Intergalactic Summit

Obviously, my reaction would be to just put them back in space, and leave them a single firearm with just four bullets. Would one emerge as the hero of the day and give the others mercy in the face of suffering, or would they fall on each other for the right to claim the bullet for themselves? Would be interesting.

But of course, cruel as well. Cruelty to cruel men... I doubt you would follow this advice.

So here is something different. Put the empires to the test. Where did you find them? And where were they going to sell these slaves? You mentioned a black market so I would assume they were going to be sold illegally in one of the other empires that outlaws slavery. Turn them over to their justice, with all records that you have and testimonies to ensure their guilt.

Of course, I have rarely found a reliable recourse in the empires to actually hand over prisoners unless it is via direct agent contract as part of an assignment. So... do you have four bullets?

69 additional former slaves entered Matriculation Center #2 program this morning. The men, women and children we found in a single jettisoned container. Three trips were needed to rescue the whole group, but it went quickly. Center # two has appointed Gladius as their representative in all matter related to the Disciples of Ston. He is a capable and compassionate man. The new community is organizing itself well and families are settling into the routine of educating and caring for their children. All hands are planning and preparing for the planetary colony. We have managed to take several groups of technical experts among those we have rescued to the planet for survey trips. We hope to coordinate with Center #1 before long so that our efforts are integrated as we move forward. This center has now grown to 205 men, women, and children and 2 pets. When Ston and I change places again, we will transport the slave traders back to Korama where they will be held until a decision is made about where we will take them for justice.

As promised...

Shame upon Pilot "Jataka" of Corporation "Immortal Warriors"
Race: Achura

Edit: race update on pilot

13 happy souls were welcomed to freedom as they were transported aboard my vessel just a little while ago. Gladius the Elder welcomed them to the center. Warm clothing and good food were given as well as a comfortable place to rest.

Shame be upon pilot Jason Hobbs and Corp Das Konzil

Race: Intaki

edit: race update on pilot

I have picked up the work from Manwe as he has returned to the Ren's area for a while. My heart is a s lead with the passing of a close friend. I am doing a little of this work if for no other reason to occupy myself in something worthwhile in a time of sadness. No rescues in the last few days.

I am back on rescue duty and Ston has returned to Korama with the five slave traders we captured. They are now in a detention center at our corporate HQ.

35 former slaves were rescued this evening. Elder Gladius and the other family heads have taken charge of welcome and assimilation.

Shame on pilot Nerun Sertun (Corp: Weapon Factory)

Race: Civire

Edit: race update on pilot

Shame be upon cowardly pilot Abadoon Shardani of Corp Furor Arma Ministrat for abandoning 50 people to horrible death in space. Those 50 former slaves were rescued this morning and brought safely to our Matriculation center #2. Elder Gladius weeps when he sees how close to death some of these new arrivals were. Medical attention is being given and they all appear to be OK. Some will need time in recovery, though.
Wall of shame
Pilot: Abadoon Shardani
Race: Amarr

99 former slaves were rescued from death today, including 10 that were marked, "elite slaves." We will let Elder Gladius sort that out. They are now being fed, clothed, undergoing medical exams and introduced to the leaders of the Center.

Deep shame be upon pilot Siasu and corporation "Moonlight Marauders."

Race: Sebiestor

Edit: race update on Pilot

339 former slaves were rescued from a single jet can yesterday. It took seven trips to safely bring the whole group to Center #2. Edaine has arrived and has agreed to help consolidate our centers in preparation for the building of our planetary center.

I have decided not to list the pilot on this occasion because I think that the pilot may have wanted the slaves to be rescued. I came upon the gate and noted a blue coded container. I assumed it had been a Concord action, followed by a salvage operation, leaving a container that was abandoned. However, when I scanned the container, there were 339 living souls aboard. I knew that our GSC was near, and that if I could get them in there I would have more time and they would be more secure and comfortable.

The inescapable fact that the Disciples of Ston are composed of reletively inexperienced pilots was brought to home yesterday. I slap my forehead with my palm in self exasperation in not figuring this one out right away. What am I talking about? We set up a giant secure container some distance from a gate where slaves are frequently dumped. We modified it with living quarters in hopes that pilots would bring their slaves there instead of using fragile jet cans.

Stupid me. All anchor-able containers use Plank field generators for matter compression. Duh, what was I thinking. I am very thankful that the safety protocols of the container transporter interface prevented the transfer. We called on Edaine, and he arrived and promptly removed the container. How did I miss this one. This is elementary physics. I used a regular, but fresh jet can to keep them alive while I began the 7 trips back to the center.

This is the largest single rescue we have performed since beginning this operation. While relieved to be alive, many of the former slaves were anxious about what was happening to them. This anxiety melted away when, back at the center, they were greeted by other, former slaves and by the Elders who warmly welcomed them.

We have asked Edaine to put his other work on hold and expedite the planetary operation as our numbers have now increased significantly.

I will be doing rescue duty for a while. Manwe is heading back to Rens. He tells me, that he will soon be testing some new equipment in high sec space before risking it in low sec. Good luck Manwe. I'll keep an eye on things here. I also have enough cargo space to handle most if not all rescue operations in one load.

Ston, you beat yourself up with your own idealism.

Imagine for a moment that you are a pacifist that lives in a society that still uses execution as a form of punishment for its worst criminals. As a pacifist, would you refrain from reporting a murder because the murderer might receive the death penalty? Some may answer yes to this. Those who hold to the most idealistic form of pacifism, may choose to not report the crime or give testimony against the murderer. But then they must live with their contribution to the continued actions of a murderer who escapes justice. But not all are pacifists in that sense. Ston, you and I are functional pacifists but not idealistic pacifists. Your heart easily bleeds and you easily take too much responsibility for too many things.

I can only presume that you are upset about giving the name of a slave trader. Worried are you, that he may suffer violence as a result? Let me remind you of something that every slave trader knows. When they choose to jettison live humans into space, they know that their deeds at that moment become public knowledge. Concord rules assure that they are clearly identified as the owner of the jet can used. Don't let your heart bleed for these criminals. They know the risk of justice. You are NOT responsible for revealing the slave trader's name! The slave trader is responsible the moment he chooses to jettison those slaves into space. At that moment any consequences become that person's full responsibility.

I do not believe that we should stop publishing the names of slave traders. They need to be shamed for their actions. If militias pick up on their actions, they know very well that specific risk at the moment of their crime. We live in a messy society that is not "ideal." Even the pacifist must choose from time to time to bear part of the societal responsibility for punishing the wrong-doer. We have to live with this reality, and it isn't comfortable for non-violent people like ourselves.

Take all the time you need to sort out your feelings, Ston, but I don't believe you are over the hill intellectually or in any other matter. I am sorry if I picked on you too much. Repeating what was already public record was not an act of violence on your part. You think that your action may cause bloodshed. I disagree. The action of the slave trader is the culpable action, and the slave trader is responsible for any justice that comes upon him for his actions.