[Alphosian Congressional Building]
Harkness stood at the head of the congressional auditorium. Twelve hours
had passed since he last spoke to Kanryth and now the Admiral was standing
next to him. A large Federation flag was symbolically draped across the
curtains behind them along with the Alphosian flag which sat on a flag stand
next to the group. Harkness took the podium wearing a bright smile that fit
well with his confident demeanor. Representatives from four of the other
planets in the sector had also arrived to join them for the announcement,
the others were busy with local matters. The group of six stood together
and gazed at the Alphosian congress now filled with both officials and
dozens of reporters from several corners of the Federation.
�This,� he started bringing the cacophony of competing sounds to a
standstill, �is truly a momentous occasion. For years many of us wondered
if we would ever be free from the Tyranny of the Klingon Empire. We
wondered if anyone actually cared or remembered us. We felt forgotten and
abandoned- however one person kept hope alive. One person rescued us from
our darkest days. That one person is Admiral Morgana Kanryth who stands
next to me today.�
�It is this reason why we feel that there is only one true candidate for the
Presidency. Three hours ago Alphosia�s representative to the council
submitted a nomination for Presidency. The name on that nomination was
Morgana Kanryth� the crowd roared and Harkness had to lift his hands to
settle them �the Federation needs a new direction and this new direction
will require a strong leadership. Our darkest days have passed but the days
before us are obscured by the veil of the unknown. Many have died in the
recent conflicts, many others have been displaced. I believe that Morgana
Kanryth is the person, with all my heart, that will return the Federation to
prosperity!� The crowd roared as Harkness stepped back and allowed Kanryth
to seize the podium.
Stepping up smartly to the podium Kanryth cut a fine, if slightly
diminutive, form in her full dress uniform. She cast her eyes across the
auditorium in a slow, sweeping look that allowed her to move the assembly to
quiet without having to outwardly ask for it. As the noise dampened down to
the occasional soft murmur she stepped out from behind the podium to
directly face her audience.
"Before I came here today," she began quietly, "I spent some time visiting
sites across the planet. Parks, stadiums, businesses, schools, and the homes
of a few Alphosan citizens most affected by the six years of Klingon
occupation. During that time I saw something that has become a rarity within
the United Federation of Planets."
She paced slowly around the stage in front of the planetary governors,
making eye contact with reporters and officials amongst the crowd as she
moved. "That thing I saw was hope, hope for the future. Since the day of the
Klingon withdrawal two years ago every citizen of this sector has lived safe
in the knowledge that with a little effort tomorrow will be a better day."
The retired Admiral paused for a brief moment to add emphasis to her next
words. "The spirit that lives within the heart of every Alphosian is
something that most Federation citizens have not felt for a long time. Our
civilization has faced more wars, more destruction and devastation in the
past ten years than was faced in the preceding hundred years."
Silence had enveloped the auditorium, not even the reporters wanted to risk
interrupting Kanryth with a whisper into their mic. All eyes were focused on
the woman who had liberated their planets from Klingon occupation as she
stepped down off the left side of stage and into the crowd.
"You were forgotten," she said sharply to one reporter. "The Federation was
viciously attacked by a Klingon Romulan alliance and your worlds were
offered up as the price of peace. Not once during the five years after the
war did the Federation Council approach the Klingon Empire to attempt to end
the occupation."
The Admiral let the words sink in before moving to the next reporter,
locking his gaze with hers. "Five Federation worlds remain under Romulan
control, forgotten. Not once during the last seven years has the Federation
Council approached the Romulan government regarding this situation."
"The recent peace treaty signed between the Federation and the Dominion
Breen alliance makes specific provision for Dominion and Breen ships to
traverse our territory to facilitate communication," Kanryth said in a
mildly disapproving tone as she moved in front of the third reporter. "No
war reparations are to be made to the Federation, and not only do we permit
two hostile governments to continue in their alliance but we actually
facilitate it!"
As she moved across to the next reporter the atmosphere in the auditorium
was visibly tenser. "Pirates plague our borders and shipping lines, running
unchecked by a Starfleet that is drawn too thin due to losses incurred in
the numerous conflicts our Federation is drawn into each year."
"Utopia Planitia destroyed, severely crippling our ability to service our
fleet and build new ships," Kanryth continued as she moved in front of the
last reporter between her and the steps to the right hand side of the stage.
Murmurs rippled through the audience as she turned her back on the crowd and
stepped back up to the stage.
