Fwurg

[Nehket Aeka]

As the astrian senator arrived, he had to wait for only a moment before being ushered into the office of the chancellor. The office itself is spacious. It features a large desk, holoprojectors line the walls so that maps, diagrams and other data can be shown in paralel. It is clear that Aeka made an effort to keep the style and design neutral, no veolian imagery or distinct veolian furniture was present.

Aeka got up as the astrian senator enters the room.

"Senator Doshima, thank you for coming.", she starts, " Please, have seat.", she continues as she gestured to a seat on the other side of the desk.

"Do not worry about the surroundings, this meeting is purely off the record.", she adds as he sits down.

[Lord-Senator Kachiso Doshima]

The Astrian man greeted the Veolian woman with a polite bow.

"Chancellor." Was all he said as a greeting, before taking a seat. Kachiso seemed much stricter then he appeared in the senate. His posture was as unreadable as his expression.

"Very well. Would you mind if I inform my government of what is discussed here after we finish, should I deem it necessary?" He asked after Nehket added this meeting was off the record.

[Nehket Aeka]

"I am sure that they are already aware of the topic. In all honesty, I was surprised that you asked for this meeting. I expected your reaction in the senate to be purely for the benefit of appearing to deny any knowledge of what transpired. If your reaction was genuine, it appears that you have been kept in the dark about some of your government's less amicable activities towards other Union members.

But as long as no recording is made of this meeting, it is of the record after all, I do not care whom you report this meeting to. Feel free to inform them of every last word said here if you want to."

"You were right to conclude that your Jedi has done something to provoke my animosity: Three months ago he threatened to kill Serrah's bodyguard when she refused to leave her charge unprotected.", the veolian senator's voice clearly contains anger. "He did so to force Serrah into a hostile situation engineered by your former senator, Maria Latharion, who misrepresented the neutrality of the location of the meeting and repeatedly tried to get Serrah to admit to details about her private life of a politically damaging nature."

"I suppose I should be flattered that your government thinks me such a threat to their goals that they are willing to put their Jedi into play to threaten those I am directly responsible for. Apparently they felt that you would not appreciate the approach."

"Maria Latharion and several other witnesses were present on Unity three months ago, in a café that was revealed to be owned by your former senator, when these events transpired. So I would suggest you start your inquiries about your government's conduct with her."

[Lord-Senator Kachiso Doshima]

Kachiso was silent for a moment, contemplating his words.

"Those are some rather serious accusations, chancellor. I'm glad you didn't make them in the senate. For both our sakes." His calm collectedness continued.

"While I don't know what Miss Serrah could possibly do in her private life that would be politically damaging to anyone or why you, as her mistress, haven't stopped her from doing it yet. I do feel the obligation to admit I was involved in this matter and to point out you have misjudged my governments intentions."

"Allow me to explain." The Astrian senator said before his Veolian college could interject.

"Blackmail has never been used by the Astrian Colonial Authority. The reason for that is simple, it rarely works. Colonial Intelligence, and the Office of Naval Intelligence before it, prefer subtler, more effective ways to get people to do as they desire. Make someone think it's their own idea, to do a certain thing, for example."

"The ACA has known you have, or at least had, a friendly relationship with Miss Latharion for some time. She seemed the best candidate to manipulate you, though I still wonder why she approached Miss Serrah instead of you directly. We believed that if the senator of the Veolian Commonwealth rejected slavery, passing a law to remove slavery would be far easier."

Kachiso was still as calm as ever as he continued explaining.

"I was told the bodyguard in question threatened to pull a gun on Nathan. As a former marine, he is trained to eliminate threats. I can't blame him for reacting aggressive, for he has been conditioned to react like that. Miss Latharion told me the bodyguard wore the insignia of House Nehket and that she believed that what she needed to discuss would better not reach the Head of House Nehket. Though I'm not sure what she means by that. It seems she was attempting to protect Miss Serrah by asking her bodyguard to leave."

The Astrian senator smiled, the first time any emotion showed on his face since he entered.

"I must say I find it ironic you would think she tried to gather blackmail material, after you already had blackmailed her. Perhaps you should speak to Miss Latharion, if you have the chance. Though I'm sure you understand she wasn't very happy with you or Miss Serrah the last time I spoke with her."

[Nehket Aeka]

"Your government's intentions are quite clear, senator. There's no need to pretend otherwise. And of course, no government agency uses blackmail.", the chancellor replied flatly, clearly not accepting the explanation as the truth.

