[Lauchenoiria]

Council Chamber, Grapevale, Kerlile
29th November 2019

“Councillors, Madam President, Daughters we are gathered here today to discuss the urgent matter of the Aurora Programme,” Councillor Chiu began, addressing the Councillors or their proxies, and President Arnott. It had been a long time since a full Council session with the President present had taken place. “Following the third leak of documents, some among our number believe that measures should be taken to protect the Auroras over the continuation of the Programme. That debate must take place immediately, given the urgent nature of this matter. Each of you is to give your opinion before discussion continues. Councillor Patel?”

“Thank you,” Nirmala Patel stood. “Councillors, the Aurora Programme is finished. As much as this may disappoint us, without the secrecy it is useless. The only course of action we have, especially knowing that some countries are hunting their Auroras, is to shut down the programme and issue a general evacuation order immediately.”

“I agree,” nodded Carmen Robinson. “We have no other choice. You all know my views on the Programme and many of you likely call them illegitimate. But right now, forget who I am and consider this – Kerlian citizens are in danger. Whatever happened in the past, let us focus on the present, and we must save them.”

“I am sceptical, I must admit, of sending out a general evacuation order,” sighed Lucia Viallamando. “It seems like it is a waste of our resources when we do not yet know how many will be in danger. We should come up with a compromise option.”

“I’m with Lucia. It seems like a waste of resources,” Rosemary Arnott said, then quickly looked at Juliette Greenwood, Letitia’s sister and proxy, as if she didn’t like having the attention on her even for a second.

“I think that we ought to consider the pros and cons here,” Juliette said. “If we issue an evacuation order, then we have a lot of highly trained individuals safe, and able to carry out other missions. But we lose the deep covers they have developed, and we have no proof they are necessarily all in danger.”

“My mother wishes me to vote to scrap the Programme,” Councillor Georgiou’s eldest daughter Myra said. “I do not feel it is my place to comment further since I am only her proxy vote.”

“Fair enough,” Councillor Hart said. “For my part, I think we should continue as is. We have no proof any Auroras aside from Charissa Clarke have been captured, and the Programme is too valuable to our cause to scrap.”

“I am with Natalia,” agreed Councillor Pierre. “The amount of resources we have put into this is huge. Are we really willing to write all of that off because of some Lauchenoirian leaks? Councillors, we are not as cowardly as all that. Our Auroras know the risks, and they know how to protect themselves.”

“Well,” Councillor Hale piped up reluctantly. “I should probably take this opportunity to inform you all of the phone call I received from the Union of Merchants. They have offered to assist in helping Auroras return to Kerlile. And if we refuse their offer… I rather think our supplies of certain goods may stop.”

“Well that’s just fantastic,” sighed Councillor Chiu. “Very well. President Arnott, do you have anything to add?”

“I will abide by the decision of the Council,” said the President.

“Very good,” nodded Chiu. “Well, I think in order to gather where we stand, we shall take a non-binding vote on which of three options we want to take. Raise your hands in turn for one of: continue as is, issue a general evacuation order, or find a third solution. First, raise your hands for continuing as is.”

Only Councillors Hart and Pierre raised their hands.

“Votes for issuing a general evacuation order?” Chiu asked.

Councillors Patel and Robinson raised their hands, along with Myra Georgiou.

“Votes for a third solution?”

Chiu raised her own hand, and was joined by Councillors Viallamando, Arnott and Hale, plus Juliette Greenwood.

“It seems like a third solution is the most popular option. Does anyone have any proposals for how this should take place?”

“Yes, I do,” Councillor Hale said quickly. “We issue a general warning to all Auroras, informing them of the leak if they do not already know, and asking them to remain extra vigilant. We also ask them to get in contact and request evacuation if they suspect they are in danger. Auroras are clever, so I hear. They should know how at-risk they are.”

“That is not a bad suggestion,” conceded Councillor Pierre. “Especially with the Kvask problem," she spat. "I will admit, some are likely in danger. We can let the Kvaskm help with those who request it, despite my loathing of their country. Although, I am guessing they want something in return?”

“The identities of the Kvask-assigned Auroras,” Hale replied. “It is fairly obvious. Also, who is Pavlina? They mentioned her twice on the call.”

“Pavlina!? They know of her? Goddess!” Pierre cried, banging her hand on the table.

“… okay, Councillor Pierre. Contain yourself,” instructed Chiu. “Does anyone have objections to Councillor Hale’s proposal?”

There was silence.

“Then can I see votes in favour of the proposal?”

Nine women raised their hands, including Chiu herself. Myra Georgiou did not.

“Votes against?”

Nobody raised their hand.

“Abstentions?”

Myra Georgiou raised her hand.

“Very well," Chiu smiled. "Then it is agreed. A message will be sent to all Auroras warning them of the leak and inviting them to request evacuation if they suspect they are in danger. Councillors Pierre and Hale, work with the Kvaskm on evacuations."

"I do not want to work with them!" Pierre objected. "I despise that country."

"Tough. You are the expert on Auroras and, like it or not, with our budget cuts we need them. We will meet again to discuss this if any further developments take place. Thank you for keeping this session brief, and I hope to see you all at our ball on Saturday evening. Session closed.”