Fwurg

[Veolian Commonwealth]

As the hovercar of the Hiocan senator flew onto the terrain of the Veolian embassy it became clear that the Veolian's did not spare any expense in the construction of the building and it's surroundings.

A well-maintained garden with an impressive fountain as centrepiece offered information and other services to the public.

The embassy itself is an elegant cone-shaped highrise with around 35 floors, surrounded by smaller buildings connected by skybridges. Some of the smaller buildings tote impressive communications arrays pointed into space. The entrance to the main embassy building was paved with polished black marble, and flagpoles carried the banners of the Union, the Veolian Commonwealth, and each of the six great houses. Security measures were subtle, but clearly noticeable for those looking for them.

As the senator got out of his vehicle he was greeted by senator Nehket Aeka.

[Nehket Aeka]

"Welcome, senator Harek.", the veolian senator greeted. "Her Imperial Majesty is waiting for you on the terrace. If you will follow me, I will lead you to her."

On the way through the embassy the veolian senator informed the Hiocan's about some of the details of the meeting.

"Her Imperial Majesty is most interested in the current state of Hiocan technology, as she has heard that the Hiocan hyperdrive technology has interesting side-effects. She would also like to speak with you on the subject of slavery.

She has also decreed that the terrace is off-limits to slaves. The duties of Tayu Shanora have been taken on by lady Nehket Tzulan, who will serve as her imperial majesty's hostess for the duration of your audience."

The party stepped into the elevator just as the veolian senator finished. The bell boy bowed deeply, and quickly directed the elevator to shoot upwards.

"Do you have any questions before you meet her imperial majesty?", the senator asked.

[Senator Harek]

The Hiocan delegation was small. In the cover car were just Senator Harek and his secretary miss T’Ralesh, a chauffeur, a servant and two bodyguards. It was quite a contrast with the big display of the Veolian embassy.

Senator Harek stepped out of the hover car followed by his secretary. He was wearing his finest dress robes with the Hiocan symbol subtly embroidered in it. His secretary T’Ralesh was wearing what seemed to be the Hiocan version of a yellow skirt suit with also the Hiocan symbol embroidered in it.

Senator Harek greeted Senator Nehket Aeka with the Hiocan greeting (Putting a hand up open and put the index and middle finger and the ring and little finger together).

“Thanks you Senator Nehket Aeka for making the arrangement. Let me introduce to you my secretary T’Ralesh, you have probably seen her in the Senate building.

Congratulations on becoming minister of Foreign Affairs senator Nehket Aeka. I hope that your term will be successful; that problems can be solved diplomatically and progress can be made.”

With the last words he looked to the senator as to hint to the agreement he had made.

Together they walked towards the Veolian embassy. The guards and servants stayed with the car. They listened to what Senator Nehket Aeka had to say and walked into the elevator.

“We thank her imperial majesty for granting our wishes and we like to talk about cultural difference. You have to open so you can learn from each other and come to mutual understanding and respect. Only then you can efficiently work together and make great progress.

Maybe you could explain some things about her imperial majesties and lady Nehkets Tzulan personal background. Within the Hiocan Society there is no nobility. As minister of foreign affair of the Hiocan Society I have acquired some experience with the concept of nobility in the past. But each faction has his own interpretation of noble. Could you enlighten us more on the subject?”

[Nehket Aeka]

"Of course senator. Veolian nobility as strongly bound by blood, though not necessarily by a long lineage.

Her Imperial Majesty Saret Neferti is the first wife of his imperial majesty. She was born Lady Narasha Neferti, her father was the patriarch of House Narasha and her mother an established xeno-geneticist, adopted into house Narasha. She flowered late, at the age of twenty-three. She caught the eye of the emperor during a tour that took him through the Narasha holdings. An incident during a peasant uprising left her unable to conceive, a condition that is usually grounds for a divorce. Instead, his imperial majesty has kept her close.

