Post by Jamitov Hymem on Feb 20, 2015 3:10:58 GMT
Jamitov was not amused. To appear before the Earth Federation Council, a far more resilient bunch, meant his influence was fairly limited in the adjacent room. A spectacled servant carefully removed his overcoat before walking away. These dogs think they can push me around. They were going to regret it. He was going to make them. The summons were cordial, formal, and respected the rule of law- that didn't meant he had to abide by them when he entered, even if he just took Salazar's job.
The large double doors opened into an antechamber. At its center was a semicircular table that allowed for a man to stand at its center. At each angle was a cabinet member- the real rulers of the Earth Federation government. During the One Year War, the executive powers of the council began to dramatically outweigh that of the Assembly. At its head was the Prime Minister- electorate of the majority party.
"Gentlemen, would you care to explain why have you haven't responded to my proposed budget yet?"
"Jamitov, I don't think begin to understand the situation we're in."
An unexpected voice from an unassuming man. Even the Admiral was surprised that it was the Secretary of the Treasury Silverberche would be the one to talk back. Fitting for his job, he was a small and shrewd man. Shrewd, but completely unassuming.
"To put it bluntly, we can't afford it. As I previously explained to our members. The Earth Federation spends upwards of 40% of its national budget on defense. We've been taking in additional loans from colonial bankers to support this, and they will not appreciate us mobilizing any of our own forces or approving additional weapons projects. In other words, the Earth Federation has been in a deep recession for the last five years. Any further action would cause a crisis large and alarming enough to outdo anything the Remnants have done during Stardust."
Fortunately, Jamitov's near constant look of disgust hid his reaction.
"You spent 40% of our national budget on defense but sold us out to foreign investors?"
The Secretary of State Danton interjected.
"According to our own analysis, you've been spending a significant sum on your own pet projects. What have you been doing at Green Noa 2?"
"As you are aware gentlemen, I am neither legally obligated or morally obliged to answer that question if you're going to refuse additional funding."
Before Hymem had time to react, he was already backed into a corner. These men would have to be dealt with on another day.
The large double doors opened into an antechamber. At its center was a semicircular table that allowed for a man to stand at its center. At each angle was a cabinet member- the real rulers of the Earth Federation government. During the One Year War, the executive powers of the council began to dramatically outweigh that of the Assembly. At its head was the Prime Minister- electorate of the majority party.
"Gentlemen, would you care to explain why have you haven't responded to my proposed budget yet?"
"Jamitov, I don't think begin to understand the situation we're in."
An unexpected voice from an unassuming man. Even the Admiral was surprised that it was the Secretary of the Treasury Silverberche would be the one to talk back. Fitting for his job, he was a small and shrewd man. Shrewd, but completely unassuming.
"To put it bluntly, we can't afford it. As I previously explained to our members. The Earth Federation spends upwards of 40% of its national budget on defense. We've been taking in additional loans from colonial bankers to support this, and they will not appreciate us mobilizing any of our own forces or approving additional weapons projects. In other words, the Earth Federation has been in a deep recession for the last five years. Any further action would cause a crisis large and alarming enough to outdo anything the Remnants have done during Stardust."
Fortunately, Jamitov's near constant look of disgust hid his reaction.
"You spent 40% of our national budget on defense but sold us out to foreign investors?"
The Secretary of State Danton interjected.
"According to our own analysis, you've been spending a significant sum on your own pet projects. What have you been doing at Green Noa 2?"
"As you are aware gentlemen, I am neither legally obligated or morally obliged to answer that question if you're going to refuse additional funding."
Before Hymem had time to react, he was already backed into a corner. These men would have to be dealt with on another day.