Inaugural Address of Chief of State Alicia Marniss
February 8, 2001
CHIEF OF STATE ALICIA MARNISS OF KUAT
Senators, Observers and citizens of the New Republic, I
speak to you now during a time of crisis, both within
the New Republic and outside. A few days ago, former
Chief of State Mitchell Bueller declared a state of
martial law and disbanded the Senate. Elements of the
Fleet loyal to the New Republic and elements following
the orders of the Chief of State engaged in armed
conflict over the New Republic capital world of Talasea.
Such an event must never occur again - while we may
differ by race and beliefs, we are all citizens of the
New Republic and should take pride in our diversity and
the values and ideas that make up our government.
A state of war currently exists against those hostile to
the New Republic, more specifically the Galactic Empire
and NG Incorporated. The conflict with NG must be ended
as quickly as possible. Yet a peaceful solution is
impossible - NG violated the New Republic's sovereignty
when it ordered New Republic warships on a routine
escort mission to stop and be boarded. It then
fabricated the charge of smuggling, even though the
ships had clearly displayed their manifests, and had
followed standard regulations. The NG fleet then opened
fire upon the convoy escort vessels. Three warships were
destroyed and one was captured, though none of the New
Republic ships had fired or taken either an offensive or
a hostile formation.
Such an outrage cannot be left unpunished. The New
Republic will not allow factions such as NG Incorporated
to bully or threaten the New Republic, let alone breach
galactic law, attacking and seizing warships when a
state of war has not been declared. NG must suffer the
consequences of its actions and learn that the New
Republic will do everything in its power to protect its
citizens and allies, and its interests and sovereignty.