Lady Nehket Tzulan is my second cousin once removed, and is next in line to inherit the Shintara Research facility. At the age of eighty-nine, his imperial majesty requested her presence at court, as her imperial majesty invited her to take up the duties of a lady-in-waiting."

The elevator arrived, and the doors smoothly and silently opened. The party had been lifted to the top of the Veolian embassy, where a small circular building, it's walls made from glass stood was positioned in the middle of the flat roof. The roof itself was barely recognizable as such, as grass and other plants were growing on it.

The senator led the party to a terrace outside the small building, where the empress stood looking out at Unity city.

[Empress Saret Neferti]

The empress turned to meet the Hiocan delegation.

"Well met, senator Harek.", she said with a curt nod.

[Senator Harek]

The Hiocan delegation walked towards the empress.

“Thanks for your generosity for having us here and arranging this lovely location to our whishes, your imperial majesty.”

Says senator Harek while he and hiss secretary bow and make the Hiocan greeting.

“Allow me to introduce to you my secretary T’Ralesh, she has been assisting me for the last thirty year ever since my wife died.

It seems that our factions are quite different culturally but we share an interest in technology.”

[Empress Saret Neferti]

"Our cultures do indeed seem to differ on a very fundamental level. It might be good to talk about these differences, to prevent problems in the future."

"Please, take a seat.", the empress motioned towards the chairs while she herself sat down.

"My people's interest in technology can be ascribed to our drive to evolve and change. Through research do we gain understanding and insight into the universe, and through insight we change for the better.

Take our latest breakthrough in the field of genetics for example. House Khaw, the guardians of the current Genealogical Archives, funded a programme to improve the efficiency of genetic scanning and matching algorithms. Due to this, we can now scan every single individual in the Commonwealth, helping them to find the perfect genetic mate.

As a result of this, a government-funded effort has begun to scan all volunteers. And, by imperial decree, it is an offence to restrict an individual from volunteering. This way, everyone on Mirda has the option of entering their profile into the archives, allowing for much greater matching potential.

Where genetic matching was previously the domain of nobility, as scanning and matching was very expensive, we can now offer such advances to the whole population. Not only can we do this, but research is already underway to determine methods and techniques for incorporating the genetic information of other species. We hope to one day be able to offer advanced genetic scanning and matching to every Union citizen."

[Senator Harek]

Senaratary Harek and his secretary take a seat.

“Our interest in technology is for purely to gain more knowledge and insight, and we agree that we want to change the universe into a better place. But we do not so much put efforts on the nature aspect of learning but concentrate on nurture.

By looking at the individual we develop the best learning strategy. There are a lot of schools, universities, education, training centre’s who let our knowledge and skills increase. There are also assessments centre to examine how the person will perform under various circumstances. We strive to get the best performance from everyone.

Everyone within a Hiocan society has a least the basic knowledge of one field. But we do not only train the mind but also the body. Everyone who comes of ages gets one year of military training. That way everyone’s has enough physically capabilities to take care of themselves.

Matching based on genes is not uncommon. It is only logical that one would want a suitable partner. The number of arranged and marriages out of love is about 70:30. Emotions and feelings contribute to making decisions. You should carefully consider them as your gut feeling is quite often right.

With Hemet Veolians having such a long life, there seems to be more than enough time for training and nature becomes more important than nurture. Our 200 to 300 years seems quite short.

I heard that the Veolians were the first to accept our invitation for the 1s intergalactic conference. So I think collaboration between our factions might happen sooner than I expected.”

[Empress Saret Neferti]

After a short moment of silence the empress replied: "Do not be deceived, while one's bloodline is of paramount importance, the high nobility will spend considerable time and effort to fit a custom curriculum to the talents and predisposition of their children. They will certainly take into account their child's genetic make-up, and the genetic predisposition of possible matches when determining suitable educational venues."

