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Post by zurajai on Sept 25, 2015 19:33:21 GMT -6
In response to both internal decisions and requests made by the Kwazan government, the Yuyan and his bureaucracy stepped forward to bring about peace talks regarding the crisis on Tusi. As it was during the peace talks for the Asteron conflict so to would it be now; a Wuxianese ambassadorial delegation with the Yuyan himself heading it would provide a single vessel where the diplomacy could commence. The vessel, a Nezha-I Destroyer, had previously been retrofitted for such diplomatic actions and remained so prepared to this day. And so it was discussed that in the space above Tusi itself the four parties would meet; the Wuxianese delegation, ambassadors from the RWU and the Kwazan Conglomerate, and last but not least representatives from the Tusi revolutionaries themselves. For the ladder group the Wuxianese provided a second vessel, another Nezha-I, as a defensive precaution to make sure nothing occurred during the diplomacy that others might regret. With the representatives all aboard after being escorted by the Nezha-I, the Yuyan simply waited patiently for the others to arrive.
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Post by Admin on Sept 25, 2015 19:49:30 GMT -6
For such important talks the Kwazans sent their best. President Ngawete Tusana was here herself, attended by several aids and Mma Imatagwe Mana. President Tusana had a sharp look about her - sharp eyes and a narrow face, the expression of someone used to command and decision making. She and the other delegates were dressed in fine Kwazan clothing: long, loose skirts, embroidered shirts, and a wide, loose cloth slung over one shoulder that was richly dyed in tribal patterns. The inclusion of a rebel delegation had caused quite a stir among the President's party - there had been some official objections to the move, but the Kwazans could hardly block it after asking the Yuyan to intervene. Still, the delegates were given many dirty looks across the room, and a keen listener might hear words like "traitors," and "rebels" from among the party.
And while they were here to speak before the Yuyan and hoped for peace, they were obviously prepared for war. The corvettes Itwalia and Goto's Pride drifted in close orbit around Tusi, keeping a respectful distance from the Wuxian ships and casting an obviously menacing shadow over the rebel portions of the planet. The newly created Third Corporate Guard had recently arrived as well, its transports were now disgorging fresh troops in loyalist held territories. If the talks failed the hammer was coming down. hard.
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Post by RWU on Sept 26, 2015 2:27:35 GMT -6
In some respects, the Tusi Crisis was even more important for the RWU than the Asteron post-election debacle. As much as the air had been tense, nobody had really wanted war. The RWU and Asteron had ongoing commercial links as well as a cultural connection, even if the old alliance behind it had gone sour. Furthermore, the strength of the PUF had been a certain comfort for the Union Council, knowing that President Sidow couldn't afford to get too violent lest he start a civil war, and that he couldn't prevent the rise of Syndicalism forever.
But here, now, things were different. Former Social-Reformist Councilor Jaira Devikar, now Assistant Foreign Secretary, felt a chill run through her fur as she entered the room and saw the Yuyan and Kwazans at the table. She bowed to her counterparts and sat politely, but she couldn't keep her eyes from wandering towards the Kwazan official. She wondered if this was just a show of formality for President Tusana, who so readily sent troops against her own people in the name of absolute national loyalty. Unlike Asteron, the Conglomerate had no reason to hold back its repression. It had a stable capital system, no links with the RWU, and a rigged political system where public accountability hardly existed. And on Devikar's own side, the UCP government had no reason to hold back. Part of its winning platform had been strong but pragmatic support for the international branches, using the threat of force when it was useful to secure working class victories. And with the sheer brutality of the Kwazan response, force might be the only useful possibility. The alternative, abandoning the Tusi branches and the millions of comrades therein was simply not an option.
In other words, it was only the Yuyan's timely diplomatic intervention that was preventing war here, and the prospects for a satisfactory agreement were slim given the diametrically opposed interests of the RWU and the Conglomerate. Nonetheless, Jaira knew the Council had picked her because she was the Union's most experienced diplomat. She had a duty to do everything in her power to solve this through negotiations. She would soon find out whether President Tusana had the same mentality.