"I do not care for any excuses you have for the behaviour of your Jedi. Serrah's bodyguard is an agent of the government of the Veolian Commonwealth, and was present in her official capacity. Your Jedi's actions bordered on an unsanctioned act of special enforcement. And the idea that forcibly removing her bodyguard somehow offers more protection to Serrah is an even more ludicrous excuse."

The chancellor looks directly at the Astrian senator.

"Let me make sure that I am clear on this: If your government or one of your government's agents threatens one of my constituents again, or if you even try to put Serrah in such a position again, I will measure out the ACA's conduct in this matter and their attempts at unlawful special enforcement very publicly and at great length in the senate.

I am sure that everyone in the senate will agree with me that having your constituents threatened by a Jedi is not something that one can simply forget or forgive. Especially not if that Jedi is a former marine "trained to eliminate threats". Nor is it something that is conductive to a 'discussion in a civilised matter where each opinion has equal value' as you are so fond of calling the interaction within the Union."

The tone of the veolian woman's voice made it clear that her reaction would most likely not restrict itself to a political reply. In fact, her visage had the intensity of a predatory animal preparing to fight a fearsome rival for the status of pack leader.


The chancellor took a moment to calm herself. An experienced politician himself, senator Doshima could see that this was not an act. The veolian woman was really very angry and had to consciously control herself before continuing.


"And yes, of course miss Latharion is not happy. She just failed her mission to remove me from my position and embarrassed the ACA in the process. I assume that she will most likely have lost her child and wife as well by now, if she is even still alive herself. After all, she did help you and your government come to power, so removing her from any position of power she still holds is a top priority.", the veolian senator spoke as if these things were simply facts of the world, "Using her as a tool to take out a rival politician is a better use for her than outright execution. It allows her to prove her use, while at the same time giving you a good excuse to do away with her if things go awry."

"If you feel the need, and if she is still alive, you can inform miss Latharion that I could not care less about her emotional state. She should have taken the opportunity to inform Serrah of her precarious situation. Serrah tried everything to ensure that miss Latharion could speak openly without you or your government listening in. But alas, she clearly did not expect us to be able to help her, if she did she would have requested asylum immediately...

As it stands, the only conversation with her that I am interested in is the one where she profusely apologizes, in person, to Serrah for her deceptions and the distress she caused."

[Lord-Senator Kachiso Doshima]

The Astrian Senator sighed. "She'll have my head for this, but oh well." he muttered to himself.

He looked at senator Nehket sternly.

"Please don't superimpose Veolian standards on other cultures, chancellor, it's narrow-minded and degrading to everyone.

The ACA has no wish to remove you from your position as Senator of the Veolian Commonwealth. In fact we have more to gain from you keeping your position than trading you in for a new unknown variable. Since you seem to lack the ability to notice subtleties over your own preconceptions I will be blunt and honest.

The ACA is aware of your romantic relationship with Miss Serrah and frankly we don't care. The only thing the Astrian Colonial Authority cares about is the safety, advancement and the continued existence of the Astrian race. That is all I care about. That is the one thing Maria Latharion cares about more then her family. You, yourself, are not a threat to any of those. Nor is Miss Serrah, nor is that bodyguard. Not even the egotistical ways of the Veolians are a threat to us. Slavery, however, is a lot more dangerous to us."

Kachiso had a harsh tone in his voice, but he spoke quite softly.

"I suggest you save your threats for those that you can actually threaten. The ACA may not be the most influential world, but you are sorely mistaken if you think we can be trampled. I can't help but wonder what the Senate would think if they learned you blackmailed a former senator. Do we understand each other?"

[Nehket Aeka]

((OOC: I did some serious thinking, and have finally determined how to proceed from here.

First off, I would like to give everyone the benefit of insight into the minds of Aeka and Serrah. Having this insight will show why there is such a strong disconnect between what actually happened, and how Aeka and Serrah experienced it. Of course, with me being Brend, the explanation grew rather large: I have posted it below.

Normally, what my character would do in this situation is to respond to the insults and the explicit challenge by going on the offensive for the foreseeable future to battle it out to determine who the dominant party is (which would involve aggressive politics, trading and general nastiness and unpleasantness for the next month or four). However, I feel that me going on the offensive IC here would not be good for the interactions in and around the game on both IC and OOC level.