"While it is true that we could take our time, and work towards mastery of a skill over a period of hundreds of yours -- and some of us do -- most hemets participate in training and education at the same pace as non-hemets. And even that is slower than they could actually absorb the knowledge", the empress continued, "but one has to leave time for leisurely pursuits," she finished smiling.


"We look forward to closer technological cooperation, I have heard talk at court about trying to set up cooperation between our factions with the express intent of exchanging insights on hyperspace theories. Should you be interested, it might be good to have a few of our advisers talk amongst each other to determine what options we have in this area."

[Senator Harek]

“Getting the right kind of training is indeed important. The Hemet Veolians could reach their full potential in all fields that way.

I think a meeting before the conference would be a good Idea. I’ll contact our scientist/engineers so we can make arrangement. We can show them our facilities and exchange insights.

Does your majesty have some other matters to discuss? I heard you were interested in our no slave policy. I think it is similar to that of the Unified Republic of Darya.”

[Empress Saret Neferti]

"Then it is arranged.", the empress replied to the Hiocan's agreement to have some advisers meet before the conference.

" I am indeed interested in your views on the subject of slavery, please elaborate on your stance with regard to slavery, and do not hesitate to explain cultural intricacies or histories related to it. Quite frankly, I assume that you have a very rational and logical reason for your request that no slaves be present during your visit; it is almost as if you deem them unworthy of your presence..." the empress ended her sentence in a questioning tone.

[Senator Harek]

“As your highness wishes I shall tell a short historical account followed by some other interesting facts.

The earliest records on Hio about our history start about four thousand years ago. There were various barbaric tribes who fought for the limited resources. Your highness should know that Hiocans have strong emotions and on a whim a war was fought. Survivors became slaves and were used as they pleased. We were considered quite violent then.

Until one tribe leader Lotak broke this pattern. He used logic and reason and convinced other tribe to work together in peace. Emotions needed to be controlled and all the bad habits were banned. One should have respect for each other and the environment. So slavery was prohibited.

After a few years of working together and making considered progress they went to spread the faith. Other tribes wanted to stop this and made war. It took quite some time as they were quite persistent. But logic and reason as well as people being well organized and having good resources made Lotaks son the winner. So faith spread all across the planet."

Senator Harek paused for a minute before continuing.

"All creatures with a mind of their own are free to choose what they want to do as long as they do not endanger others or themselves. You can keep a pet, but if he does not like you, he will run away. The degree of conscious is important to as what you are allowed to do and there are various tests for it.

Freedom of choice is important. If you are forced to do thing you do not like, you will become unhappy and one will do strange (violent) things. You do not want this to happen, as it will only cost you. You can better let people work for you who want to do the things. There is elaborated telepathic research on the well-being of people in various situations.

Does your highness have questions so far?"

((OOC: Added history page to Hiocan society.))

[Empress Saret Neferti]

"Not yet. Please continue."

[Senator Harek]

“Now we come to the more practical side of slaves and the kinds of ownerships.

What if a slave enters the Hiocan society? That person is free. When they enter they can ask for asylum and mostly within half a year the request has been granted or denied. In this time they get a (simple) place to stay and have to pass a physical and mental check up and all information is registered. If they get asylum they get an extensive integration program, to help them to live and take care of themselves. They can start a normal live within the Hiocan Society.

But what if their boss wants him/her back? First their boss has to give detailed information about the slave as to prove that this is the same person and she/he was working for him. This is the most problematic part as to whether she/he was kidnapped or not and was really employed for that person. But luckily we have very good telepaths so we you not only have physical but also mental prove. Once this is settled the Employment bureau works out the details, there is a special ex-slave department.

We consider a slave as a kind of employee. By becoming free, the slave broke the labour contract. If there is enough prove of the employment, the boss can ask for compensation. The height of the compensation depends on the situations (race, age, sort of work, years employed etc.). Some Hutt have tried to let the slave sign a labour contract with abnormal high fine when they break the contract as to get more money out of it, but within the Hiocan Society there is a maximum debt one can have. Like a normal labour contract, the slave has a secrecy clause. There has been some diplomatic stress with the Hutt on this point. At one time we had to set out the ex-slave for violating the secrecy clause. But now things have settled.”

