Welcome to the Trade Federation

A rapid and successful military, diplomatic, and economic campaign has left the coalition directly overseeing 90% of the planetary surface. The other 10% now finds itself in the hand of private investors, and deeds to those tracts are changing hands so frequently on public marketplaces that it is impossible to predict who might eventually come to control those plots. Although Trade Federation officials confirmed the coalition would not seize those areas claimed before it assumed formal control of Jakku, construction and development will only be permitted for members of the local coalition governing the system. Viceroy Jansen's message for those hoping to build on Jakku without permission was clear: stay away. A staff member of the Viceroy's office later stated that the seven partners overseeing Jakku had agreed to use "whatever means necessary" to ensure the safety of their citizens and settlements. "Jakku," the spokesperson stated, "is in no way to be considered contested territory." Several members of the Jakku coalition have issued travel advisories for all non-essential personnel until it is certain that all outside actors have heeded Viceroy Jansen's warning. Duceroy Salamku Derov suggested that it would be "something of a risk" for anybody to attempt a breach of this condition, nevertheless assuring holders of territory that "those who will work with us can expect to see the benefits for years to come."

 

"Dac Kain, of the Mecrotica Conglomerate, suggested that an inclusive view of Jakku's future was planned by the coalition. "I am excited to be a part of what is happening at Jakku. We aren't simply 'wrapping up' a post-conflict zone, the agreements we're working on are a true departure from how most planets are governed. Every signatory to the accords we are preparing will have a tangible seat at the table." The precise details of this 'Jakku Agreement' are expected to be published in the coming weeks. It is understood, however, that the coalition's guarantee for a multilateral government on Jakku played a significant role in convincing other organisations with large holdings on the planet, to support its plans for the region's future. Endless Endeavors, led by Kez Aak, formally joined the Jakku Coalition on Day 305."

 

The current plans for the system call for the planet and her moons to be developed cooperatively by all members of the governing coalition - a physical representation of the growing, prosperous relationships between the member governments and corporations. The Trade Federation hopes this arrangement, if ultimately successful, will serve as a template for the settlement of systems discovered in the future, averting the sort of catastrophic conflicts which have engulfed the galaxy in recent years."

The dinners, balls, and receptions which filled the Grand Capitol Palace underscored the strenuous efforts that had gone into remaking the alliance. Even though the heads of state of the Condordiate's members have been meeting regularly for years now, this was the first gathering for its entire citizenry. When asked 'Why now?' the Lady Hegemon was poised to answer, "To us leading this alliance, one of its greatest failings has been a seeming irrelevance to the daily lives of its citizens. We have sought to change that: in virtually every corner of the alliance a public holiday was declared, and the number of journeys made to Voss has been extraordinary." Adding "By bringing our people together, we can better show them why we think the Concordiate matters and the opportunities it provides."

 

Events were run throughout the districts of Meeshae, the capital city. Citizens of the alliance, and those invited as friends, were treated to scavenger hunts, local lotteries, and even a system-wide grand prix, in which the finest pilots from across the group traversed a complex course, testing their coordination and pushing their endurance to its limits. Tion pilots Athrun Zala and Dillininioh Colk took first and third place, while Garas Tegra, a Trade Federation pilot, took second.

 

The Gala was brought to a close, on Day 60, when the Executive Council met for a joint press conference at the Capitol Palace broadcasted across the alliance. Viceroy Jacob Jansen, the current Magistrate of the Executive Council, gave the final address. "When we began discussing the Concordiate's future a year ago, it was apparent to us immediately the scale of what we are trying to achieve. But, in the months since, the alliance has come together dramatically. With each new act, we are slowly pushing the frontier of what was thought possible." Reiterating the group's founding principle, the Viceroy concluded "A space for peaceful diplomacy and economic co-operation is being created: we welcome Sienar and the Falleen to our alliance on that basis, and we stand ready to welcome any others who desire to do so."

 

The Falleen Federation's admission to the group was therefore considered a major success of the alliance's reforms. The parallel application of Sienar was, however, considered a surprise, given the Conglomerate's history of independent neutrality.

