The Deputy Emperor of the Clone Star Empire and heir of Oojok Terin recently gave a short interview to the Daily Dino.
Daily Dino : Deputy Emperor Terin, soon you will welcome MBH [this interview took place just before the summit], have you met our Emperor before?
Terin : Only briefly at an embassy event a few years ago, before i had a senior role in my father's empire. I am looking forward to meeting Emperor MBH, he is... interesting.
DD : Relations between our two empires are improving, do you see this continuing.
TR : Oh yes, its in our mutual interest. There are some big challenges on the horizon.
DD : Such as?
TR : The break-up of the Utrek. It affects us much more than you i know but i am sure it is also a concern to the Dinos. For us its a big deal, especially as civil war has begun between the various successor states. Then there is the Mantae of course. Will they come to fight us too?
DD : Would you say this is the greatest issue for the CSE now?
TR : Yes, especially us in the East as we are really on the front line.
DD : Also you are on the front line against the Free Eritran States, do you see any more trouble from that quarter?
TR : Not really, war between us and the Eritrans will mean war against us and New Sparta and no one wants that. I know my father certainly doesn't want another Clone War.
DD : Finally, do you ever think about one day succeeding Oojok?
TR : Of course, once i became the designated heir it became possible. But father is in no mood to stand down any time soon. He is in his prime, hundreds of years younger than Ronald of course and Ronald only recently decided to cool it. I don't see myself being Emperor for centuries yet. And who knows what the galaxy will be like by then! Maybe the CSE will span galaxies!
Showing posts with label Monday interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Monday interview. Show all posts
4.9.17
28.8.17
Monday Interview : Lord Argrox
The head of the Remedian military Lord Argrox has also been an NS Politburo member for years. When visiting NS GHQ he gave this short interview to NS News 24.
NS News 24 : Lord Argrox, we understand you have been discussing Remedian fleet plans with New Sparta?
Lord Argrox : Yes that is so. Since we decoupled our fleet from the DDS a few years ago we have been slowly rebuilding our fleet so it can be a fully independent and balance force, yet still part of the overall NS.
NS24 : Your combat fleet will by 2120 consist of a Mulberry, 6 Corkscrew and 3 Pentekonters. Or are there plans for more?
LA : Obviously budgets are not limitless. We want to have sufficient ships to maintain a ready battlegroup of 4 to 5 front line ships. At the moment we do not have enough cover.
NS24 : Yes you would need at least 8 or 9 ships to be able to maintain such a ready fleet. So do the Remedians plan to buy more ships?
LA : We need at least 2 Mulberrys and 8 Corkscrews. The Pentekonters, of which we also want more, would be a reserve and patrol fleet. At the moment we are still paying for our current order but soon i hope we can explore future options.
NS24 : You are not beholden to buy NS ships of course anymore, could you look elsewhere such as the Clones too?
LA : You are correct but buying a fractured fleet because of cheaper available ships is a short term gain but in the medium term costs you more in extra maintenance and training. We will have 3 combat ships and this will be the basis of our fleet for the next 3 to 4 decades.
NS24 : You also have a Depender on order. Do you envisage more in future?
LA : The Depender will be an EW ship, our equivalent of the Marconi. I can see us buying more for other roles in future but the priority will be combat ships. I want the Remedians to be able to field a battle group to join with NS operations as well as operate on our own. The Remedians are Tier 1 allies and we will continue to be so.
NS News 24 : Lord Argrox, we understand you have been discussing Remedian fleet plans with New Sparta?
Lord Argrox : Yes that is so. Since we decoupled our fleet from the DDS a few years ago we have been slowly rebuilding our fleet so it can be a fully independent and balance force, yet still part of the overall NS.
NS24 : Your combat fleet will by 2120 consist of a Mulberry, 6 Corkscrew and 3 Pentekonters. Or are there plans for more?
LA : Obviously budgets are not limitless. We want to have sufficient ships to maintain a ready battlegroup of 4 to 5 front line ships. At the moment we do not have enough cover.
NS24 : Yes you would need at least 8 or 9 ships to be able to maintain such a ready fleet. So do the Remedians plan to buy more ships?
