars is something that I have, and will continue to push for, but until that day, we are at the mercy of the Consortium and Earth."
Serif is speaking with a few other councilors as Corris is giving the impromptu press conference as they wait for those members of the council who can attend this small meeting to arrive. She does listen to the words however.
For the most part, Corris ignores all other goings on behind him - focused on the media - as if he was born for this. "Sivad, and so many other humans worlds, are allowed to govern themselves as member worlds of the Consortium. That is all I ask for. To be the master of our own destiny. We don't even call ourselves human, we are Martian." He says, looking at each of the reporters. "We want a chance to rule ourselves, to allowed to form our own defense force - in conjunction with the Vanguard of course. It is only fair. These other councillors will tell you that Mars needs guideance from Earth, I say we need to be free."
Serif raises a hand to one of those speaking to her and says a quiet, "Excuse me," In order to listen better to what is being said. The junior councilor huffs softly but waits while she listens, returning her attention briefly to the conversation she keeps her ear on the Martian Councilor.
"At this time, there is nothing we can do unfortunately." Corris continues, sighing. "In the mean time, I will push for more military funding. More funding for scientific research and education. And I am a strong believer in peace. We must come to a long lasting peace with the Parallax." He continues, waiting for another question.
Serif seems to loose interest in the majority of the press conference and continues with her small team as they plan the next few sessions.
Another question about Mars independence is asked to the Councillor. Happy to answer, Corris smiles. "The fact of the matter is, the Council is too short sighted to allow a planet, so close to the seat of power, and craddle of humanity, to operate under its own accord!" He shouts, turning slightly, to see the junior councillor for Earth sitting at her seat. He points to Serif, his head facing the reporters, "These people have no regard to life outside of Earth. Mars deserves a chance to prove itself to the galaxy."
Serif stiffens at that and huffs slightly, pasting on her public smile she moves over to the press conference, "Pardon me dear members of the press. If you will excuse our dear Martian Councilor, we will be beginning our meeting shortly and we really must discuss a few things. Thank you." she then places a hand on Corris's shoulder and begins attempting to guide him away from the press.
Before the Martian can get another word out, he is pulled away. As he is 'escourted' away from the press, he turns to Serif, "Is there a problem, madame councillor?" He asks, suspecting he knows the answer as it is. But he enjoys playing games.
Serif removes her hand from Corris' shoulder and continues on, "Not at all Councilor, I am sure you have work that needs seen to before we begin. Please direct your attentions to your responsibilities rather then giving your opinions to the universe at large."
Grinning, Corris stops and looks at Serif. "They have a right to know. And as the representative for Mars, I have a right to tell them." He says, his voice firm. "I think you are just upset I am willing to openly challenge the sitting Earth councillor. Every person that came before you has held a pro-Earth mandate, with the liberation of Mars and allowing us to govern ourselves no where in the picture." His eyes narrow, as his voice lowers, "What scares you about a free Mars?"
Serif turns and looks Corris directly in the eye, "Oh indeed, perhaps it might have been wiser for you to find my stance on Mars rather then attempt to draw me into a corner. No, instead you chose the path of opposition, as you will." she moves back to her seat.
"Very well then." Corris says, following the councillor to her seat. He leans up against her desk, looking at her. "What is your opinion on this, then? I am listening. And I apologize. I am used to councillors who have their own agenda. That spew hateful things about Mars. I trust you are different?"
Serif sets about tidying her files and setting them in order, "I hardly think here and now is really the place or time for such a discussion. I have an office for a reason, as well as a comm number. Perhaps if you can withhold yourself from further slandering of my name, I might be able to find the time and motivation to sit with you and go over the topic." all of this said without looking at Corris.
Nodding, the Martian councillor smiles. "If that is what you choose, madame. I shall not take any questions on the matter, or at least not attack Earth in my responses until we have had time to speak." He looks around at the other members of the council starting to come in. "I hope that you and I can have a better working relationship than your predecessor. Regardless of how anyone feels, Earth and Mars do need eachother on some level - we share a star system after all. That aside, a free Mars will be beneficial to everyone."
Serif turns an eye on Corris, "Indeed, perhaps we can meet soon and I appreciate the effort not to make an enemy of me before we can see if we might not be friends first. As for my predecessor, I would prefer not to make comment at this time as we do happen to be surrounded by some of those who also happen to be his dearest friends. Let us speak on Mars and Earth another time. Rather, I would like to speak on this bill of yours for increased funds going to building a new mine in the southern pole region of Mars. I was under the impression that your taxes should cover such an expense."
"Well, most of our taxes do go back to Earth." Corris says, chuckling, as he takes a seat, waiting for the meeting to start. "The mine isn't for Mars only. Earth will benefit from it, as will the Vanguard. More minerals and metals mean increase in production for ships. A large capital investment now will ensure price of these metals drop as well. Economies of scale, my dear councillor. We have the ability to do this at minimal costs, with long term effects and the chance to save money later. I am more concerned about getting more supplies to the Vanguard to build new ships."
Serif raises a finger, "However, the initial agreement that your predecessor made was that Mars would supply the building and manning of the mines needed through the break in taxes given at the time. It is my understanding that the tax cuts that Mars has seen with it's own people recently is responsible for the deficiency of funds at this time. The reason behind building the Mine was never up for debate, nor the benefit it would mean to the Vanguard.
Chuckling, Corris looks over the Seris, "We will front the supplies required. And it only makes sense for Mars-born to operate the mines. It brings new jobs to my world. There is blame to go around on this. If we can get through this, we can move on to the next matter." He sighs. "We should speak privately about several topics as well, I suspect that together we could be an unstoppable force in the Council. The Centauran and Castor wouldn't move against us, as for the other human worlds... It's a matter of controlling them too."
Serif finally looks up and considers Corris, "Perhaps, however as I do not have all of the information needed to make an appropriate move I feel I should mention that my willingness to do more then talk is at this point negligible. We will speak further and perhaps we might even have the opportunity to call each other more then Councilor, Councilor." she deadpans. though there might, just might, be a hint of amusement in the slight curve of her lips.
Offering a slight nod, Corris smiles. "Perhaps, Councillor. Keep in mind though, the things that unite us are far greater than the things that divide us. I am sure we can agree on many things from defense, to trade and the economy, education and science... Peace with the Parallax." He says, stopping there, seeing what sort of answer he can get out of the woman. "I shall be on Earth over the next few days, should you want to meet privately to discuss these things. If we can come out publically in agreement on some major issues, it would be a good show of unity in the Council."
Serif crosses her hands on the table, "Councilor, I feel that it is best to meet to discuss these things in private. I have time tomorrow if you are available and we can sit down to a discussion then if that is agreeable to you."
Shrugging, Corris nods and accepts. "Very well. Tomorrow it shall be. I will make time. I will have someone from my office coordinate with your office to arrange something." He nods, looking forward at the main podium where the speaker is about to call the meeting to order.
Nodding slightly Serif smiles, "That is agreeable to me Councilor." she too turns her attention to the podium.