force these slaves to embrace the cold reality of freedom

Some organisations have taken this opportunity to press their political agendas and force these slaves to embrace the cold reality of freedom - taking beings who have been provided every necessity of life for service and forcing them to fend for themselves in this cruel, careless universe. I wish to offer an alternative.

That's a very amusing spin on the situation. That's actually called releasing people that are unlawfully and unfairly held for forced cheap labor to the local authorities so they can be looked after and reintroduced to a normal society.

My research, and that of several highly respected galactic sociologists, suggests that introducing them into the larger Minmatar society is actually harmful to these individuals. How many of the 'graduates' - for lack of a better term - of the matriculation programs suffer serious psychological trauma as a result of the overwhelming burden placed on them to sink or swim in the cut-throat Minmatar society?

So you're saying the Amarr have studied how incompetent they are at educating their slaves?

My research, and that of several highly respected galactic sociologists, suggests that introducing them into the larger Minmatar society is actually harmful to these individuals. How many of the 'graduates' - for lack of a better term - of the matriculation programs suffer serious psychological trauma as a result of the overwhelming burden placed on them to sink or swim in the cut-throat Minmatar society?

The best thing for them is to be returned to the life and society they were raised in, be it at a planetary settlement and factory or aboard station at an assembly facility. To tear them away from the lives they know, confine them and force them to fend for themselves is tantamount to torture. We offer a safe and secure environment where service earns them salvation.

You've already taken them from the 'lives they know'. We offer freedom, instead of forced labor. Choice, instead of punishment. Most of all, we reconnect them with the families you stole them from.

What bothers you more, captain: that we left Amarr for a better life, or that we did it on your watch?

Apparently the Republic's education system doesn't teach anything related to reading comprehension because I don't think that's what he's saying at all.

Keeping in mind that they have been born into our service, raised in our facilities and live with their families - for the most part- as the work for the glory of God and the Empire. How is it that returning them to all they have ever known is harmful? You say that we are stealing their lives form them, I would suggest that is exactly what you are doing in uprooting and forcing them to fend for themselves....becoming just another mouth for your so-called Republic to feed and abuse.

We offer them safety and security, food, water, shelter and a chance to better themselves through service. You offer them instability, chaos and a quick death if they fail to readjust themselves to your harsh reality.

With us they are productive, creative and capable. Under the banner of the republic they have a chance to apply more tape to your ships?

If the Empire provides such a 'paradise' as you claim, then why did the pilot of that ship leave them to die?

My research, and that of several highly respected galactic sociologists, suggests that...

[quote=Ran'shad][quote=Astrid Stjerna].......... then why did the pilot of that ship leave them to die?

Would you care to cite sources? Otherwise your "research" and these nebulous, nameless group of "respected galactic sociologists" who supposedly support your claim aren't worth a single centISK.

While you are free to contact them yourself, and review their research, the team was led by a professor emiretus at the Royal Amarr Institue with a sizeable amount of information coming from The House of Records of the Caldari State. Regardless of what they may produce, I have no doubt that some will assault the reputation of these fine institutions in order to prop up their political goals.

Apparently the Republic's education system doesn't teach anything related to reading comprehension because I don't think that's what he's saying at all.

I would like to take this oppurtunity to thank those pilots who have over the past 12-24 hours rescued 324 slaves, 5 slavers and their hounds. For security reasons, they have asked to remain anonymous. With the subversive organization Disciples of Ston openly operating in the Caldari-Amarr border area, I can understand their reluctance to be publically identified.

But good Admiral, I was born and raised on Mekhios - are you calling Amarrian education is incompetent?

Always good to hear of such humanitarian endavours... but what kind of a threat would force these philantropists stay in anonymity?

With the recent admission by Ston that many of the 'liberated' slaves are being placed into the ranks of the Minmatar militia, combined with their practice of posting the names of slavers on their publilc 'wall of shame' has made these philanthropic holders nervous about becoming targets of these militants.

While Stron and his followers express peacefull intentions, I find it troublesome that so many of their re-educated are 'choosing' to enlist in the militia. My question is what exactly are they teaching these individuals? How many Minmatar children are they training to become blood-thirsty murderers before releasing them into the universe to pursue careers as mercenaries and pirates?

The cowardice and two-faced nature of Stron to espuse peace while seemingly training former slaves into militants is apalling. Perhaps they should place themselves on their wall of shame...

While Stron and his followers express peacefull intentions, I find it troublesome that so many of their re-educated are 'choosing' to enlist in the militia.

With the recent admission by Ston that many of the 'liberated' slaves are being placed into the ranks of the Minmatar militia, combined with their practice of posting the names of slavers on their publilc 'wall of shame' has made these philanthropic holders nervous about becoming targets of these militants.

While Stron and his followers express peacefull intentions, I find it troublesome that so many of their re-educated are 'choosing' to enlist in the militia. My question is what exactly are they teaching these individuals? How many Minmatar children are they training to become blood-thirsty murderers before releasing them into the universe to pursue careers as mercenaries and pirates?

The cowardice and two-faced nature of Stron to espuse peace while seemingly training former slaves into militants is apalling. Perhaps they should place themselves on their wall of shame...

With the recent admission by Ston that many of the 'liberated' slaves are being placed into the ranks of the Minmatar militia, combined with their practice of posting the names of slavers on their publilc 'wall of shame' has made these philanthropic holders nervous about becoming targets of these militants.

While Stron and his followers express peacefull intentions, I find it troublesome that so many of their re-educated are 'choosing' to enlist in the militia. My question is what exactly are they teaching these individuals? How many Minmatar children are they training to become blood-thirsty murderers before releasing them into the universe to pursue careers as mercenaries and pirates?