The senator looked serious and took a pause.

“We like to help people and give them a chance but they have to enable it themselves (no free loading) and not bring the society in danger.

Now, we get to the point different kinds of ownership or more accurate keepership. The terms lose their meaning in Galactic Basic. Ownership is only for non-living objects. Keepership is for all leaving creatures. In Hiocan there are different words for various forms of keepership which depend on the exact relationships and this incorporates also the obligation of the person for keeping the creature. This is from keeping a farm animal or pet to taking care of your grandchild or marriage. One should always take good care of the creature and the degree of choice of freedom (what is allowed or not) depends on consciousness level and the kind of relationship. There are laws on this and also guidelines as what to do and not to do.

With this I hope you get a clear image, your imperial highness. I would like to know how the Veolian commonwealth view is on this matter.”

((OOC: Hopefully, not many typos or errors))

[Empress Saret Neferti]

The empress listened closely to the explanation by senator Harek. When he started talking about breaking contracts, she seemed to be a bit confused, and when he talked about marriage her confusion visibly grew. However, just as the Hiocan senator was finishing his piece, the empress' countenance relaxed.

"That is a lot of information, senator. Please allow me to think on this for a few moments."

The empress seemed deep in thought for a minute, and a light blush crept onto her cheeks while she was thinking.

"I have some questions before I explain the Veolian point of view of this matter.", she started suddenly.

"First off, how do the Hiocans define the status of 'slave'? You have talked about slaves at length, but you have not explained when someone is a slave. This is very important when we talk about the subject, as you seem to couple the concept of slavery with labour. I would like for you to elaborate on this before we continue."

[Senator Harek]

“My apologies for confusion your imperial highness.

The problem lies in that we do not acknowledge the real status of a slave, as being a property of someone. Every sentient being is free as it has a will of its own. Therefore we consider them as a (free) employee.

Within our own territory we do the utmost to enforce this (slavery is prohibited). But in other worlds we respect their rules and regulations. In some cultures slavery is deeply rooted and we hope to do something about this. We do not mind that this will take a long time. ”

[Empress Saret Neferti]

"But, even though you have outlawed slavery, you acknowledge that there is a relation between a slave and it's owner. You clearly state that the relation is seen as if it equates to labour contract. Compensation for breaking the contract is determined depending on race, age, sort of work, employment time, and other factors.

As you said yourself, all creatures with a mind of their own are free to choose what they do, as long as they do not endager others or themselves. So, given that the Hiocans acknowledge that there is a relation between a slave and its mistress, would you actively prevent a slave from leaving with its rightful master, even if the slave wishes to do so?

You said that you have very good telepaths, so determining the actual honesty of the slave's desire to stay with its master should be no problem, even though this seems like a gross violation of a person's sanctity of mind..."

[Senator Harek]

“Everybody is constitutional free within the Hiocan Society. So there is no rightful master, only their employer. Everybody is free to choose to stay or leave. Be it on a whim or after careful consideration, but one should consider the consequences and take responsibility for their deeds.

Helping people is sometimes very hard as some do not know what they do or what they really want. That is why there is extensive mental help/examination. There are various forms of telepathy. There is looking at the mental state of someone from the outside; in some cultures they call this aura watching. This is comparable to looking to the physical state of someone from a distance. This shows what a person feels and you can detect lies. Good psychologist can see this without telepathy; they look to how people react and what kind of physical expressions they have.

Then you have the real mental examination where you enter someones mind. This can be compared to a physical examination where the doctor has to touch and use equipment for tests. Without permission it becomes hard and maybe dangerous for the examiner. If people do not to let someone to enter their mind, they can have extensive psychological talks to get a mental examination. We do not force help on someone unless it is absolutely necessary.”

