Fwurg

[Teprogrenaian Consensus]

((OOC: This thread is private to the Teprogrenaian Consensus and the Sundarian Federation. I assume all necessary arrangements are made.))

The Teprogrenaian embassy is located in the Senate Building on the 28th floor. The interior was simple and robust. The reception looked like it could survive a bomb blast, not that it was necessary, it appeared more the teprogrenaian design for beauty. Despite the raw design, it looked comfortable in a way. There were some couches, coated with soft leather, where visitors could wait, and the lighting was slightly blue for better concentration. Some plants were placed around and a carpet lay on the floor. Together created it a remarkably clear and fresh atmosphere in the complex.

Senator Tassar and his wife Mirabi waited to personally receive the Sundarian Delegation.

[Lady Peinaili de Montrève]

For this occasion Lady Peinaili went by herself as both Lady Alexandra and Mister Pendra were busy tending to their duties and Peinaili wanted some time alone to speak with the Senator. As she entered the Teprogrenaian Embassy within the Senate building, Peinaili noticed the simplistic yet calming style of the interior, it was efficient but comfortable and somehow rather shooting.

[Senator Danar Tassar]

"Welcome, Lady Peinaili de Montrève," Tassar said and made a small bow. "Let me introduce you to my wife, Mirabi." Mirabi said: "welcome, it is a pleasure to meet you," and made a small bow as well. After the courtesies Tassar said: "I believe this is your first time in the embassy of the Consensus, isn't it? How do you like the interior so far?"

After the Sundarian Senator had given her, undoubtedly political correct, reply, Tassar continued: "We tried to find some specifics on Sundarian customs and their ways of drinking tea, but so far such information appeared hard to find. I hope you don't mind that we assumed basic galactic tea drink customs. Although this is an excellent time to get acquainted with the Teprogrenaian customs. Let us move to a more comfortable location. This way please."

Tassar led them through a hallway to a room with a balcony to the outside. The hallway and the room had the same sturdy look as the entrance. The room itself appeared as some sort of living room with a small bar, some tables with comfortable chairs, couches and the balcony. Tassar walked to the balcony where a small table and some chairs were placed. Lady Peinaili could see why he went there, as it gave an wonderful view of both the stars in the sky and the lower parts of the city.

"This is one of the rooms we use in our spare time to relax. For the occasion is it empty. Don't worry, we are not preventing personnel from having their rest, there are bigger rooms as well. Please have a seat, the tea will be here shortly."

[Lady Peinaili de Montrève]

" The pleasure is mine entirely," Peinaili said as the Senator introduced his wife and she greeted her with respect, "its an honour to make your acquaintance."

"You seem to have done well for yourself Senator," she then answer her question as they continued towards the room, " I must commend your taste. This is indeed my first visit and I shall be sure to remember it, somehow this décor is soothing and yet efficient.

As for your question on the Sundarian customs involving tea drinking, I'm afraid there is none worthy of mentioning. Of course there are tribes which highly value traditions and might consider it perfectly suitable for a more ceremonial event, but these are minorities and the general population would drink tea, just as none would drink lemonade or any other non-alcoholic beverage, when they feel like it.

Are there any typical Teprogrenaian customs and traditions or are they, just as with most Sundarian traditions, mostly practised among certain, different tribes or culture groups?"

[Senator Danar Tassar]

"I would be lying if I say that I designed the embassy, we have skilled architects for that."

Mirabi continued: "They told me that they attempted to recreate a fresh natural atmosphere which has a positive influence on the concentration and overall mental state of the people who work here."

Tassar finished: "Though we had to remove some plants as we received complains of an egwarian who works down the hallway. He appeared to be allergic."

When the trio sat down at the balcony, Tassars wife started to elaborate the teprogrenaian customs around drinking: "Compared to most other cultures teprogrenaian culture do have special customs around drinking tea. you see, teprogrenaians don't have a ventral mouth so it is impossible for us to drink from a tea cup.

We have a close social culture and drinking together is part of that culture. Of course a person can drink when he sees fit but it is normal for us to drink together and to discuss the topics of the moment. Sometimes people drink five times a day with other peoples because he has to discuss with many people.

This resulted during millennia into typical devises and habits around the culture of drinking tea."

"Ah there is our tea." Tassar said as the door of the room opened. A teprogrenus fecta entered the room carrying a plate with several instruments. After he/she/it, it was hard to guess the original gender, put the plate down, Lady Peinaili got a good overview of the several devices: A bowl with spices, a teapot, a cup with dish and spoon. Two devices which looked somewhat like water pipes, one with two tubes and one with looked like it could contain four tubes but only three were attached. A can filled with water where the steam was rising into the air. The last device was a tea egg.

((OOC: The 'water pipe'.))

"For the occasion I have let Sribara, the secretary, bring several devices," Tassar said while the cyborg left the room with a 'please, here is your tea', "allow me to explain the story behind them.

