Indecision '40
And now, it's election time. When we say election, the electors are the High Council(all 10 Collective leadership members). Appointed is really the more accurate term. The common Architreuthis does not have a direct say here. The individual chosen will take the mantle of Inquisitor for the next 40 years, or until their death. In this case, the latter is more likely.
The first matter to be dealt with is the candidates themselves. The two available to stand for the Inquisitor position are
Inquisitor Roe Laren and
Governor Deaconi Palmieri
**
Inquisitor Roe Laren has held the position for the past 40 years and guided the Collective for its initial steps into space.
Age: 68
Skill: ****
Trait: Warlike(-15% Ship Cost, -20% Army Cost)
Trait: Deep Connections(+1.0 Monthly Influence)
Agenda: Grow the Economy(+10% Energy Credits)
**
Governor Deaconi Palmieri has led the Bakangi colony effectively for many years.
Age: 71
Skill: ****
Trait: Expansionist(-15% Frontier Outpost Cost)
Trait: Space Miner(-25% Construction Ship Cost, -25% Mining Station Cost)
Agenda: Scientific Leap(+10% Research Speed)
Note that the Agenda impact will last throughout the term of whoever is appointed.
Voting
Here's how this is going to work. It is assumed that both candidates will stand for the appointment to be Inquisitor. If either does not wish to, they can throw their support to the other and that will end the process. Otherwhise, the other eight(seven in this case, with one unclaimed character) will cast their votes.
Choose one of the following.
**
Re-elect Inquisitor Roe Laren -- If it's not broke, don't fix it.
**
Elect Governor Deaconi Palmieri -- It's time for a change at the top.
**
Abstain. Choosing to elect either candidate will cost 200 influence, 100 months worth. This is the choice for those who do not feel partial to one candidate or another. One of the two will be chosen at random for free.
Everyone among the Collective's Leadership, you are now on the clock. This appointment vote will remain open for 48 hours or until all seven of the High Council's votes are in. In three months game-time(2240.04.01), the term of the next Inquisitor will begin and a detailed briefing will be presented. There won't be much new here in the way of options, but it will provide an opportunity for the Inquisitor to be reminded of all of them and make changes, or stay the course, as they direct.
So vote early, vote often(although only one will count

), and even debate/squabble/bicker if you wish. Any inquiries on the present situation are also fair game at this time.