LA : We need at least 2 Mulberrys and 8 Corkscrews. The Pentekonters, of which we also want more, would be a reserve and patrol fleet. At the moment we are still paying for our current order but soon i hope we can explore future options.
NS24 : You are not beholden to buy NS ships of course anymore, could you look elsewhere such as the Clones too?
LA : You are correct but buying a fractured fleet because of cheaper available ships is a short term gain but in the medium term costs you more in extra maintenance and training. We will have 3 combat ships and this will be the basis of our fleet for the next 3 to 4 decades.
NS24 : You also have a Depender on order. Do you envisage more in future?
LA : The Depender will be an EW ship, our equivalent of the Marconi. I can see us buying more for other roles in future but the priority will be combat ships. I want the Remedians to be able to field a battle group to join with NS operations as well as operate on our own. The Remedians are Tier 1 allies and we will continue to be so.
21.8.17
Monday Interview : Caratore
The new Director of Operations Caratore gave this short interview to the Daily Solaris, on a visit to NS facilities on the planet.
Daily Solaris : Director Caratore, welcome to Solaris. How is your new role?
Caratore : Very busy! As you can imagine i have a lot to do, overseeing all NS military operations. I have good people underneath me and great support from the commander and Director Sea Urchin.
DS : Your rise to this position has been welcomed by many. In the past some have considered you overlooked in favour of others for the top positions.
CA : Well i don't get into that kind of thing. Obviously events have helped me rise to Director but i thought i would do it one day anyway.
DS : And maybe further? NS President Caratore?
CA : Lets not jump too far ahead! I've always had a steady approach to my career. I like to be able to master my current role before moving on.
DS : But you wouldn't rule it out?
CA : Naturally, there is now a clear path in future. However i'm not looking to that in the short term. Maybe in the next decade.
DS : What are you greatest challenges in the near term as Director of Operations?
CA : The pirate war revealed a number of deficiencies in the NS system. Witchdoctor has helped alert us to some of these and a working party i have set up is looking at the command and communication systems of New Sparta in greater detail. We want to avoid the mistakes that occurred earlier in the year.
DS : How much blame do you put on Torus?
CA : The system messed up, not Torus. However she had a role in setting up that system so cannot avoid some blame. Mostly she was punished as the buck had to stop somewhere. As it would with me if i had been in that role then. I'm sure she'll be back to the top rank one day anyway.
DS : Do you thinking splitting NS+ is a good idea and taking its internal security and espionage roles away from your department to the intelligence department is a good move?
CA : The department had become too large, of course we still have a say in internal security. We'll just have to see how it works.
DS : It sounds like you arn't sure?
CA : Personally i think internal security should have remained under me as it fits with the rest of the armed forces but the change has been made. We'll make it work.
Daily Solaris : Director Caratore, welcome to Solaris. How is your new role?
Caratore : Very busy! As you can imagine i have a lot to do, overseeing all NS military operations. I have good people underneath me and great support from the commander and Director Sea Urchin.
DS : Your rise to this position has been welcomed by many. In the past some have considered you overlooked in favour of others for the top positions.
CA : Well i don't get into that kind of thing. Obviously events have helped me rise to Director but i thought i would do it one day anyway.
DS : And maybe further? NS President Caratore?
CA : Lets not jump too far ahead! I've always had a steady approach to my career. I like to be able to master my current role before moving on.
DS : But you wouldn't rule it out?
CA : Naturally, there is now a clear path in future. However i'm not looking to that in the short term. Maybe in the next decade.
DS : What are you greatest challenges in the near term as Director of Operations?
CA : The pirate war revealed a number of deficiencies in the NS system. Witchdoctor has helped alert us to some of these and a working party i have set up is looking at the command and communication systems of New Sparta in greater detail. We want to avoid the mistakes that occurred earlier in the year.
DS : How much blame do you put on Torus?
CA : The system messed up, not Torus. However she had a role in setting up that system so cannot avoid some blame. Mostly she was punished as the buck had to stop somewhere. As it would with me if i had been in that role then. I'm sure she'll be back to the top rank one day anyway.
DS : Do you thinking splitting NS+ is a good idea and taking its internal security and espionage roles away from your department to the intelligence department is a good move?