 

"Sienar has always been an independent and neutral corporation," noted Bart Roberts, Vice President of the Sienar Conglomerate Board of Directors, speaking on behalf of the Conglomerate. "It has been a guiding principle since our inception fifteen years ago, and shall always be so. Nevertheless, we have wanted to be a part of building a peaceful galaxy for some time now. But, it was never clear how exactly a corporation such as ours would 'fit in' with the Galactic Concordiate as it was first organized. As a non-government, we were simply ineligible to join the group's upper leadership. Now that full equality to all members has been granted, we are confident of our place and role in the group. And while we accept that the Concordiate is not a perfect solution to the problems that plague our Galaxy, we believe that it has the best chance of making a reality of the vision for an organized group of neutral governments and corporations based upon the rule of law, and respect for the sovereignty of its members."

 

Concluding the press conference which followed the signing, current Magistrate of the Concordiate, Jacob Jansen, explained why the Galactic Concordiate appeared to stress the importance of collective action only now, six years after its creation. "When we founded the Concordiate it was conceived as a way to organise the existing relationship between its founders. We did not envisage it as a political 'project' of any kind; there was no need to. However, as Lady Hegemon Stephanie Barefoot expressed clearly two months ago, the galaxy has changed drastically since then. Lawless groups have emerged and targeted those of the galaxy willing to operate by the norms of civil diplomacy. Ignoring the problem has seen it grow, and further inaction will simply continue to undermine the role which peaceful diplomacy and mutual cooperation play in building the sustainable peace and prosperity the alliance has enjoyed. If the Concordiate seems now to be a 'project' then it is because we think that one is necessary." The Magistrate underscored the importance of self-restraint, which major powers would need to exercise if such a project was to be achieved. "Groups like the Trade Federation must lead by example. We have to accept certain limitations on our role and power within the alliance if our partners' voices are to be adequately heard and considered. The Concordiate has striven to achieve that balance with its new treaty, and the results are reflected today with the signing of two members varying significantly in power, history, and relationship to the Galactic Civil War."

 

The text of the Second Treaty of Forsetti has been released, and we're getting our first look at what exactly the heads of state saw the need to adapt. Among the most substantial changes are those concerning membership in the alliance and its governance. While the first treaty allowed both governments and private corporations to sign the treaty, only governments were permitted a seat at the Executive Council, by far the organization's most important body. By privileging the old guard in such a way as to stack the cards against newcomers, the issue of structure became a thorny one amongst the heads of state at each new accession hearing. New guidelines have flattened the hierarchy of the organization and opened up numerous areas to involvement by all members of the group. "The Galactic Concordiate began as a way to formalize the relationship between those governments which did not sign the revised treaty of the Imperial Union. As successful as this format has been, we have recognized its insular character for some time." explained Viceroy Jacob Jansen, "Beyond that, there are many territories across the galaxy where sovereignty does not rest with a government, but, instead we see many planets, systems, and even whole sectors governed by corporate rule. Often these areas are the only respite from pirates and gangs in their local area. By favoring official governments, we have inadvertently excluded many billions of sentients from the protections and prosperity which the Concordiate offers. We hope that with these changes we can open up our partnership to all those in our galaxy who believe that only through coming together, can we achieve the real benefits of peace."

 

Viceroy Jansen addressed the alliance's position on accessing member technology, another key point of the revised treaty. "We want to make it clear that we are an alliance for everyone, from modest manufacturing firms to governments of all sizes, and regardless of technological capability. We provide a forum for cooperation, that's true, but the trade of technology is handled as a strictly bilateral affair. With the language we have in place in this new treaty, individual members have the assurance that as members of the alliance, their technology cannot be pressured from them."

 

Significant changes were also made to the mutual defense agreement. Regent Nohv Schiller stated that "The first treaty had a somewhat impractical defensive agreement. Members were obligated to respond militarily to, potentially, anywhere in the galaxy in which an attack on the Concordiate had taken place. We have revised the treaty in this respect to allow for the organization to vote on military and non-military interventions, and for individual members to choose whether they wish to accede or not to these motions. The new treaty will therefore still allow for the most powerful members of the alliance to intervene in the defense of others with military force, where it is practical for them to do so. We think that these new provisions keep conflicts from escalating needlessly. Members are obviously encouraged to build diplomatic relations with other members, and defensive pacts, too, as they see fit."