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Post by zurajai on Sept 26, 2015 10:52:15 GMT -6
"It fills my heart with warmth to see you all here," warbled the Yuyan as he rose up from his seat to offer a bow to all who had come, "Despite the differences found between us, I know that during these talks we will successfully come together and reach a fair and reasonable agreement that will be acceptable for all three parties and most importantly, save precious lives of civilians and soldiers alike. Now, I would have the delegation from the Tusi revolutionaries stand and give account for their actions and shed light on their desires."
"Thank you, Most-Benevolent Yuyan," came the voice of a haggard looking male Kwazan, well-scarred and looking perhaps several years older than he should, "I am Rra Goto Baromo, Elder of the Baromo tribe and elected representative of all Kwazan unionized groups you call 'revolutionaries'. Though it is not an apt term for all of us, I do understand why you label us so; the actions of the MLSU are not representative of all those on Tusi that feel aggrieved by the actions of their government. But even if the MLSU wishes to push the conflict in order to gain support, I cannot say that option is not without some worth. What else do we have now, but for actions? Well, as the Yuyan has so graciously shown, we have words. Our requests are fair and reasonable; we do not wish to be removed from our ancestral nation. There are members of my tribe, of my family, who still live on the capital. My hope is that we may may walk from this chamber still apart of our mother nation. All we wish for is the freedom to congregate and protest, as well as the freedom of speech, the right to form worker-led unions, and perhaps even a move, at least on Tusi, to a more democratic workplace."
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Post by RWU on Sept 26, 2015 16:06:30 GMT -6
"We fully support the Tusi unions in their demands, as eloquently expressed by Comrade-Elder Rra Goto Baromo," Councilor Devikar stated with a nod towards the union delegate. She turned to the Kwazan President. "Our comrade-unionists on Tusi are no less Kwazan than you or anyone in the capital. You have heard it now, they have no desire to leave your nation or become Ayar or serve 'Ayar interests,' as your press seems to fear. They demand only what they are owed: A voice, collective power, and an end to class oppression. We needn't start a galactic war over this."
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Post by Admin on Sept 26, 2015 18:18:22 GMT -6
President Tusana's response was as strong and disciplined as could be expected. "I would be more convinced if Rra Goto was not parroting words coached to him by an RWU agent operating illegally within our territory. Goto is a known associate of Agent Petrov, who is currently in custody for espionage and advocating violence." She turned her attention towards the RWU delegation, the true adversaries in the room. "We do not take issue with our citizens. We object to the RWU's blatant interference in our internal affairs. They have ignored our laws, spurred our overtures, and even now their agents are on Tusi advocating the violent overthrow of my government. This is not conjecture; The Beloved Yuyan's ambassador was present during the trial of Agent Petrov where the RWU's tactics were revealed, and their agents now act openly on Tusi with no regard for secrecy."
"If Rra Goto truly wishes to advocate reform he has ample means and ability. We are willing to provide a full amnesty on Tusi if peace is resumed, but we will not and cannot accept the presence of RWU agents and unions in our territory."
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Post by zurajai on Sept 26, 2015 18:23:41 GMT -6
"Then perhaps the first compromise to consider is one found on Wuxian herself," quickly retorted the Yuyan, stepping in to at least calm the mood if only slightly, "Perhaps legislation could be passed to allow non-RWU aligned unions to be legal and assure them a voice in their own works? Such a system of State-aligned unions has shown itself to be highly effective in Wuxian for giving the people the support they so wished for."
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Post by Admin on Sept 26, 2015 18:32:57 GMT -6
It was Mma Mana who replied here, her voice soften and kinder than the presidents, but perhaps more cunning. "With all do respect, most-beloved Yuyan, that is not an appropriate analogy. We are a corporate state - any union is, by its very definition, a challenge to our sovereignty and a rejection of law and order. Could your enlightened state tolerate the existence of another organized religion within Wuxian? One which denied your status and declared you a liar and exploiter of your followers, and which had its own bureaucracy and leaders?