I feel that the using 'that is what my character would do' to justify doing something that is no fun for anyone is bad form in a roleplaying game. Because I think that it would be detrimental to the game's atmosphere if I start playing hardball, I have decided to step a little outside of the bounds of Aeka's character. Instead of going on the offensive, she starts to appreciate Kachiso's machismo and posturing and sees if this can be forged into a political relationship of mutual respect.

Doing things that are not in line with my characters is a bit difficult for me (for some reason it makes me feel like I betrayed my character). So, here's hoping that this direction works out better.))

"Yes. That would be interesting, wouldn't it? To see the reaction of the senate when you make good on your threat, followed immediately by the chancellor admitting to it and continuing to inform the senate on how the ACA sends their Jedi to terrify their political opponent's property to cow said opponent into rejecting slavery..."

Aeka looks at Kachiso in silence and with an angry and tense expression.

After a the silence grew to nearly a minute, a smile creeps into her expression and her eyes take on a sparkle.

"I must say senator, you are one of the few in the senate that actually get it. I love how you can say that blackmail has never been used by the Astrian Colonial Authority and then immediately try to blackmail me.", her voice has completely changed and sounds relaxed. "I think that there are only two or three others that would be so audacious that they would stake the future of their world on such a gambit."

"It is clear to me that I have approached this in completely the wrong way.

Neither of us has to prove anything, not to each other, nor to our worlds. We should not be exchanging threats when we can use that time to discuss a way forward. Don't get me wrong, I'm still angry with Maria for betraying Serrah like this, and I'll still react poorly if Serrah is ever put in that situation again. But if Maria's intentions were really as you say they were, and if she really values our relationship, she should have no problem contacting me herself to tell me so."

"But let's leave that bit of unpleasantness behind us and focus on the things we can actually accomplish."

"You once said you were strongly opposed to back room deals. Do you practice the same flexibility in the discussion of those deals as you do in never using blackmail?", she asks with a cheerful tone as she gets up.

Aeka walks towards one of the couches. She stops shy of reaching them, and remains standing for the next question.

"Would you like some tea, senator? While we wait for the brew we could discuss ways to make the abolishing of slavery more appealing to the Commonwealth... After all, my world being singled out in the senate for a single cultural aspect that irks others makes getting real things done a tad difficult."

[Nehket Aeka]

((OOC: If anyone has any question whatsoever about this explanation, please drop me a PM. I want everyone that is interested to fully understand the convoluted reasoning of Aeka and Serrah, so if you want me to I will explain any strangeness, unclarity or ambiguity and update this post.

<start explanation>
Currently, Aeka and Serrah feel betrayed by Maria. They thought they had a positive relation. But instead of simply approaching them with her proposal, Maria tried to get Serrah to admit that she loved Aeka. Since Maria already knew this to be true, and since an actual romantic relationship with a slave is tabboo in the Commonwealth, Serrah mistakenly assumed that her attempts were to gathering blackmail material for the ACA, most likely because she was being coerced into doing so.

Before the meeting Aeka herself assigned the bodyguard to Serrah, because she did not exactly trust the fact that Maria suddenly wanted to meet. Under normal circumstances, she would have thought nothing of it. But now, the request followed just after Serrah filed her complaint about Kachiso's stating that she was unfit to represent the veolians with the ministry of Justice. Next to that, the ACA is (in veolian terms) a very new faction, so Akea simply assumes as a matter of fact that the leaders of the ACA will be swift in removing anyone that helped them gain power. After all, if they can help you into power, they can also help you out of power again... (Veolian reasoning at its best there). So, she was highly suspicious of the sudden request.

Because of her misguided reasoning about Maria's intent, Serrah also assumed that ACA intelligence would be monitoring the meeting. So she tries to determine if either if Maria's eyes or ears are natural -- because biological organs are assumed to be safe from hacking by intelligence agencies. Serrah's plan was (if Maria's eyes were natural) to write down a question asking if Maria needed help to safe her child and wife, or (if Maria's ears were natural) to somehow get her out into a less monitorable location (such as small parks) and make sure to ask her verbally without Maria's eyes seeing Serrah's face so as to prevent lipreading. Serrah was sure that Maria was being coerced, and if she asked for Asylum, Aeka would be able to rush the asylum request for Maria and her immediate family, allowing the Veolian Commonwealth to demand that the ACA release Maria's child and wife.

