Parliament No-Quorum

In early 2520, in a short session after hours Parliament, in response to fears of an epidemic of TSE (Prion Disease) ordered the massive Blue Sun protein plant on Liann Jiun seized, and the existing stores of protein paste, protein cultures and other organic materials cataloged and destroyed. It also closed the factory pending forensic investigation. The Alliance Federal Marshals were on hand to ensure compliance with the move. When news of this broke, the Members of Parliament representing Liann Jiun lodged a formal protest, but using Parliamentary procedures the protest was blocked. That day, in a ceremonial move, the so called Sino-Block of Members of Parliament, consisting of the representatives of Liann Jiun, Shinon, Gonghe and Green Leaf stood up and marched from the House of Parliament. All told, sixty one (61) members of the 205 MPs walked out. By itself this does not constitute enough to block legislation, but another 45 standing members (still in the House) refuse to vote until the Sino-Block returns. An attempt to force the Sino-Block members back into caucus was defeated easily. The 'abstainers' represent a mix of MPs many from Border worlds, some Core representatives with Rim constituencies, and several deeply tied to Blue Sun Corp (about half of the Osiris contingent for example). With Parliament at a stand still, MPs on the various committees have attempted a variety of parliamentary maneuvers to continue their rules, but growing concern among the various parts of government have created an atmosphere of uncertainty. When the head of the Defense committee (MP Londinium) tried to order the Core Fleet to block protein shipments from Green Leaf, the Navy demanded parliamentary authorization, and refused the order, until such confirmation was given. The Alliance is in effect stuck on its last orders before the walk out.

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