“I thank you all for attending this special session,” the Speaker of the House said. “While I appreciate that this is going to be something of a surprise, we are now at a point where certain matters that were previously covered as official secrets now not only can but must be revealed more openly and publicly. Please keep your questions for the end.”
He checked his notes, then looked up at Parliament – some of whom had already noticed the change in seating.
“In particular,” he said. “To seat an additional member of our number. The exact procedure by which this seat was established are not normal, but nor are the situations normal; I am sure there will be a debate on the matter in the fullness of time. However, I must say firmly that this is a matter of principle and that I will be hoping for all details to come out in the debate before any decision is made.”
It was all a load of fluff, of course, but it was fluff that set the tone for any ongoing discussion. Which was… the point of it all, really.
So much of politics was framing.
“One month ago, after extended negotiations involving the Governor-General and the Prime Minister, an additional constituency was established on, and by the name of, Solander Islands,” the Speaker said. “This constituency is within the same structure as the Maori Electorates, but it is distinct; the criteria for voting in Solander Islands are different but are still related to being native to claimed New Zealand territory, though in addition residence does have to be in place. This was part of the delay before the election could be held, which was two days ago, and as a consequence I’d like to introduce your newest colleague for their commencement speech.”
He stepped to the side, and the representative in question took his place at the stand.
“Mr. Speaker, thank you,” they said. “I’ll begin by introducing myself; my name is Tek, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to both speak with you now, and join you in deliberations in the future.”
They paused.
“And yes, I know, there’s the matter of appearance,” they added. “But I’m sure I’ll manage being in a room of people who look so unusual.”
That led to a ripple of baffled laughter, and Tek went on.
“It is, I think, to our great benefit that the people of this country are so open-minded and respectful,” they said. “And that the values here include in particular those of freedom, the position of not being servile, and representation, the ability to have a say in how one’s community and country runs. And speaking for myself, as well as for my constituents, I hardly think it will be surprising that we all appreciate that Aotearoa in particular is willing to give a voice to those who are of great antiquity in their community. This is a precious and rare trait, and you should all be proud of it – I know that I am proud to be a part of this community.”
They shrugged. “I do not want to take up too much time before the questions that are inevitably coming, so I will conclude with a word from the language of our old masters. It is the word for freedom from slavery, freedom from oppression, and freedom to make our own decisions. Tekeli-li!”
There was a smattering of still-somewhat-disquieted applause, and Tek glooped back from the microphone, looking around to see how their speech had been received.
“Thank you, Member Tek,” the Speaker said, returning to the microphone. “Last year, an expedition was launched to the eastern Queen Maud Mountains…”
