Party Manifesto:
“The Phoenix party was born out of necessity. It is clear, and has been clear for a long time that both Unity and Conquest are toiling under the naïve belief that focusing on consolidation and diplomacy or expansion and control is the answer to Delta and by extension, Echo's problems. Their policies are decades old and show no signs of changing. They are no longer reflective of what this company, or this planet needs.

Because Echo is just that. A distant echo of its original glory, which grows weaker, and quieter with each passing year. Whether Delta focuses on diplomacy or domination is irrelevant until we bring stability back to our home planet. At it's core, Delta is Echo, and if Echo crumbles underneath us, no amount of alliances or colonies will be able to keep us afloat.

Perhaps in the future Unity or Conquest will be a question that must be answered. But we must secure our present before we look to the future. We are the Phoenix Party, because we will raise Echo from ashes and dust, and return it to its glory days.”


Speech on Echo's problems:
“Echo's core problem is its rigidity. It isn't flexible enough for the natural change that needs to occur for a society to advance. We are trapped in the past by an outdated and restrictive social structure. How many of you out there, know that you could do more, not just for yourself, but for Delta and all of Echo. That you could do better than your superiors, if only you were given the chance?

So many of us are trapped in place, whether it be by social standing, corruption, or even the circumstances of your birth. This system doesn't just hurt the individual either. This rigidity means that talent is wasted, that incompetence is rewarded, and that Delta can't evolve with the times.

But the largest effect of this is felt by the lowest among us. Oppression with no hope for change leads to a growing resentment. I know many of you have felt it. Simmering beneath the surface of Echo. If we don't allow for change, then an uprising is inevitable, and it will be the downfall of Delta. The history buffs among you will know that this is exactly what led to the fall of the first Corameu empire. Delta will meet the same fate sooner or later.”


Foreign policy:
“As is stated in our manifesto, we believe that Echo must be healed before Delta can look to consolidate or expand. In planning for the future though, I can see the benefits of each side, but would propose a third option that I believe incorporates the best of both.

I have a vision for the future of Echo ascended and bound in unity. The current state of Echo keeps this dream from happening, but once it is achieved, we can look to expand our unity to the stars. Alliances are all well and good for those who agree with and keep to our policies, but not all will, and I believe it would be wrong for us to ally with those who endorse antithetical laws and regulations. At the same time, attempting to conquer and oppress those who disagree would be difficult, expensive, and likely unachievable on a system-wide scale. Eventually the population will rise up. This cycle can be seen on a smaller scale when looking at the first Corameu empire.

 Instead I would propose boycotting trade to planets who refuse to align with our ideals. Trade is the lifeblood of Delta, but similarly it is the lifeblood of the entire system. Planets excluded from our “alliance” will soon come to realise that they cannot survive on their own and will join willingly. A willing partner is much less likely to rebel, and can be integrated into our collective much more easily.”


Plans within plans:
Attempt to gain the council's backing. While not outright a part of Delta themselves many of the important people under their influence are, and could be very useful.
Outright victory in the race is the ideal, but not essential. While the lower classes naturally control less of the vote per head, they are the vast majority. If their sheer numbers are not enough to sway the vote in my favour, their resentment may be leveraged to stage a coup.

Gain information on opposition. Have a pathway to obtain dirt on Biscuit already. Will have to do some digging when it comes to Adelaide. Perhaps Biscuit himself could be tricked into providing this...

Despite the above, avoid making the first move against either party. Each of them will likely dismiss me, as third parties before mine have been less than successful. It benefits me to remain beneath their notice for as long as possible. Gives me more time to clandestinely accrue votes, and information, before getting their attention.

Hire slave birds to spread the message among as many slaves as they can that the rise of the Phoenix will lead to their ascension, and that those slaves should spread the word among any slaves they meet too. While they don't have a vote, hope is a powerful motivator and they're a huge portion of Echo's population to boot. If an uprising is necessary, they will not only greatly swell our numbers, but also sow chaos. Production will slow to a crawl for those who oppose me, and if they choose violence to stop us they will do so with the knowledge that they are irreparably damaging the spine of their workforce. Heads I win, tails they lose.

Avoid directly stating desire to end slavery. Would alienate influential voters.

If uprising is required, imprisoned opponents could be offered reduced sentence in exchange for intense community service? Would help stabilise economy during the turbulence immediately following slave emancipation and give them a small taste of the evil they were fighting in favour of. Getting ahead of myself.


N.B. Sometimes to do some good, you have to be the bad guy.