Then, when the Astrian Jedi suddenly shows up durint the meeting, having been listening in on the supposedly private talk between Serrah and Maria, Serrah panicked. The fact that a Jedi is there and tries to remove her only ally in the whole room made Serrah terrified. Serrah reasoned: if Kachiso feels that she does not have any value, and the ACA is already coercing Maria into trying to betray Serrah's trust, then the ACA's Jedi "accidentally" deflecting a blaster shot into a "worthless slave" to intimidate Aeka into backing down on the slavery matter becomes something that Serrah finds very plausable.

Serrah was literally afraid for her life. And she told Aeka what went down, coloured by her fear and misguided assumptions.
<end explanation>

This was posted as an attachment of sorts to the above post, it will neatly collapse when actual RP continues.))

[Lord-Senator Kachiso Doshima]

Kachiso smiled.

"I suppose you're right. Neither of us has any real gain from starting a conflict.

What exactly would you ask of the ACA, in order to make the abolishment more appealing?"

He paused a moment.

"And yes, I would like some tea, thank you."

[Nehket Aeka]

After Aeka sits down on one of the couches, she uses the terminal next to the couch to send for some tea.

"There are several things that would be of interest to us. Since the matter at hand is one of morality and cutural values, I think we should seek a symmetrical compromise. I suggest we steer clear of direct economic compensation, as that discussion too easily slips into the pitfall of placing a monetary value to one's cultural beliefs.

I have had some discussion with others, and several promising compromises have already been rejected. I expect that we will have to accept a certain amount of back and forth before we can settle on something acceptable.

I will start off with a proposal for which I am presuming that your answer will be a resounding 'no'. Yet I have to propose it, if only to establish how serious the commonwealth takes this matter. After this proposal, I hope that you understand the weight we place on the issue."

Before she could start, a rodian woman enters carrying with a tray with a pot of tea and two cups. After she has left, Aeka continues:

"We have offered our assistance to the government of the then STF in aiding in research for the Astrian people to go beyond their dependence on cybernetics in the past. At that time, the offer was rejected. We have not pressed any further, neither via direct communication, nor by taking matters to the senate.

On several occasions in the past have we expressed our opinion that cybernetics should not be used to go beyond a species' biological capability, and we have also on some occasions expressed our opinion on the immoral use of birth control. We firmly belief that both factors result in a decline in the quality of natural selection, yet we have restrained ourselves from trying to use our influence in the senate to force such issues. Now that the political route is being walked to pressure us into changing our culture, I do feel one more attempt is fitting."

Aeka pours two cups of tea from the pot, and places one of the cups on the table near Kachiso.

"In return for sacrificing one of our oldest traditions, we ask that you reciprocate by accepting the following measures to create a Union-wide improvement of the quality of natural selection: a restriction in cybernetics and artificial birth control.

What this would entail is stringent restrictions on all synthetic implants; only those medically necessary are to be implanted, and no synthetic implant is bestow abilities that go above and beyond what the species is naturally capable of. Those that are augmented beyond the medically necessary are to be sterilized so as to prevent their unfair advantages over other mates from polluting the gene pool. Furthermore we want a Union-wide prohibition of artificial birth control and artificially induced abortion, unless necessary for medical reasons, so as to offer every unborn child a chance at existence."

"I'm sure that you are more than willing to end this discussion here and now, as your predecessor react rather poorly to me even offering assistance in research with the goal to remove the Astrian dependency on cybernetics. If you feel the need to do so, please remember that I expected a resounding 'no' before explaining the proposal. If you still wish to end the discussion here and now, at least do not let the tea go to waste and think things over while it cools."

[Lord-Senator Kachiso Doshima]

Kachiso was quiet for a few moments.

"Chancellor, I feel the need to point out exactly what you would be asking the Astrian Colonial Authority to do. Because I doubt you realise the full extent of what you ask. You're asking us to sterilise the large majority of our population. Which would undo the most important thing we achieved thanks to cybernetics. The prevention of our own extinction. Even if we accepted your offer to reduce our dependence on cybernetics, we would become dependent on the Veolian Commonwealth for our survival.

I would argue that aid from an outside party is just as much against natural selection as cybernetics are, wouldn't you agree?"

The Astrian man took a small sip from his tea.

"And then I'm not even mentioning the economical impact this would have. We would be bankrupt within a few years.