The former Admiral turned to face the crowd once more, again choosing not to
hide behind the podium. "So I ask you, is it any wonder that the Federation
is no longer able to look forward to tomorrow when we cannot address the
mistakes of our past, and cannot deal with the problems we face today?" She
stepped closer to the front of the stage.
"I spent some time debating whether to wear my uniform today. While some may
call it inappropriate, this uniform is a vital part of my character. I've
been a Starfleet officer for most of my adult life, and no matter where my
future should take me I will never forget the time I spent wearing this
uniform." Moving up and down the front of the stage, the new Presidential
candidate continued her speech.
"I've never forgotten the people of Alphosa," she said with force. "I will
not forget our fellow citizens who today still live under Romulan rule. I've
not forgotten the behaviour of the Dominion towards our Federation." She
paused, moving back towards the center of the stage. "I've not forgotten
that the United Federation of Planets stands for diversity, freedom, and the
hope of a better tomorrow for everyone. In that same spirit of hope, I ask
that you support me as the next Federation President."
A measurable pause descended across the auditorium as Kanryth stepped to a
position beside the podium and turned to face the media crews. "I'll now
take questions," she said in the knowledge that some if not all of the
assembled reporters would be looking for the scent of blood.
�Hello Admiral, Dave Whitmore, Earth Free Press. If you were elected what
would be your first act as President?�
"That's an interesting question Dave," Kanryth replied. "Please understand
that my answer is contingent on there being no significant events between
today and the Presidetial inauguration. Should I be elected President, my
first official act would be to put in place measures to combat piracy along
our shipping lines and borders, thus safeguarding our economy and the rights
of our citizens to safe transport within the borders of the Federation. I
admit that this will not be an overnight fix, which is why I feel it is an
issue that should be tackled as early in my Presidency as possible."
�Yok Tohl, Tellarite Times. Admiral Kanryth. I find, and I�m sure many
fellow citizens find your comments quite concerning. The Romulans are
currently allied with the Federation. How would you propose getting these
planets back? Go to war with them?�
"I'm quite disappointed that you would leap to such a conclusion," Kanryth
replied in a sincere tone. "Many people assumed that the Klingon Empire
would not withdraw from Alphosa unless the Federation took military action.
In the end however it was a direct dialogue between myself and the Klingon
High Chancellor that resolved the issue, and this is the route I would
prefer to pursue with the Romulan leadership."
�Admiral, Keelin Veer of the Bajoran Prophet. I must say, that is a lot of
rhetoric. How much do you actually expect to accomplish?�
Kanryth smiled slightly at the middle aged Bajoran. "Mister Keelin, do not
mistake my determination for fleeting words. The failing of many a
politician is falling into a trap where they have made so many empty
promises that they spend all of their time explaining their lack of action
or lack of results instead of actually doing the job they were elected to
do."
The Admiral stepped closer to the edge of the stage, looking the Bajoran
square in the eye. "I'm not promising that I will achieve every goal I set
for my government. What I am promising is that the goals I set will be
chosen according to what is important to the Federation and its people, not
by what is convenient to my administration. We will pursue those goals with
all of the determination we can muster, and stand to public scrutiny should
we fail. The only promise I make to you today is that as President I will
not fail on any goal through inaction, procrastination, or evasion."
�One last question Admiral, Ulan Toren, Centauri Magazine, it has been
reported that Velim Kaznali of Zakdorn and Ahel Borat of Bolias are planning
to run also. Why would you be a better President than either of them?�
Kanryth mused the question for a brief second before replying. "The simple
fact is, Mr Toren, I have one advantage they do not. My fellow candidates
are doubtless up to speed on the issues that face our Federation, but
whereas their knowledge comes from research and reports mine is tempered by
hands on experience. My career has taken me to all corners of the
Federation, i've seen the troubles faced by our people, not just read about
them. I have direct experience solving real world problems faced by our
people, and right now I think the Federation needs a leader with that kind
of practical knowledge."
�Okay, that�s enough questions for today.� Harkness stepped forward and
looked at Kanryth �as the governor of Alphosia I will reiterate how much of
an honor it is to have Morgana Kanryth be our nominee for president.� He
gently placed his hand on her back and guided her down the stage steps
towards the back room �now is when the fun begins for you Admiral.�
[End]
Admiral (ret) Morgana Kanryth
&
Governor Harkness
Alphosia
