FIRST CITY, REYDOVAN PRIME (9 October 2502): Upon his return to Reydovan Prime, Chancellor Joshua Underwood set all rumors about a possible merger to rest. After meeting with Commonwealth President John Macpherson for three hours on Monday, the deal has been set and is awaiting the approval of the Parliament, which will meet in two months' time.
Serving as Underwood's emissary to the Commonwealth government, Ambassador Jeremiah Neill concluded the meeting with the President early yesterday. The terms for the merger, as stated by Chancellor Underwood himself, as follows:
One. The worlds of the Republic will receive representation in the Commonwealth Parliament by SYSTEM, rather than by world, considering there are more habitable worlds in the Republic than there are in the Commonwealth.
Two. The Republic military will become members of the Commonwealth Defence Force, adding a much needed boost to the Commonwealth military. All Reydovan-built vessels will maintain their R.S.S. designation, though the R will mean "Reydovan" rather than "Republic".
Three. All measures of the Constitution of the Commonwealth will be enforced, by Underwood himself if necessary, in the worlds of the Republic.
Four. All city-based governments will maintain their normal standards, but will also adhere to the dictates of the Constitution.
Five. Joshua Underwood will continue to serve as Chancellor of the twelve systems of Reydovan, reporting directly to the President and Vice-President of the Commonwealth and no one lower than them.
Six, lastly. The flag of the Commonwealth, in addition to the stars representing the twelve systems of the Republic, will also add the symbol of the Republic in the center of the circle of stars to commemorate the merger of the Republic and the Commonwealth.
Other than the sixth measure, everything has been discussed with the President during the meeting on L'nhraei. Underwood is scheduled to return to L'nhraei to address the Parliament in December, when it reconvenes after the elections.