The cowardice and two-faced nature of Stron to espuse peace while seemingly training former slaves into militants is apalling. Perhaps they should place themselves on their wall of shame...

Given the nature of slavery and its image in New Eden, you are relying on the generosity of freelance mercenaries and those who follow your own belief system.

Furthermore, given the veracity of the topic of slavery, have you considered the risk you are placing on behalf of yourself, your crew, and your loved ones, and does your humanitarian spirit feel this an appropriate risk to ensure the safety and well being of your fellow men?

No, I'm counting on their greed and love of easy ISK to contact me and discuss terms for the repatriation of Amarrian property; and I'm pleased to say that many of these entrepreneurs have done so over the past few days.




Ms Doyle, I certainly hope that this is a sincere expression of concern for my well being and not a threat made in public. I'm not sure how the authorities would feel about piracy being so openly threatened.

Oh dear. You think Doctor Doyle is concerned with the authorities?

Ms Doyle, I certainly hope that this is a sincere expression of concern for my well being and not a threat made in public. I'm not sure how the authorities would feel about piracy being so openly threatened.

They'd probably feel no better about that then they do the abduction of Republic citizens. Which is, to be blunt, exactly what your attempts to recover escaped slaves represents.

Clear the pod-goo out of your ears, Ran'shad -- the Matari are not your 'property', and we never have been. If the Empire insists on pressing its dubious claims of 'ownership' over our people, we'll meet them head-on and disabuse them of the notion.

Whether there will be anything left of either of our peoples at the conclusion of such an encounter remains to be seen.

I will leave the political posturing to you, since you seem to want to entice further conflict between the Empire and your so-called republic. However I have rescued many Matari with the Amarian Navy, border guard and even Concord holding station a few km away as I did so.

There is no question of my ownership over my holdings, the majority have been with my family for several generations, removing any doubt. As for the matter of how they are treated, I can assure you that my property are treated well. Given the neccesities of life, cared for when they are sick, young or elderly. I ensure that families are kept together and that vitoc use is only used for fleet personnel. I have even taken the extra ordinary step of having two of my servants turned into capsuleers to further increase their value to my family and our concerns.

Then you have lost them.

The capsuleers, I mean. Loyalty only extends so far, and they now have extraordinary means of attaining freedom.

They are a million ISK and a genetic sample away from it.

Normally I would agree, however they realize that should they sin and turn their backs on me and the gift of immortality I have bestowed on them, then their families would be held to account for their actions. That is the other benefit of keeping families together in service.

I think the day will come when you regret using families as hostages, Captain.

I hope that day comes before someone makes you regret it.

I am afraid you misunderstand, they are not hostages. My two capsuleer servants realize that in the eyes of God they have been given a gift, and that for the sake of the souls of their family they are wise to honor and obey the one who bestowed the gift upon them. Truthfully, these individuals are closer to trusted employees, as they have realized the true place of their people and are thankful for the blessings that God has given them through the teachings of our priests. Perhaps I shall ask them to speak publically, should they so choose.

The best thing for them is to be returned to the life and society they were raised in, be it at a planetary settlement and factory or aboard station at an assembly facility. To tear them away from the lives they know, confine them and force them to fend for themselves is tantamount to torture. We offer a safe and secure environment where service earns them salvation.

No, Ran'shad, you misunderstand.

Do your 'servants' have a choice whether or not to remain in your employ? Not 'do they want to stay' -- do they have a choice? If one of them were to approach you and ask to be released, is there anything in your doctrine to allow for that?

There certainly wasn't in my case. The one time I asked, it cost me two days' worth of meals and I was sent to a re-education camp for 'daring to question God's generosity' (which promptly sent me back to Lady Rebeka's estate because of our 'differences of opinion').

And now I'm here, fighting against the Empire that took my life away from me.

I don't know about you, but if it's between some smelly old janitor and a brand-spanking new autocannon, I'm going to take the autocannon and jettison the janitor. Same with slaves, exotic dancers, tourists, and even Republic diplomats.

[...]
My research, and that of several highly respected galactic sociologists, suggests that introducing them into the larger Minmatar society is actually harmful to these individuals.

How many of the 'graduates' - for lack of a better term - of the matriculation programs suffer serious psychological trauma as a result of the overwhelming burden placed on them to sink or swim in the cut-throat Minmatar society?

The best thing for us Amarrians is [for the jet-canned slaves] to be returned to the life and society they were kidnapped into, and forced into being nothing but property in, be it at a planetary settlement and factory or aboard station at an assembly facility. To tear them away from the living death they know, treat their psychological and physical wounds, and teach them to fend for themselves as free citizens is tantamount to torture--for us, because it means we Amarrians will then have to do the jobs we never wanted to do...We offer a safe and secure environment where we pretend service earns them salvation, except, for some damned strange reason--couldn't imagine what--the goal-posts for that "salvation" keep being conveniently moved.

(...)

Do your 'servants' have a choice whether or not to remain in your employ? Not 'do they want to stay' -- do they have a choice?

Surely a more interesting question would be whether or not they had a choice to enter his employ in the first place? If they knew that they would be surrendering their freedoms, yet choose to do so willingly, that is a far different creature to it simply being the status quo.

And I sincerly doubt they had that choice.

As for implied threats against families of capuleers? I don't think there is a single recorded incident of this ever going any way other than badly.

I would never do anything to bring shame upon my master, or force him to redeem my sins upon other members of my family. My shame would be theirs, my sins would be theirs. Their punishment would be my own.