CA : The department had become too large, of course we still have a say in internal security. We'll just have to see how it works.
DS : It sounds like you arn't sure?
CA : Personally i think internal security should have remained under me as it fits with the rest of the armed forces but the change has been made. We'll make it work.
14.8.17
Monday Interview : GBH
The mighty GBH, constant companion to Ronald, gave this short interview to Proxima News during a visit to the UNP Parliament.
Proxima News : Senator GBH welcome, may we know the reason for your visit?
GBH : Sure, as Deputy Head of the Senate part of my role is to liaise with other parliaments with regards to visits and what not. The UNP President is due to visit Dino-Land later in the year.
PN : To meet the Emperor, your son MBH. How is your relationship with him nowadays?
GBH : Well its been worse. We don't like each other, but have stopped trying to kill each other. Lets just leave it at that.
PN : You used to fear him being the Emperor, do you still?
GBH : No, he has matured i suppose. He still has his... agendas but the new Dino Imperial system Ronald has designed has lots of checks and balances.
PN : Ronald is still a massive presence in Dino politics as chief priest. In many ways he is like Windscorpion. He is an icon who basically does what he likes. Is that a fair summary?
GBH : Yes though if you compared him to Windy to his face he would probably kill you.
PN : Ronald and yourself, plus the likes of Jimmy and Cruggson are still major name in Dino politics. Will there ever be a day when the old guard steps aside?
GBH : Well of course. All things must end. Even Ronald is not immortal, well probably not but you never know with his weird psychic powers. We are ageing, we are slowly stepping into the background but we still have many years yet. We won't be heading off to our retirement dachas any time soon.
PN : How do you see the Dino Empire and the DTA developing in the near and medium future?
GBH : Integration with the DTA continues and we are always watching our borders. Some enemies have gone like the ABBO and Utrek but others pop-up like the Mantae or return like the Terrasaurs. We continue to strengthen our defences. The galaxy grows ever more complicated and dangerous...
Proxima News : Senator GBH welcome, may we know the reason for your visit?
GBH : Sure, as Deputy Head of the Senate part of my role is to liaise with other parliaments with regards to visits and what not. The UNP President is due to visit Dino-Land later in the year.
PN : To meet the Emperor, your son MBH. How is your relationship with him nowadays?
GBH : Well its been worse. We don't like each other, but have stopped trying to kill each other. Lets just leave it at that.
PN : You used to fear him being the Emperor, do you still?
GBH : No, he has matured i suppose. He still has his... agendas but the new Dino Imperial system Ronald has designed has lots of checks and balances.
PN : Ronald is still a massive presence in Dino politics as chief priest. In many ways he is like Windscorpion. He is an icon who basically does what he likes. Is that a fair summary?
GBH : Yes though if you compared him to Windy to his face he would probably kill you.
PN : Ronald and yourself, plus the likes of Jimmy and Cruggson are still major name in Dino politics. Will there ever be a day when the old guard steps aside?
GBH : Well of course. All things must end. Even Ronald is not immortal, well probably not but you never know with his weird psychic powers. We are ageing, we are slowly stepping into the background but we still have many years yet. We won't be heading off to our retirement dachas any time soon.
PN : How do you see the Dino Empire and the DTA developing in the near and medium future?
GBH : Integration with the DTA continues and we are always watching our borders. Some enemies have gone like the ABBO and Utrek but others pop-up like the Mantae or return like the Terrasaurs. We continue to strengthen our defences. The galaxy grows ever more complicated and dangerous...
7.8.17
Monday Interview : Sleeze
The Deputy Emperor of the Clone Star Empire, and Oojok's right-hand Dino, Sleeze recently gave an interview to Play Dino (which obviously is a good read). The following is an excerpt.
Play Dino : Deputy Emperor Sleeze, the road you and Oojok have been on has been a long and winding one. Did you ever think you would end up commanding a huge space empire when you were growing up in Baikalia Falls?
Sleeze : Oh indeed not. I didn't grow up under good circumstances. I left home, if you could call it that, as a boy and went to Dino-Land to make my living, so to speak. Its when i met Oojok, who had a similar upbringing, and we have been inseparable ever since.
