Cape Town Republic Anniversary Party

Gathering / Conference

Beckett Solarin and Kallisto Valane co-host a lavish party to celebrate the anniversary of The Republic with many important guests in attendance.

There was a major party at Capetown, on Earth to celebrate the anniversary of the Republic and Terran reunification. The best and the brightest of the Republic rubbed shoulders in a lavish two day event, attended by their retinues and a host of pre-selected press Governor Beckett Solarin (IND) and Princess Kalisto Valane (IND) were both present, acting as co- hosts along with Katherine van Trapp (IND), the Mayor of Capetown. Over thirty thousand guests were in attendance, along with various popular modern bands and singers, several theatre troops and popular stand-up comedians.   Senator Voltaire Elazar (RHC) made several controversial comments during an after dinner discussion on AI rights, calling the advances in AI technology “a blind leap into danger”. The Ravenheart Senator, joined by his cousin, Stravik Elazar, also spoke at great length about the popularity of Neo-paganism.   Dahlia Grumman-Knottman tman, the Martian socialite and political activist, was also a popular figure at the event, wowing the guests with her elegance and her charisma. She dodged questions around the decision by Senator Reiner Grumman (GUR) to attend the event and his potential run for President in 2560.   Lawyer Hayse Dutton, son of the Secretary of the Interior Roddick Dutton (FUP) made a splash too, dancing closely with heiress Ria Kavanaugh. The two denied any speculation that they were an item. Hayse Dutton also spoke up in support of his father, stating that “the Dutton’s are decisive and direct, that’s the only way to get things done on the Frontier. Here on Earth, you can dally all you want it seems!”   Leander Ashpool , the “Founder of the Republic” made quite the splash at the event too. The former Chief of Staff to President Inkerman made several strange, unprompted comments about “How busy he was” and “The need to carefully track all information”. He stated he had no intention of returning to frontline politics but gave his full-throated support to President Inkerman (VAL), whom he called “a brilliant man”.   Another member of House Ashpool, former Minister of Intelligence Alexander Ashpool was present. The elegant and charming young former cabinet officer confirmed his intent to stay retired from Republican politics. He gave praise to Governor Solarin and Princess Valane for the event and also to Leander Ashpool for “forming the Republic in the first place”. He also made several disarming quips when asked about the 2560 election. Former Foreign Secretary Herrick Knottman (SDP) and his son Price Knottman-Grumman were also present. Herrick Knottman seemed at ease with both those from the progressive end of Republican politics but also spoke at length with AEA’s young CEO Nurih Safin and various other major Hansa figures.   Veteran Senator Davis Hanley (SDP) was another prominent guest. He generally refused to be drawn into political conversations, instead preferring to talk about his days as a lawyer and about the legal trade in the Republic. He kept a group of young lawyers and law students enthralled with a series of anecdotes about law in the Empire.   Senator Elizabeth Sondeheim (TYR), the moderate politician, was also present and was seen talking at length with Princess Kallisto Valane. She was also seen talking intently with Senator Morse Cutbill (ISO). Senator Cutbill managed to avoid any controversy and was considered to be on his best behaviour. The press appeared keen to bait him into making one of his trademark fiery comments but he was genial and even self-deprecating during several speeches. Senator Cutbill spent a long time talking with General Aston Groff.   The young CEO of AEA gave an impromptu Q&A session about the future of his company, how to found a multi billion adjusted dollar corporation and the potential of AI. He called AI colonies “the ace up our sleeve” when it came to the Terran Republic. He stated that more of them needed to be developed. He also called for a more progressive, open minded government to take power in 2560. He denied speculation that he intended to run for President in 2560 as an Independent but did not rule out a future in politics.   Highly regarded Hansa broker Reid Sondeheim (IND) was also present. Sondeheim spoke in positive terms about the current government, calling it “excellent for business”. He said that he believes the Republic is generally good for business but that other members of his family are still to be fully convinced of the benefits of Republican membership.   Governor Galen Drayfuss (LBR) took a break from his bid to win a third term of Fort Kurzon to attend the event. The Valtinist preacher turned politician and a major leader within the growing Librarius Party spoke for the need to value education and tolerance, as well as the hope that the constitutional crisis could be avoided. He dodged questions about his own political future, making light of speculation that he may seek the Presidency in 2560.   There were a few interesting issues during the party. Senator Shen Rutten (VAL) was escorted away from a fiery debate that threatened to turn into a full blown fist fight with Senator Luuk Tassacore (SDP). Senator Rutten also gave some spicy comments that the press have been encouraged not to print. As the event concluded, news broke out that Senator Reiner Grumman (GUR) had held his own event on New Berlin dedicated to feeding, clothing and housing the poorest and worst off people in the Republic. He also criticized the incredible opulence of the event on Earth. All I all though, the huge party appears to have been a huge success, with the prestige of House Solarin and House Valane greatly increased by their planning and execution of the event. A small army of security personnel prevented any serious problems and the Capetown police reported very few arrests made, largely of student protesters and members of “fringe conspiracy groups”