A New Day Read Online Free PDF

here and advise us?" Yinshi asked.
    Councilor Yoshi, who worked very closely with Councilor Yinshi, nodded agreement.
    Looking around, Ben saw the number of green lights and nodded. "I will speak to her on your behalf. Now, the question I needed the answer to was about the modification of our ground combat drones to update them to modern standards. Do any of you have questions on this issue?"
    "Councilor Rustov would like to speak," Mother said.
    "Yes Councilor?" Ben asked.
    "Because of the pace these events are taking, I would make a motion that we allow the Prime Council a certain leeway in making this type of decision. We all are monitoring the actions thanks to the AI network. If he makes a decision we cannot live with, we can always call him directly and speak to him about it, or contact Vice Councilor Jorga to intercede on our behalf.
    "As to the upgrading of the drones; we lack a large defensive force as well as the means of creating one. The use of drone craft is a very feasible and viable alternative to this and has the added benefit of saving the lives of our soldiers. The more drones we can field, the safer and more effective we will be in the upcoming war.
    "Make no mistake on this, my brothers and sisters, there is a war coming. It might not be apparent to you that we have a stake in it, but we very much do. Our very existence, not only as we are now, but also as a race, may very well hang in the balance. We have little choice but to take an active role in our own defense. I understand and agree, with hesitation, to resort to violence, but I feel we are to be given little choice in this matter, and we must prepare for it. Thank you."
    "Councilor Cormier would like to comment," Mother intoned.
    "Your thoughts, Councilor?" Ben asked.
    Cormier nodded. "While I do support a more peaceful method of resolving issues, I think Brother Rustov might be correct in this instance. I abhor the thought of war, but he is correct, we will be given little choice in the matter. If we do not act, we could very well see an end to our species. I am aware that there are other, better equipped militaries out there that are there for our protection, but it is becoming clear that they have been taken by surprise as well.
    "Out of necessity, I would like to second the motions made by Councilor Rustov."
    Ben nodded. "What say you, Brothers and Sisters? Let us vote on these motions separately. Do you wish to give me leeway in making decisions for this Council in matters dealing with our defense when contacting the Council for approval might not be viable?"
    "Vote is ninety-one percent in favor, zero percent opposed, nine percent abstained," Mother replied.
    "Motion carries," Ben said and tapped the gavel to make it official.
    "Item logged," Mother replied.
    "Thank you Councilors, I will do my best to not abuse this authority. Next, Councilor Rustov made a motion to not only proceed with the upgrades to the drones in question, but to proceed with research into the development of drone technology to augment our military for our defense. Before I call for a vote on this, I would like to ask Councilor Rustov to make one clarification; as I understand this, it was your intent for this to apply to defensive technologies only, am I correct? You did not wish to include offensive drones, although most of these can be used in either role?"
    Councilor Rustov nodded his head. "Yes, Prime, I did mean for defensive purposes with the understanding that some of this technology could be used offensively, I did not intend for the development of purely offensive weapons. If that decision is to be decided, it should be a separate issue with more time given to debate." 
    Ben glanced over to Councilor Cormier and saw he was greatly relieved. "Does that set your mind at easy, Councilor Cormier?"
    "Very much so. Merci for that clarification," Cormier replied.
     
     
    "Prime Councilor, Vice Councilor Jorga Bedouin is requesting entry; she has Commander Halst with