[Empress Saret Neferti]

"Before I elaborate on the Veolian position on slavery, I would ask one more thing of you.", the empress replied softly.

"You philosophy holds that everyone is free, and that each individual should determine their course of action from their own free will. You said you would not force a slave to leave its master, as the slave should, through an act of free will, request for help must be made before the Hiocan government steps in You also said that you respect the rules and regulations of other worlds."

The empress looked intently at the senator.

"Yet you requested that you not be served by slaves, which seems at odds with your philosophy of free will.

Would you care to explain why you asked me to send my slaves away? To me, logically, it seems that either you do not adhere to the Hiocan philosophy, or that you have let your personal feelings dedicate your course of action."

[Senator Harek]

“You are sharp, your imperial highness. I could just say that I do not like the sight of how people are completely submitted towards one person and do not think about developing and enjoying oneself. But this would not be the truth.

I did this as a precaution as not prevent a scene as I value a good political relationship with your imperial highness. The point is that looks can be deceiving. The most civilized diplomat can be extremely cruel to their servants/slaves. At one time we had to break off our relationship as we could not stand this kind of discrimination and disrespectful behavior. I know that it is not right to think badly of your imperial highness, but I did not dare to take any risk. I would rather have you think that I am a peculiar and stubborn about a no slave policy.”

It is clear that Senator Harek seems to enjoy the conversation with the empress. She is clearly a good interlocutor and he does not mince matters. He is opening up towards her and seems curious to hear the Veolian point of view.

[Empress Saret Neferti]

"Thank you for your honesty. Do not worry, my slaves are treated with the utmost respect and are well cared for in all aspects of life. Allow me to explain, as I think you might be pleasantly surprised by the Veolian position on slavery.

As you are probably aware, the Veolian culture is based on a feudal system. We strongly believe that the strong should protect the weak, and that in return, the weak support the strong. This is why the Commonwealth is led by the hemets, as they are stronger and therefore have a duty to protect their weaker brethren. Of course, the normal veolians have a duty to support their lords and ladies as best they can. For most of the population, this is currently expressed as the levying of taxes."

The empress turned a little to get a better look at the Hiocan senator.

"Slavery is the ultimate expression of this principle. A master takes full responsibility for the well-being and care of her slave, and in return the slave does her utmost to support her master. Most slaves are extraordinary artisans and artists, as they do not have a care in the world. Their master takes great pains to ensure that each slave is happy and can offer her full support to her master.

Furthermore, by law slaves enjoy greater protection than peasants, as they are more vulnerable. My husband prohibited slaves to do work that can be done more economically by droids, and slave-owners must pay a large sum each year to the imperial coffer. This makes it so only those capable of supporting slaves keep slaves.

In social settings a slave is held in high esteem, as she is seen as an extension of her owner, and any action by the slave reflects on her owner. This transference of responsibility is even encoded in law, and the owner is held accountable for any crime committed by a slave. For example, if a slave would commit murder, her owner would be trialed."

The empress paused for a moment, to allow the Hiocan senator to process.

"Maybe you see now why we found your request not to be served by slaves to be peculiar. In effect you said that you did not wish to be served by us. And usually, people have no troubles being served tea by Her Imperial Majesty the First Empress Consort...

I understand your reasoning, and think you acted in a prudent fashion when requesting that you not be served by slaves. Unfortunately, this has put Tayu Shanora, one of my slaves, in a foul mood. She has refused to speak to me or touch me for the last two weeks. Hopefully, she will see reason once I explain your reasoning to her. I already miss her."

"Of course, you have a lot of questions. Take your time senator, we are not in a hurry.", the empress smiled at the Hiocan senator.

[Senator Harek]

“What you are now telling does not sound like the same slave as the Hutt refer to, your imperial Highness. This sounds more like a court artist or right hand. I did not know the Veolian concept would be this different. So I think I have to apologize to miss Shanora.