Teprogrena like to drink together and it is custom to drink from the same bowl." Tassar grabbed the water pipe look alike with three tubes. "We have many different types of these devices to support different sizes of groups. Drinking from the same tea is a sign of connection. Though this habit of sharing the same drinking fluid is not shared amongst most other cultures so I do understand if you prefer the cup. We won't see it as an insult."

[Lady Peinaili de Montrève]

"They have done well," Peinaili concluded concerning the architects, "should I find the need for some remodelling in our own Embassy, I'll be sure to contact your embassy for their contact information. I'm sure they would like such an opportunity."

She then listened as Tassar took some time to explain the cultural relevance of drinking tea for the Teprogrenaians. Judging from the cup they had included Peinaili could opt to drink her tea from a cup, but she rather liked the culture significance the Teprogrenaians derived from drinking together from a single bowl.

"I thank you for the options of a cup Senator," Peinaili answered, "but I would much rather share bowl and drink it according to the Teprogrenaian tradition. After all we have chosen to join the Union not only for the obvious trade and economical benefits, but also to gain a better understanding of the universe and it's inhabitants."

[Senator Danar Tassar]

"Then we shall drink together."

Tassar put down the tea drink device and grabbed the bowl with spices. With a spoon he added the spices to the can with hot water. He stirred, one-and-a-half round clockwise, then one-and-a-half round counter clockwise. He repeated this a few times till all spices and leaves were evenly divided in the water. He let the tea infuse for a moment before pouring the water in the larger tea drink device.

While Tassar was making the tea, Mirabi asked: "Lady Peinaili de Montrève, in most cultures there is a significant difference between the males and the females. How works this in your culture? Do you make significant distinctions based on gender?"


((OOC: I forgot to add a picture of Mirabi in the first post, so here she is ;).))

[Lady Peinaili de Montrève]

"Well," Peinaili states as Mirabi asked the question about the gender-difference within the Sundarian culture. "I would indeed have to answer yes to your question. There is a difference between genders, the obvious ones being in appearance and procreation but I recon you are looking more towards any significant cultural distinction with respect to positions and rights.

Men and women are treated equally with respect to the law and they have the same rights, in practice however there are still rather large distinctions within the Sundarian culture. For example, when it comes to position within the government and top management, most positions are still filled by men, and in general the men will mostly work where the women will manage the household and take care of the children. The government has been campaigning for better male-female distribution on top positions through active promotions and quota for quite some time, but there is still a rather large general stigma against careering women. In time however this will change, though slowly.

When it comes to the noble houses with the Sundarian Federation however, there is yet another mayor distinctions between the genders and this has to do with the inheritance laws. The Sundarian Nobility inherits via a so called adapted Semi-Salic law, which stipulates that firstly all male descendance is applied; but if all agnates become extinct, then the closest heiress (such as a daughter) of the last male holder of the property inherits, and after her, her own male heirs according to the Salic order. Meaning the eldest daughter only inherits if she has no (surviving) brothers. While the majority of the populace believes this is archaic, the Nobility is keen on maintaining their traditions and customs. "

She then paused and let her answer sink in a bit before she asked a question of her own.

"Am I to assume then that there are no distinctions of importance between the genders within the Consensus? Or are there?"

[Senator Danar Tassar]

Mirabi answered: "Following the laws, there are indeed no distinctions between men and women in the Teprogrenaian Consensus. In nearly all social layers there are equal amounts of men and women. Though men tend to orient a little bit more towards the self sacrificing aspects of life while the woman are generally more attracted towards the organizing and caring parts of life. So while our laws have no say in it, there are more men in the public service and security sector, while there are more women in the managing and healthcare sectors."

After Mirabi was done explaining, Tassar asked: "I can understand why your nobility tries to keep their ways how they are, but why is your government trying campaign a better male-female distribution on top positions? I take it that you try to get more women to high positions, but why is the current situation such a problem?"

[Lady Peinaili de Montrève]

"The current situation is not as much of a problem, it is simply no longer suitable or sufficient. Much of our laws and governmental systems are still based on customs and traditions that have been in place for many generations. As our society adapts and the people are less depended upon the nobility for their survival and safety, combined with new influences of intergalactic trade and relations, the wish for reforms are evident. A similar development can be observed regarding the position of women, in the past they have known little more then the care for the children and the management of the household. Nowadays, with the access to better and broader education, women feel the same drive to accomplish things and further their career just like men."

Peinaili further elaborated the issue, while enjoying her tea.

"As a result the government actively seeks to better the positions of women in high positions. Not only does this have a position effect on public order, it also creates a better representation of our current society within most governmental bodies and we are as a result more capable in assessing the wishes and needs of the public."

[Senator Danar Tassar]

"So in the Sundarian Federation, most of the power, both political as well the ones from the companies lie within the nobility?