I assume you realise that asking the Astrians to go extinct is hardly a fair compromise for changing a tradition, no matter how old or important that tradition is."

He smiled at that last sentence.

"May I ask what you mean exactly when you say 'artificial birth control and artificially induced abortion'? And could you also explain what Veolians see as the 'immoral use of birth control'?"

[Nehket Aeka]

Aeka was pleasantly surprised by the astrian's reaction. To her, this man is clearly more at home in the political arena than Maria.

"You interpret my proposal more harshly then it was intended", she started, "Any demand or proposal asking a species to go extinct is utterly unreasonable. Furthermore, if the use of cybernetics is the only way to be able to procreate for the astrian people, than this clearly constitutes a medically necessary use of those cybernetics.

What we mean is more in line with several laws already in place in the ACA. As I understand it, there are laws in place to limit the amount of physical strength that may be generated by cybernetic implants. We propose an extension of this concept to include all of an individuals capabilities. We are not against restoration of the body through cybernetics -- it is true that many of use prefer reconstruction through the application of Bacta but this is purely from an aesthetic perspective and a sense of self -- we are against the use of cybernetics to gain an advantage over other mates.

We also understand that sometimes, this advantage is necessary for the survival of the species as a whole. In those cases, even on Mirda, we allow cybernetics to grant capabilities to an individual beyond the biological. However, we require that such individuals are removed from the population as a potential mate.

In the hypothetical situation that this proposal is found acceptable, we are more then willing to allow for a grace period during which individuals can downgrade their augmentations to comply to the newly enacted limitations. Asking for their immediate sterilisation is a ridiculous notion."

Aeka picks up her cup of tea, blows on it for a moment to let it cool, and takes a small sip to judge the temperature.

After putting the cup back down, she continues.

"We are also not seeking to make the astrian people dependent upon us for their procreation. In the past, we have simply offered to assist in the research and funding of the necessary projects to remove your people's dependency upon cybernetics. We did not, and do not, intend to replace this dependency by yet another. We only hope that your species finds a durable resolution to this dependency, and are willing to offer aid with both our insights into biological processes and financial means.

Aid from an outside party is as old as civilization itself, and while there is a school of thought in the Commonwealth that adheres to complete self-sufficiency, most of us acknowledge that helping others and accepting help in return is a natural extension of being a sentient species within any social structure."

"But, let me answer your question before the tea gets too cold.", Aeka says with a smile.

"We view any form of birth control or the inducement of abortion as artificial. We admit that these processes are present in nature, as there are some species that have a natural process to prevent conception, or even the ability to induce abortion as a natural process intrinsic to the species. It is also well-known on Mirda that those with great prowess in the force have greater control over their bodies, sometimes to the level of being able to control conception or induce abortion, we see these abilities as an intrinsic part of their being.

Yet these are intrinsic abilities of that individual, and do not go beyond the biological capabilities of that individual. We view the prevention of conception through external influences or the use of a technological aide as highly immoral and contrary to the natural process of procreation."

[Lord-Senator Kachiso Doshima]

Taking another sip of his tea, Kachiso listened to the Veolian woman.

"We don't use cybernetics to attract a mate, Chancellor. We use them to improve ourselves. Most Astrians care very little about a persons physical or genetic traits. We care about a persons intelligence and their personality. We ascertain these from their actions, not their abilities or their appearance."

He explained.

"Astrians aren't as driven to procreate as Veolians. We don't look for a mate, we look for a partner. Someone who accepts us, respects us and who cares for us. Many Astrians choose not to have children, just as many choose to have them. Similarly many Astrians choose to have extensive cybernetics and many choose to limit the amount they have. It is one of the most basic and oldest rights of Astrians, to be allowed to decide what is done to their own body and what not. That includes any improvements over their normal limitations. That right also includes abortions and the use of birth control.

You may find that highly immoral, but similarly we find the notion a person can be owned as property to be highly immoral."

Kachiso paused to take another sip of his tea. His tone was one of a calm nature, neither pleading nor accusatory.

"We limit the physical strength of cybernetics to protect the people from physical harm. But why would a person accept the biological limitation given by an unguided and extremely slow process, like evolution, when they have the natural ability to create ways to overcome them?"

[Nehket Aeka]

"We may both view each other's cultural practices as immoral, yet we are not the ones that stepped to the senate to force our morality on other worlds.", Aeka replied.