PD : You two are like brothers.
SL : Yes more than that even, and we have been through a lot.
PD : Including a time as fugitives on the run from Neverak and Egonneck, how do you feel about Neverak returning from his exile?
SL : We evaded those geeks for months! But it was a very different time, the galaxy was wilder and undeveloped. A man could forge an empire with a box full of guns. Maybe i miss those times.
PD : Really?
SL : Yes sometimes. Nowadays its meetings about meetings, reviewing various troop formations, reading policy documents. I do kind of miss the thrill of living with your wits and a loaded gun. Though i don't miss it nearly enough to want to return to those times!
PD : Moving on how do you see the Clone Star Empire developing. Oojok seems more secure now than for decades and the economy is finally picking up.
SL : After what happened with the coup we take nothing for granted but Oojok's rule seems more stable now, more pragmatic and more controlled. Oojok always learns from his mistakes. The growing economy is a very welcome sign. The military are glad we are finally giving them more zarks.
PD : Could this mean empire expansion then?
SL : No! The Clone Star Empire is now at the maximum size it can take. As i said, Oojok learns from his mistakes and making the empire too big was a mistake he made before. We don't need more planets we just need to develop and strengthen what we have. Too many of our worlds are still poor and primitive. Our aim for the next 20 years is to change that, and make the empire stronger from within.
Play Dino : Deputy Emperor Sleeze, the road you and Oojok have been on has been a long and winding one. Did you ever think you would end up commanding a huge space empire when you were growing up in Baikalia Falls?
Sleeze : Oh indeed not. I didn't grow up under good circumstances. I left home, if you could call it that, as a boy and went to Dino-Land to make my living, so to speak. Its when i met Oojok, who had a similar upbringing, and we have been inseparable ever since.
PD : You two are like brothers.
SL : Yes more than that even, and we have been through a lot.
PD : Including a time as fugitives on the run from Neverak and Egonneck, how do you feel about Neverak returning from his exile?
SL : We evaded those geeks for months! But it was a very different time, the galaxy was wilder and undeveloped. A man could forge an empire with a box full of guns. Maybe i miss those times.
PD : Really?
SL : Yes sometimes. Nowadays its meetings about meetings, reviewing various troop formations, reading policy documents. I do kind of miss the thrill of living with your wits and a loaded gun. Though i don't miss it nearly enough to want to return to those times!
PD : Moving on how do you see the Clone Star Empire developing. Oojok seems more secure now than for decades and the economy is finally picking up.
SL : After what happened with the coup we take nothing for granted but Oojok's rule seems more stable now, more pragmatic and more controlled. Oojok always learns from his mistakes. The growing economy is a very welcome sign. The military are glad we are finally giving them more zarks.
PD : Could this mean empire expansion then?
SL : No! The Clone Star Empire is now at the maximum size it can take. As i said, Oojok learns from his mistakes and making the empire too big was a mistake he made before. We don't need more planets we just need to develop and strengthen what we have. Too many of our worlds are still poor and primitive. Our aim for the next 20 years is to change that, and make the empire stronger from within.
31.7.17
Monday interview : The Shiner
Former DDS Commander (with the longest reign by far) The Shiner is the head of the New Sparta Estate which means he runs all NS facilties and also the budget! He gave this short interview to Proxima Business Daily at the weekend.
Proxima Business Daily : Mr Shiner, you recently said New Sparta has some financial turbulence on its horizon. Can you elaborate on that?
The Shiner : We live in uncertain times. As you know the majority of our budget comes from the UNP and thus we are dependent on the UNP economy doing well. Recently things have not been that smooth.
PBD : Indeed, while the core planets have done well some of the outlying UNP worlds such as Saeou have been stuck with anaemic economies for a number of years.
TS : Yes, and so the pressure on the core planets to cover the NS budget funding becomes more onerous. Thats why i fear there will come a time the UNP might want to cut things back.
PDB : Well that is threatened fairly regularly but New Sparta is the military of the UNP in all but name.
TS : Well we all know that the defence budget is always a tempting target for cuts in times of peace. Its why i am trying to reduce out reliance on the UNP grant and raise funds from other avenues.
