"The Republic has begun to deteriorate," Underwood said, "so the Republic needs strong leadership! I will not leave my people in their time of need." Underwood had been elected Chancellor for life on June 18, 2501, after the death of Emperor Kiran Joshmaul I. Joshmaul and his ship, the Absolution II, had been destroyed in battle by Underwood's Hyperion II at Starbase Tranquility, the meeting place of the Intergalactic Alliance of Powers (IAP). IAP Speaker and Klingon Ambassador Go'Topk, along with L'nhraei Commonwealth Ambassador Stuart, Romulan Ambassador T'Prix, and Federation Ambassador Hawkins, had been present, and Underwood and Hawkins fought side-by-side in destroying Joshmaul's ship.
Underwood is scheduled to address the people sometime in the near future.
RNN 4.17.2501
