Padma Saddat, having of course attended the meeting of the Estates, accompanied by her entourage of assistants, guardsmen, and the odd poet or artistic type, sat with her peers within the middle level of the event. As customary for the Saddat, Padma wore a head cloth, wound loosely and allowing the face to be seen, her forehead adorned with a magnificent crimson jewel as her grand-mother had taught her many years ago. But she sat primly, moreso than usual, not as merely a High Princess, but as Prime Minister of the Empire, an honor coveted by House Saddat as the epitome of achievable power, the family not known for being warriors.
Following the words of Chief of the Admirals Paulos-Damos and the Baron of Gades, Padma rose to speak.
"Concerning the situation with the Nintep colonies, I am in agreement with the proposal, for they must be eradicated, lest we allow a potential threat to fester at our doorstep.
Concerning the expansion of our Navies and Armies, I am in agreement with our Chief of Admirals. The Navy is most important in protecting us, however the Army is best served for invasions and cementing our control, which is not our goal. Thus, I support the counter-proposal to double our Navies and expand our Armies by half.
Concerning the construction of five new temples, I must express my hesitance. While the Church of MetaStar is of course an ally and beneficial force for our Empire, it is perhaps best not to spend imperial funds on constructing temples. These funds will be at the expense of other projects that could better benefit the stability of our Empire, whether it be combating the Nintep hordes or securing our other frontiers, while the need for new temples is not present, the current ones doing well on their own. Thus, I ask His Eternal Majesty to consider putting this plan aside until such a time that these temples are required to sate a future need, while directing its planned funds towards other goals.
Concerning the granting of a special code of law for trade worlds, I encourage further discussion and am in agreement that such changes are needed to allow ourselves access to more and more resources.
And before I relinquish my place to speak, I must say to His Eternal Majesty, I am most grateful for this appointment, and I shall endeavor to fulfill my duties and assist your new reign in ushering in a period of most excellent progress. Thank you."
Padma bowed and returned to her seat.