"From a veolian perspective your assumption that evolution is unguided does not hold true. Then again, I am not a philosopher on these matters, and as such shall refrain from arguing that point. I would like to point out that a person's intelligence is related to their genetics, so in a roundabout way, even your people evaluate potential partners at least partly on their genetic makeup. To say nothing of the fact that one's actions are very directly related to one's capabilities."

Aeka took a small sip of tea. Followed by another, this time seemingly satisfied with the temperature.

"I feel that there is a certain symmetry in my proposed compromise then. You want us to surrender one of our oldest traditions, and in return, we have asked you to do the same. We have reached an impasse in this way, but at least it is one with symmetry.", she added with a lighter tone.

"Now that we recognize this impasse, in what direction or directions would you propose we seek a compromise?"

[Lord-Senator Kachiso Doshima]

"I think we should look for a practical solution. A way that leaves most of both our norms and values intact, while still achieving our goals."

Kachiso said, before he took another sip of his tea.

"As I already said, the ACAs main issue with slavery is the notion a sentient being can be owned like property. Service and patronage are generally accepted by Astrians. Occupations such as maids and butlers are even considered honourable and receive great respect from people.

Seeing how Veolian slaves are generally well treated, abuse and exploitation are not a concern. So my question now is simple. When boiled down to the essentials, what is the reason Veolians use slaves instead of paid servants or become the patron of an artist. Aside from tradition."

He sat back, pausing a moment.

"When boiled down, the reason Astrians use cybernetics that increase and or expand their abilities would be this: To surpass the limitations of our biology.

I believe that if we know the essence of our problems, we can perhaps find an alternate solution, together, then the one we came up with on our own. Would such a method be satisfactory?"

[Nehket Aeka]

This wasn't the first time the question of why came up, and Aeka has spent a great deal of time in thought on the topic.

"So far, I have been able to identify two strong reasons.", she states with confidence after she takes a sip of tea.

"With the size of our world, we need to exercise our influence in multiple places at the same time. Since a slave is bound to the fortunes of it's master in all things, and as such has no reason to act against the interests of its master. A paid servant always has the option of betraying you for higher pay, and can not be trusted with these matters. Of course, if we had a way of literally being in multiple places at the same time, we would have need for slaves no longer.

And secondly, our telepathic prowess is, unfortunately, not of such scope that we can directly project our demands to those we wish to speak to. We can broadcast our desires and wishes, but we need someone to be receptive to them and to act on them. In short, we need someone present on the remote end. Since it takes a long time for the people around us to become attuned to our telepathic presence, the use of slaves that are bound to us gives them the authority to speak with our voice -- after all, their continued presence around us allows them to sense our desires and wishes before we speak them."

"Due to our telepathic nature, when we say that our slave speak with our own voices and wield our power, this is no empty rhetoric. We mean it."

She takes another sip of tea.

"I understand the desire to surpass the limitations of your biology, some of us share this desire. I suppose you would be interested in the teachings of Khaw Darsana. She has questioned the way veolians as a culture view cybernetics and has gained some support among the academics of the Commonwealth. Yet while I understand the desire, I can not agree with your methods."

Aeka takes a sip of tea, and savours the taste for a moment.

"I think the idea of looking for alternate solutions together is a beneficial one. But given the fundamental nature of the issues we have with each other's approach, I do not see this happening any time soon. Such changes take a long time, even if our worlds focus all our efforts on this issue -- and that is not a reality that will happen -- we are talking about decades, possibly even centuries of work.

In the meantime, we can not continue on with this song and dance in the senate. If I am to convince my people that this change, the abolishment of slavery, is for the better I will have to show concrete results with a compromise. Not a vague plan of mutual change over years of time."

To Kachiso's experienced political ear, Aeka sounds sorry as she explains the position she is in.

[Lord-Senator Kachiso Doshima]

"Chancellor, do you realise you just referred to a slave as 'it'?" Kachiso pointed out matter-of-factly.

"I believe that the second reason you give would hardly be a problem with maids or butlers. They remain close at all times to fulfil the wishes of their master or mistress. They are even expected to anticipate these wishes and the wishes of guests too. Your telepathy would only make this simpler, don't you think?"

He drank the last sip of his tea and put the cup back on the table.