PDB : A few years ago exports of weapons and technology bought in nearly 15% of the NS budget but that has dropped to 12%. Can you explain why.
TS : There has been a downturn in our military exports. We are improving our portfolio but i think the main problem is we have saturated our market for space ships (and of course have growing competition). To compensate we are looking into the after market for growth. We've sold scores of ships. Now lets sell upgrades, improvements.
PDB : The new e-Core engine technology could be a big part of that.
TS : Indeed, we think re-engining the many Pentekonters out there could be lucrative over the next few years. I want us to grow our export revenue by 30% over the next 5 years. After market will be key but our improved portfolio will also be vital. We're looking into new types of ships for different roles.
PDB : For existing customers?
TS : Yes, we see many of our customers as being on a journey to build up their space presence. Many start with transports and shuttles, then they get some Pentekonters or refurbished Kalahati Tuuls. Now they have a working fleet but maybe they need combat support, mine warfare, EW. New Sparta needs to be where they come to develop their fleet and capabilities to the next level.
PDB : Is there not the danger though if you raise billions of zarks from other revenue sources the UNP might feel able to reduce your grant?
TS : It is a possibility but i hope not. We can't worry about this happening, we have a commanding lead in ship exports and we need to maintain it. Its not just revenue we bring in. Our customers become our friends, maybe some become allies at some stage, and of course already operate compatible hardware so integration is easy.
PDB : Finally how do you see New Sparta financially by 2120?
TS : In a good place overall. We've managed to build some reserves so barring a major war we should be OK even if there is some turbulence. We just need to start selling ships again.
Proxima Business Daily : Mr Shiner, you recently said New Sparta has some financial turbulence on its horizon. Can you elaborate on that?
The Shiner : We live in uncertain times. As you know the majority of our budget comes from the UNP and thus we are dependent on the UNP economy doing well. Recently things have not been that smooth.
PBD : Indeed, while the core planets have done well some of the outlying UNP worlds such as Saeou have been stuck with anaemic economies for a number of years.
TS : Yes, and so the pressure on the core planets to cover the NS budget funding becomes more onerous. Thats why i fear there will come a time the UNP might want to cut things back.
PDB : Well that is threatened fairly regularly but New Sparta is the military of the UNP in all but name.
TS : Well we all know that the defence budget is always a tempting target for cuts in times of peace. Its why i am trying to reduce out reliance on the UNP grant and raise funds from other avenues.
PDB : A few years ago exports of weapons and technology bought in nearly 15% of the NS budget but that has dropped to 12%. Can you explain why.
TS : There has been a downturn in our military exports. We are improving our portfolio but i think the main problem is we have saturated our market for space ships (and of course have growing competition). To compensate we are looking into the after market for growth. We've sold scores of ships. Now lets sell upgrades, improvements.
PDB : The new e-Core engine technology could be a big part of that.
TS : Indeed, we think re-engining the many Pentekonters out there could be lucrative over the next few years. I want us to grow our export revenue by 30% over the next 5 years. After market will be key but our improved portfolio will also be vital. We're looking into new types of ships for different roles.
PDB : For existing customers?
TS : Yes, we see many of our customers as being on a journey to build up their space presence. Many start with transports and shuttles, then they get some Pentekonters or refurbished Kalahati Tuuls. Now they have a working fleet but maybe they need combat support, mine warfare, EW. New Sparta needs to be where they come to develop their fleet and capabilities to the next level.
PDB : Is there not the danger though if you raise billions of zarks from other revenue sources the UNP might feel able to reduce your grant?
TS : It is a possibility but i hope not. We can't worry about this happening, we have a commanding lead in ship exports and we need to maintain it. Its not just revenue we bring in. Our customers become our friends, maybe some become allies at some stage, and of course already operate compatible hardware so integration is easy.
PDB : Finally how do you see New Sparta financially by 2120?
TS : In a good place overall. We've managed to build some reserves so barring a major war we should be OK even if there is some turbulence. We just need to start selling ships again.
24.7.17
Monday interview : Torus
Torus was one the heir apparent but was demoted from being New Sparta Director of Operations after the pirate war debacle. She is now head of NS North and a Politburo member however and was rather relaxed in an interview with Proxima Weekly...