It is our, the Consensus, experience that companies try to get the best people for the job. So when a woman is better qualified than a man, the choice will fall on the woman. Trying to force equality might result in that the people who are actually qualified are not chosen as the job has to be applied by a less qualified person.

Tell me, how does it come that females in the Sundarian culture are subordinate to males?"

[Lady Peinaili de Montrève]

"Yes, most of the power still lies with the Nobility," Peinaili answered affirmative, "However this is changing slowly. As our economy grows, more people tend to benefit from the increase in wealth, which in turn creates more possibilities for everyone. Eventually the power distribution will shift from favouring the nobility, or the traditional wealth, to a more equal position, were new wealth will also partake in governing our fair federation.

And to answer your second question," she then continued, "I would not go as far to as to say that women are subordinate to men, it's more that generally, and traditionally, women tend to care for the children and run the household and don't interfere as much with other business such as managing an estate or get involved in politics. As the general access to education rises, so will the awareness of our women, and they will want to do more then just manage the household and/or care for the children. Our government seeks to increase this participation, because we believe that women can make a valuable contribution to our society."

[Senator Danar Tassar]

While Tassar took a sip of tea, Mirabi said: "It is incredible how small biological differences, like being a mammal or not, can result in such big differences of culture. Female Teprogrena for example don't have to bear children for months, as we lay egg-sacks. It appears that this difference result in this difference of cultures."

"What my wife is saying," Tassar added, "is that because male and female teprogrena equally well can take care of children we never had a big difference in gender roles. However, this cannot be the only reason as there are many other species and cultures which look like a lot like Sundarians, both physically as in appearance. I think an important step into changing your culture is to understand how and why it is as it is. Then the parts which are perceived as undesirable can be identified and changed."

"How long again does a sundarian have to bear a young?" Mirabi asked.

[Lady Peinaili de Montrève]

"Precisely right Senator," Peinaili responded to the Senators remarks, "but culture and traditions are amongst the hardest things to change, because they require the mindset of the entire population to change. This process is slow and may take several decades or even generations.

Am I correct in assuming that if the Consensus wishes to change its values or traditions, this is done via your cybernetic implants? Or do you have other methods to achieve such a change?"

Peinaili asked before taking another sip of her tea. Thus far Peinaili found the conversation intriguing and she wanted to learn more about Treprogrenaian culture as well.

"Sundarian women generally carry their child for a period of about 9 months, after which they give birth. The child will then require extensive care for several years, before it able to eat and go about on its own. During this time the child will also learn to speak its first words. Starting around the age of 4, the child will attend preschool, where it learn to associate with other children of its age and learn to write its first words.

How long does it take for Treprogenaian children to come of their.. egg-sacks?"

[Senator Danar Tassar]

"We of the Consensus totally agree, changing the values of culture and traditions take a lot of effort. And the people don't often want to make these changes. This is one of the reasons why we don't make a big issue out of the slavery from the Veolian Commonwealth while we as a Consensus don't like slavery. We understand that if we want to extend our influence to their world and change their ways, nothing prevents them from extending their influence to us, and currently like the way things are here now."

Tassar couldn't help to suppress a small chuckle when Peinaili asked about the role of cybernetics: "No, I'm afraid you have totally missed the ball on that point. Our cybernetics are used as a medical treatment. Instead of using bacta, our world have developed cybernetics as its primary medical solution. The benefits cybernetics gave us has are deeply percolated into our culture, but we still see our cybernetics still primary as a medical tool and as the means to achieve change.

We differ greatly from the ACA in this point, to illustrate: As far we know they have developed cybernetics as a means of survival, what have lead them to the point that they no longer can live without cybernetics. As a result, they do everything with cybernetics to the point cybernetics are dictating their life instead of the other way around.

The ACA also often displays their cybernetics in an alienating way, for example by using wireless communication all the time instead of normally talking, which increases the feeling of cybernetics as something strange. We believe that this does not help with the acceptance of cybernetics into the rest of the Union as this creates the wrong image of cybernetics. We of the Consensus use cybernetics as a something normal as droids are. We will never let dictate cybernetics our life and we will never fall victim to the many traps cybernetics have when you use it as a treasure box to all your problems.

When we want to make changes, we do that with healthy debate and discussions. First the lower Consults discuss their points, and then the outcomes of these discussions are brought to the higher Consults. When they reached solutions or agreements, these outcomes are brought back to the lower Consults for discussion. If they disagree, we continue the cycle till they agree. This way every citizen of the Consult is represented in the discussion.

I take it that your nobility is divided into smaller groups as well? Or how do they debate?"


Mirabi continued her explanation about the babies: "Our babies grow approximately 3 months in their egg-sacks. When they come out, they are capable of crawling, but are still in need of extensive care from the Consults as well. Especially with eating an with protecting them from themselves. Within a year they are able to make their first steps. They are sent to school around the age of 3 or 4 as well to get into contact with other Consults.

You said it takes years before a Sundarian baby can eat themselves?"