Casper adjusted his glasses as the other delegates finished their claims.
"I think that's a curious point you touched on, Shipmaster," he nodded to Velzzmkt, "is the Terran National Government 'self proclaimed'?" Casper shrugged. "I suppose it is, if you consider the unanimously accepted alliance of over a hundred different formerly-independent Terran countries into a single, unified coalition to be 'self proclaimed'. The TNG represents civilians from every corner of the planet, from Hafirjan to Nebrajit, from Therrier-Paix to Solinus. Though Aslund is our political centerpiece (and admittedly, the source of many of our domestic dilemmas), we are far more than just an 'Aslund Jurisdiction'." He turned now to Avantia. "In truth, Matriarch, Shintechi is the only continent in which our union possesses absolutely no political authority. While we respect the sovereignty of your nations and your cultures, we are grieved that it took a looming threat to bring our peoples together." He looked now to Kaida. "An error that we are eager to rectify, Empress, with Losenji. With impending foreign threats finally pacified, with our economic reconstruction nearly complete after the ravages of war, and with the long-awaited Parliamentary elections taking place within the month, I am proud to say that diplomacy has at last become the primary political objective of the Terran National Government. It is my deepest wish that we might come to know each other on better terms than we have." He looked again to Avantia. "All of us. Gathered peacefully at the table of brotherhood. United not as Volarians, Losenji or Aslunds, but as Terrans. Lovers of the same earth." He looked again to the AXIS delegates. "Though our esteemed Andromedan diplomats are generous with their gifts, I don't know if they truly understand the nature of our people, the fierce, unyielding passion that drives us, all of us, regardless of background, race or species. I question the ability of the AXIS Corporate Forces to properly accommodate this aspect of Terran society, a purely-inherent characteristic that has little to do with finance or economic stability. I question the cultural impact that AXIS' massive corporate influence will undoubtedly play in Shintechi society at large, if this continent's rich culture and customs will remain intact under the weight of an entire galaxy's crushing fiscal sway, if its domestic industry and self-sustainment will not whither and choke in the thick and endless smog of a thousand different Andromedan mega-corporations."
Casper drew a deep (though likely unneeded) breath, adjusting his bow-tie. He offered the room a quiet sort of smile, warm and humble. It was considerably out-of-place in the paleness and gaunt (though somewhat handsome) features of his cold complexion. "As for the Invictus," he was getting to the 'big' problems now, "I attain that they have never, nor do they currently, hold ANY political influence in the TNG. They are an independent organization that works apart from our union, and, so long as they continue to operate in our territory, are subject to the same laws and regulations as any other 'mercenary' group. With that said, the Invictus has shown itself to have Terra's best interest at heart. Though their diplomatic strategies may be..." He looked to Avantia out of the corner of his eye, "...lacking... they ARE trying to protect this planet. With their help, we've repulsed dozens of foreign and domestic threats a like. The blockade we have in place (which, I assure you Matriarch, is being dispersed even as we speak) was put there to prevent the flight of a certain Jacob Haley, a suspected intergalactic terrorist. With the Invictus' help, the NPA successfully maintained custody of Mr. Haley, despite several daring attempts by his companions to free him." The vampire nodded, looking sternly at the AXIS delegates. "Should the Invictus commit any serious crimes, should they open-fire on your vessels or violate the human rights of your people, the Terran National Government would be the first to find and arrest them. Until then, we will treat them as they are: an organization that continues to actively defended Terra and protect her wellbeing. Soldiers. Not rulers. Not masters."
He fell silent, though much was unsaid. Casper hadn't addressed half of what he'd wished to in response to Taanz' opening retort, but he needed to give the other delegates sufficient time to respond.