Maybe your imperial Highness can explain how it has come to this concept of slave from a historical perspective?”

[Empress Saret Neferti]

"Tayu.", the empress interrupted senator Harek. "Tayu Shanora. It is a title."

After the senator posed his question, the empress thought a bit.

"That is a very difficult question to answer. In all honesty, I am not sure. Historians have different opinions on this, but a few facts are known. Slavery has been a part of our culture since time immemorial, and from what little is known, the amount of slaves one kept has been an indicator of status for as long as the genealogical archives exist.

The law prohibiting slave labour when such labour can be done more efficiently by droids was enacted when house Saret came to power. This was during the aftershock wars. However, there are theories that this law only formalized the current public opinion on slaves.

I also know that my husband instituted an amendment to the law, stipulating a monthly payment to the imperial coffer for each slave someone owns.

Interestingly, some historians claim that, although the non-hemet population was at the mercy of the hemets, slaves have always had a status aparte. They claim that our maintaining of slaves is related to our innate telepathic ability, and pose that those described as slaves in ancient texts were actually highly honoured representatives of their hemet owner.

I can not tell you the absolute truth. But I can tell you that I feel a deep connection to all of my slaves, and that I take great pride in having nine very fit, skilled and attractive belongings."

The empress looked at the senator.

"Would you like to apologize to Tayu Shanora in person? It would mean a lot to me."

[Senator Harek]

“What your imperial highness tells is quite interesting. I have not encountered a culture before with this kind of concept for slave. In most cases it is a kind of oppression like with the Hutt. There slave has a negative association, while in your case it has a positive association. This just shows that even if you use the same word for something that the real meaning can be completely different.

So after this meeting I would like to meet Tayu Shanora, if she is available, and apologize. Could your imperial highness, explain me what kind of title Tayu is?”

Senator Harek waits for the answer and listens carefully. Now they have covered the main subjects so it is time for some other interesting matters. He wants to know more about the Veolian Commonwealth politics so that he could improve their political relationship.

“Your imperial highness, I would like to know how the about the Veolian Commonwealth politics. How do you see your role within the Union, where do you stand for and what do you hope to accomplish on short term and long term?”

[Empress Saret Neferti]

"A Tayu is an entertainer, highly proficient in the arts of dance, poetry and intimacy. It is the highest rank of courtesan. Tayu only entertain the noblest of lords, and are the only courtesans permitted on the palace grounds. Currently, there are only 104 Tayu, and Tayu Shanora is the only non-hemet among them, and the first non-hemet to ever obtain the rank. She trained under Silver Blossom. I am honoured to count Tayu Shanora among my property."

The empress held out her hand, and lady Nehket Tzulan quickly handed her a glass of water. The empress took a sip, and handed the glass back.

"The subject of politics is always a difficult one to discuss, as every Union member is convinced their way of governing is superior, or at least better suited. Where others try to create conformity, we look toward cooperation where necessary, but sovereignty where possible. It is our believe that the differences between union members are a strength, and that it will help us overcome changes in the universe.

For the short term, we have been gaining experience in the workings of the Union, and have already held the positions of minister of defence, and minister of foreign affairs. In the past we have supported senator Acehtoo, as she wishes for peaceful cooperation. However, with the rumblings of war on our borders, we have supported chancellor Bolv'ar."

The empress looked at senator Harek to gauge his reaction.

"However, we are now of the impression that chancellor Bolv'ar might have bitten of more than he can chew. His recent failure to note the availability of the Union Grant, his behaviour in the aftermath of the senate security incident, and his belated opening of the vote on improving the political position of minor worlds -- a full 4 weeks too late, even after chancellor Acehtoo scheduled the vote for the week after the elections -- attest to this.

As such behaviour is unbecoming of a chancellor, we are currently entertaining the idea of running for chancellor. The union could use some stability, and a punctual chancellor would be a welcome change after the tardiness of the last 2 periods."