Proxima Weekly : Commander Torus, you have now begun your new role as head of NS North. Does it feel humiliating or a big come down from your previous position?
Torus : I would be lying if i said i did not feel bad about the demotion. Naturally it has been a big shock but i screwed up, paid the price and now am keen to get on with my new job.
PW : Do you feel you were treated fairly? Some commentators have said you are a scape goat.
TR : I accept the judgement of the Politburo after it was briefed and advised by former DDS Commander Witchdoctor. Look, moaning about it will not change the outcome. I have decided to move on, excel in my new role and rehabilitate my reputation.
PW : Is it true you accepted the blame in return for no more demotions befalling your staff especially your deputy Stella?
TR : I did accept full blame and as the Director of Operations the buck did kind of stop with me. There were a number of mistakes made but i should have been on top of things more than i was.
PW : Some have said you accepted the blame because Stella is your lover.
TR : I'm always been accused of being a lesbian. Stella is not my lover. A trusted ally yes and friend.
PW : Do you think you are the victim of a political vendetta? It has been suggested that you made too many enemies with your rapid rise and some were waiting for the chance to shoot you down.
TR : Well its pretty clear i'm not on everyone's Christmas card list.
PW : But a vendetta?
TR : I've moved on. I am keen to get on with my new role.
PW : Will you stand in the first election for NS President.
TR : No, but i will serve the new President - whom ever they are - with the best of my abilities.
PW : You will not rule it out in future?
TR : I don't see why not. But my focus for now is clear.
PW : What do you think about the splitting of NS+ into separate internal security and intelligence agencies?
TR : Well they are both overseen by the same person [Director of Intelligence Windscorpion] so i don't think the split is quite as clear as some maintain.
PW : Do you think it has been done to try and remove your power base for a political comeback?
TR : I don't think so. People are reading too much into it. NS was found to have some organisational and operational failings and this is an attempt to readdress that.
PW : Finally, who will be the first NS President?
TR : Sea Urchin is the favourite. I know i have been listed on betting websites but at the moment Elvis or Trojan Warlord has more chance. Well maybe not that geek...
Proxima Weekly : Commander Torus, you have now begun your new role as head of NS North. Does it feel humiliating or a big come down from your previous position?
Torus : I would be lying if i said i did not feel bad about the demotion. Naturally it has been a big shock but i screwed up, paid the price and now am keen to get on with my new job.
PW : Do you feel you were treated fairly? Some commentators have said you are a scape goat.
TR : I accept the judgement of the Politburo after it was briefed and advised by former DDS Commander Witchdoctor. Look, moaning about it will not change the outcome. I have decided to move on, excel in my new role and rehabilitate my reputation.
PW : Is it true you accepted the blame in return for no more demotions befalling your staff especially your deputy Stella?
TR : I did accept full blame and as the Director of Operations the buck did kind of stop with me. There were a number of mistakes made but i should have been on top of things more than i was.
PW : Some have said you accepted the blame because Stella is your lover.
TR : I'm always been accused of being a lesbian. Stella is not my lover. A trusted ally yes and friend.
PW : Do you think you are the victim of a political vendetta? It has been suggested that you made too many enemies with your rapid rise and some were waiting for the chance to shoot you down.
TR : Well its pretty clear i'm not on everyone's Christmas card list.
PW : But a vendetta?
TR : I've moved on. I am keen to get on with my new role.
PW : Will you stand in the first election for NS President.
TR : No, but i will serve the new President - whom ever they are - with the best of my abilities.
PW : You will not rule it out in future?
TR : I don't see why not. But my focus for now is clear.
PW : What do you think about the splitting of NS+ into separate internal security and intelligence agencies?
TR : Well they are both overseen by the same person [Director of Intelligence Windscorpion] so i don't think the split is quite as clear as some maintain.
PW : Do you think it has been done to try and remove your power base for a political comeback?
TR : I don't think so. People are reading too much into it. NS was found to have some organisational and operational failings and this is an attempt to readdress that.
PW : Finally, who will be the first NS President?
TR : Sea Urchin is the favourite. I know i have been listed on betting websites but at the moment Elvis or Trojan Warlord has more chance. Well maybe not that geek...
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