"Your first reason is simply a matter of trust. I argue a slave can still have reasons to act against their master or mistress. For example, if the slave no longer wants to be a slave. Similarly, a paid servant can refuse higher pay, out of principle or because they like their current employer. Money isn't the only thing people value. You can see clear evidence of this in the way merchants handle contracts, most merchants would rather die than break a contract. No matter how much money they are offered. Something similar can be said about servants. Good servants would die before betraying their employer.

And usually an intelligent person can think of a way to make it more beneficial for a paid servant to remain loyal then to sell out. One could even argue it is a way to root out incompetent and weak nobles, for if they can't even inspire loyalty in their servants how could they inspire it in their subjects? And if they can't do that, what business do they have ruling?"

He paused a moment to let his words sink in.

"Astrians have a problem with the objectification of people. It's that simple. That is a very easy to solve problem. I believe I have already given you the solution in fact. I fail to see why that would take so long to implement. I am suggesting a minimal change, by replacing an outdated tradition with an, arguably, more humane practice. Think of the political goodwill this would gain the Veolian Commonwealth. The ACA has no problems with you taking credit for this idea, if it accomplishes the goal.

Might I ask how you would suggest we surpass the limitations of our biology, if not through cybernetics?"

Kachiso looked at Aeka expectantly.

[Nehket Aeka]

"Yes I am.", the chancellor coolly replied. "Since I am not aware of it's gender, I can scarcely use his or her. And since I am talking about a single slave, the plural their is not a good fit either. Galactic basic has the tendency to somewhat constrain one's expression in that respect."

"I think you and I have a very different experience with merchants then. I have never met a merchant that would rather die than break a contract...", she sounds surprised even at the idea of such a merchant, "And good servants would rather live than die. Those that would rather die will only make good soldiers."

Aeka decides to let the point of needing loyalty to rule go by, since explaining the veolian view on that is only going to confuse the issue and would add little of value the the current discussion for either party. Instead, she listens carefully to the rest of the arguments by Kachiso, nodding her understanding here and there.

"As I said earlier, you can surpass your biological limitations through careful selection of your mates. Through this, the qualities that your culture views as worthy and improving will be passed on to your children, and your children's children. In time, your descendants will greatly surpass you in terms of biological abilities and potential.

By simply stopping the policy of liberal applications of cybernetic implants, and instead focussing only on those few aides necessary to remain viable in your species procreative process -- that is the bare minimum necessary to continue on existing -- you will encourage the natural evolution and improvement of your people. In time your children will be born healthy and strong, without a forced dependency on cybernetics."

She paused a moment to let her words sink in, her expression having a hint of annoyance.

"Veolians have a problem with the use of cybernetics of your people. It's that simple. That is a very easy problem to solve. Actually, I believe that I have just given you the solution. I fail to see why that would take so long to implement. I suggest a minimal change, by replacing an unfair tradition with an, arguably, more fair practice. I urge you to think of the political goodwill this would gain the Astrian Colonial Authority. The Commonwealth has no problems with you taking credit for this idea, if it accomplishes the goal."

"There. Now you also know how that proposal feels.", she finally stated matter of factly.

"So, with the both of us once again asserting how we feel the problem should be addressed, shall we get to the point in this discussion where we can stop pointing out how wrong the other's culture is, and discuss a real compromise?

I find that the best tea blends are not made by simply replacing all herbs with a different set, but by measuredly adding some flavours from the other tea to arrive at a sweet-smelling blend. So it is with compromises, usually simply stating to the other party how you think the world should be does not change their opinion. Only by finding what works well together can one achieve something beyond opposition.

I'm sure that more tea can be made, but only if you are really interested in drinking it. Or do you feel that we've had enough tea?"

[Lord-Senator Kachiso Doshima]

Kachiso sighs, rather annoyed by Aekas childish reply. Unlike her annoyance, though, his remains hidden from view.

"I'm merely attempting to explain my side of the proposal and give reasons why you may want to consider the proposal. Reasons that I have attempted to make from your point of view. But instead of a reasonable reply, you come with ridicule. That isn't very constructive to this discussion.

Now, if my explanation offended you somehow, I apologise. That was not my intent."

He maintained the unreadable expression with perfection, his voice as calm as a frozen lake.

"By all means, Chancellor, tell me your compromise."

Then he seemed to remember she asked if he wanted more tea.

"And thank you, but I've had enough tea."

[Nehket Aeka]

Aeka spoke with a smile, but her tone was all but happy.