"Rra Goto and the others are far from the disadvantaged IsiKwazans they claim. The colonists to Tusi were chosen from many clans on a meritocratic basis and well rewarded for confronting the difficulties of living on a new world. Rra Goto himself, as an Elder of his tribe, has the right to speak on the Conglomerate's board and to direct the companies and stocks controlled by the Baromo Tribe.
"Nonetheless, we are willing to be reasonable, if the RWU is willing to remove itself and the MLSU disband. The president would issue a full pardon to all involved, and a council of elders from Tusi called to express their concerns and make recommendations for reform before the conglomerate board."
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Post by zurajai on Sept 26, 2015 19:58:52 GMT -6
"You do yourself a disservice, Most-Honored Ambassador," canted the Yuyan, tone warbling through a number of musical tones that held an ominous sign of displeasure so rarely heard in his speech, "I had hoped, during your time on Wuxian, you would've learned far more about our people. If there was such a people who believed as such I would do everything in my power to give them the benefit of the doubt; in such a way we both help those who are less fortunate than us, perceived or otherwise, and work to dispel their incorrect beliefs. Chancellor Zhao Yu, your thoughts?"
"It would be an honor to speak, My Yuyan. Despite my personal qualms with the . . . " Zhao Yu paused a moment as he considered his words carefully, "Emphatic ways in which the RWU operates, I do understand the plight of those who wish for better representation. I was born to a 9b, a farmer, on Wuxian and I too knew my fair share of struggles. But with my two hands and the mind I was so blessed with having, through the Benevolent One's most-wise Imperial Examination I was able to rise above such toil. Their beliefs are not that they are disadvantaged, but simply that they desire representation that is not perceived to exist. Your own perception of their struggle is not necessary and does not preclude the existence of it. Men hardly notice the struggles of gnats yet gnats struggle all the same. However, I believe your solution is a good first step. The question is not whether or not they deserve such rights but rather how the RWU has pushed for it. Despite the insistence that the RWU is, in fact, a multi-national organization it is indeed a State of it's own and threatens the stability of other states in a very perceivable way. Dialogue is necessary to figure out a reasonable and peaceful means to bringing intended freedoms to those unfortunate to have such issues, rather than through war or deceit."
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Post by RWU on Sept 26, 2015 21:48:36 GMT -6
"Dialogue is necessary indeed," Devikar agreed with the Chancellor. "This is why we are here. But sadly, President Tusana and Ambassador Mana have a point, from the perspective of the state they represent: The Conglomerate is indeed a corporation, an institution for which all interests except profit are secondary. This is not an accusation, but a legal fact."
The RWU delegate turned slightly to face the Kwazans, fur shifting and pitch-black eyes blinking as she prepared to speak carefully. She talked softly and deliberately, and there was no venom in her words. "We cannot accept the terms offered by the Conglomerate. Simply telling the workers to disband in return for amnesty is equivalent to the ultimatum 'obedience or death.' Any viable solution, from our perspective, must include legal exceptions to the profit-first principle, namely the right to organize free of intimidation or violence from the government."
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Post by Admin on Sept 26, 2015 23:15:24 GMT -6
"I did not beg his beloved Yuyan's presence and draw him away from his homeland and his responsibilities so that my people and our ways could be put on trial and judged as if we had committed some crime." President Tusana said, her voice even but steely, any sense of indignation hammered into a hard alloy rather than burned like fuel as she addressed the Ayar delegate. "We asked for peace and coexistence, and you spurred our offers; You sent your agents to spy on us and preach violence and discontent; Your agents deceive our citizens with elegant promises you cannot deliver; and now you come and demand that we change to fit your desires.
"The Conglomerate has always existed to unite the tribes and to represent and defend the IsiKwazan internationally. That is our purpose; all others are secondary." She made the point as a rebuttal on two levels. The Conglomerate was not built for profit, and that was a valid point. But her statement also highlighted the utter absurdity of the RWU's demands, coming as they were from a foreign power that many Kwazans had begun to consider a second Antoviya.