"Senator, I can not help but think that you seem to be under the impression that calling our culture outdated and inhumane should somehow convince me of the validity of your arguments, and cause me and the other 26 billion veolians on Mirda to suddenly change our complete culture to suit you. I understand how you would feel ridiculed by my parroting of your proposal, and that was exactly my point. You treat my culture as if it is some problem that needs solving."

"Given the way you treat my culture, I feel that my reply is no more reasonable or ridiculed than your superficial solution that the veolians simply ought to change because you feel this change is very simple. The least you could do while demanding we change our culture is treat it with a little respect."

Aeka took her last sip of tea.

"I seem to have lost my appetite for more tea.", she stated matter of factly.

"Very well. I suggest that, as all Union members change their culture to align with yours on the topic of slavery, all Union Members allign with ours on the topic of nobility. I propose that the Union officially recognize the relevance and importance of the veolian nobility.

This acknowledgement would come with some ceremonial benefits. The use of the correct order of precedence at state dinners and when speaking in the senate. Right of way in all Union transportation corridors such as hovercar lanes on Unity, or on Bozzy Spone junctions, for vessels carrying person of nobility, and precedence when recruiting commisioned officers for any military or intelligence office.

I feel that this is a very fair compromise for asking us to give up a tradition that is essential to our way of life."

[Lord-Senator Kachiso Doshima]

It was only now that Kachiso realised Aeka was probably an associative thinker, but decided not to press the issue further.

"An intriguing proposal, at the very least. But I believe you will understand that I can't simply agree to it. After all, the proposal you make would basically give the Veolian Commonwealth a free pass to infiltrate the militaries and intelligence services of all Union Members."

Then something donned on Kachiso.

"Chancellor, may I ask how you plan to abolish slavery in the Commonwealth? Am I correct in assuming that you plan to abolish it through Union law and that, in order to maintain your and house Nehkets position within the Commonwealth, you require a compromise to remain in the good graces of the other houses?

I do take it this conversation is still off the record?"

He added the last sentence in a slightly hushed tone.

[Nehket Aeka]

"Oh, I'm sorry that was not what I meant.", the chancellor spoke in honesty, "I meant the privilege regarding precedence when recruiting comissioned officers in a Union context. I fully understand that you can not agree to giving veolians precedence in the Astrian navy or intelligence community."

"Of course this converstion is still off record.", Aeka reacted a little surprised at the question.

"You are right, though I wouldn't say that "I plan" to do so. If a compromise can be reached, I presume that the senate will pass some form of binding law enacting both the abolishment of slavery form the Union and the discussed compromise. This in turn will force the emperor and the other houses to enact laws to abolish slavery.

Allowing the Union to simply dictate veolian law will not be received well. Remaining in the good graces of the other Houses, or remaining in the good graces of my own House for that matter, won't be easy even with a compromise that I can bring home..."

[Lord-Senator Kachiso Doshima]

The Astrian was slightly amused by Aekas surprise. "Of course, but you understand what I mean."

Kachiso sat up straight.

"Chancellor, I would like to note that I see promise in your proposal. Before we continue, however, I would like to discuss a hypothetical situation."

The tone he used made it clear that this wouldn't necessarily remain strictly hypothetical.

"You see, I recently read that the Veolian Emperor has made legislation that limited slavery within the Veolian Commonwealth. And has done so not once but twice during his reign. It makes me wonder what his personal view on slavery is.

I was wondering if the ACA could lend you a helping hand in gaining his favour and what this would be worth to you or house Nehket."

[Nehket Aeka]

"It is true that imperial decrees have been issued to shape slavery into the practice it is nowadays. But the last one was issues roughly a thousand years ago. I do not presume to know His Imperial Highness' personal stance on slavery. Why do you not ask him?", Aeka replied carefully.

"I do know that the emperor is not in the habit of allowing external governments dictate his actions, nor does he look favourably upon those he appoints as representatives if they fail to prevent this."

"So, in this hypothetical situation, what exactly would the Astrian Colonial Authority be doing to help house Nehket?", she asks with a coy smile.

[Lord-Senator Kachiso Doshima]

"We could water down the current proposal. Replace slavery with a variant that removes the issues we have with the practice, but maintains the status quo for the Veolians. Then claim you were the one who came up with it.

We can also refuse to negotiate politically with anyone other then you, or perhaps miss Serrah. And convince others to do so as well."

Kachiso waited for a reply.