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Post by RWU on Sept 26, 2015 23:38:19 GMT -6
"If I was incorrect in my legal characterization of the Conglomerate, I apologize," Jaira Devikar replied graciously. "I believe that in any case, the essential point stands: The workers have valid grievances and a valid desire for collective representation as workers. Though I understand your discomfort at the presence of foreign organizers, I doubt that the involvement of the RWU simply created these concerns out of thin air. And if you have particular accusations to bring against any union organizers, I am happy to hear them, but otherwise I am not inclined to believe that they called for violence. There was no rebellion, nor even a plan for one until the troops from the capital rolled in. And that came directly from the MLSU, not from the RWU.
"Now, if you are indeed the chief of the Conglomerate, and if the Conglomerate is indeed the great representative and defender of all IsiKwazan, will you listen to your people on Tusi? Their representative is right here, and he has made their position plain." Of course, Devikar was aware that the Conglomerate was not interested in defending all IsiKwazan, especially not the proletariat. However brave or glorious the anticolonial struggle on the battlefield, the institution had always been colonial in its structure. The powerbrokers who relied on accusations of a Second Antoviya to discredit the RWU were probably more Antoviyan in mentality than any living Ayar.
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Post by zurajai on Sept 26, 2015 23:50:46 GMT -6
"You must have respect for their perspective, Most-Respected representatives of the RWU," chimed in the Chancellor once more, "Just as you perceive their actions to be perhaps Imperialist in nature they view your actions the same. You must understand that sending agents into other nations uninvited is certainly a break in trust. I do not condone any actions by either party but you must see your fault in this; social relativism is necessary for all interactions between all peoples. In order to solve this issue I suggest the discussion take a course of action perhaps more diplomatic; why not find out which is the best way to bring about similar reforms in the eyes of the tribal communities themselves? Clearly some individuals seek some sort of change and thus it must be there so why ignore such a powerful tool for change? Instead of risk war, let the tribal elders seriously discuss this matter to find some sort of middle ground? In turn, the RWU will refrain from sending agents without permission. Together, both parties will effectively neuter the conflict and, indeed, save more lives than you would pushing for your own individual goals. Think of the peoples on Tusi who will suffer: all those who would not fight are all those who will suffer most, from both sides."
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Post by Admin on Sept 27, 2015 13:53:05 GMT -6
"We have no issue with this proposal." Mma Mana spoke in support of the Chancellor's suggestion. "if the idea of unions were put aside we could address any issues through the old ways. We could call a convocation of the tribes on Tusi, let the people pick new elders and speak to them about their concerns. As an Elder myself I would be willing to oversee the convocation and arrange a special meeting of the shareholder's assembly to discuss the issue."
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Post by RWU on Sept 28, 2015 1:47:17 GMT -6
Devikar paused for a long moment before speaking. She would have to tread carefully here. "I mean no disrespective for the President's perspective," she began, "but I am hesitant to jump to the conclusion that her perspective, or even the collective perspective of her entire class or government, necessarily represents an entire nation. Relative differences exist within nations, not only among them. Simply committing to a discussion with the shareholders, therefore, seems inadequate to the situation. Even a tribal convocation is only a promise of talking, not of any concrete action. And as Comrade Rra Goto Baromo has stated, and as I have repeated, the Tusi unions need concrete action. What is there to prevent such a convocation from simply deciding to keep the status quo? In that case, the workers of Tusi gain nothing and no longer have even their organizations to agitate through. Or what if the convocation proposes a 'solution' designed merely to quell resistance and quiet naysayers, rather than address the underlying grievances?
"If a Convocation of Tribes is the preferred solution, in order to ensure the talks move with true respect and consideration for our Tusi comrades, we would ask that the unions remain intact in the interim. Once the decision is made, if it is satisfactory to our union associates, then they will vote to disband and the RWU will agree to pursue no further organizing in the system...so long as whatever measures proposed are actually carried out and maintained. Would this be acceptable, Wise Yuyan and respected President? And most importantly, are such terms acceptable to you, Comrade-Elder Baromo?"
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