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Former Slaves Enter Matriculation Program

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Ston Momaki
Disciples of Ston
#541 - 2012-08-27 23:59:54 UTC
Humanitarian crisis? To every individual person who is left in a Jetcan in space facing a very unpleasant death, humanitarian crisis is the impending end to their human experience. We call them "deathcans." Today, 500 people were left in one to die. 500 individual humanitarian crises all going on at once... For my ship's crew it was also a crisis. 500 is over half our passenger capacity and well over capacity in an ideal situation. There is always a measure of panic in these situations. My crew faces a management nightmare in such circumstances. Their's is the hard job, mine is the easy job. The temp center staff is also in crisis. Instantly, 500 more mouths to feed, medical conditions to treat, distraught people to counsel and comfort; these constitute an humanitarian crisis for those whose passion it is to help. Thankfully, all 500 were healthy and able to transport today to our large Center orbiting moon 5 of Dresi one. A major crisis has been averted and 500 people were saved within a couple couple hours of certain death. We will subject ourselves to daily crisis to be able to do this work.

What haunts us is the wholesale disregard of life. What's 500 people? Ah heck, just dump 'em. "Wall of Shame" is an inadequate term to describe the censure that is appropriate for such deeds. As I close this entry, over 1200 refugees join the massive community in the Dresi system, all rescued, all getting on with life. Now the temp center starts the count again at 0. Cooks get a little break, medical staff updates patient records, maintenance crews check our infrastructure. All prepare for those who will be rescued next.

Wall of Shame:

114/08/27 20:33 Aerti 500 people

The Disciples of Ston bid you peace
Edaine Numenor
Numenor Benevolent Holdings
#542 - 2012-08-28 18:18:52 UTC
Ston Momaki wrote:
On my way to pick up a group of refugees that include, both men and women who were being trafficked in the sex trade, homeless in need of long-term care, and militants fearing the death penalty elsewhere, I thought it a good time to write this report. The Disciples of Ston appreciate and thank the young Gallente woman who was willing to help these refugees and who contacted us to assist in this good deed. I neglected to ask if I could use her name, so I will respect her privacy. She knows who she is and she has our gratitude and the gratitude of the refugees she reached out to help. Goodness is present in the hearts of people still if we look for it.

We help all those who are abandoned in death cans where we find them, even slavers as was the case in today's rescue. There seems to be some confusion on the part of the slavers as they shared their account. They were aboard a vessel guarding a group of slaves. The pilot came to the border crossing and jettisoned them but not the slaves. That's a bit of a mystery.

As I complete this entry, my ship is approaching a station in Tahli where 60 refugees await the next step in their lives. We will offer them education, employment opportunities, medical treatment, Addiction treatment (some of the homeless) and assurance of continued life (Militants). Our first stop from here will be Ation, where the homeless will find the care, provision and treatment they need and where they need not fear being dumped off to fend for themselves. From there we will stop in Korama where the Militants will find fair treatment at our Detention Center. The Good Doctor Nalthkh will take care of helping the former exotic dancers and seeing that they are offered several alternatives in education and employment.

Wall of Shame:

114/08/26 13:15 der Chef 12 people
114/08/27 13:35 Roos Tsero 2 Slavers

Wall of Appreciation:
Young Gallente Woman who showed unselfishness and humanity in the rescue and care of the 60 refugees.


Hey Old Friend, it has been some time since I have seen you. You'll never guess... I was passing through Niarja and picked up 30 slaves in a jetcan. Guess who the pilot was? Roos Tsero. Anyway, the 30 will be repatriated with the help of a mutual friend. You keep at it, OK?

Liberating slaves wherever, whenever, and however I can.
Ston Momaki
Disciples of Ston
#543 - 2012-08-29 14:49:04 UTC
Head Cook: "We don't want a break, not when there are many more who need to be rescued." This he spoke after the temp center was empty for a whole day and prior to the rescue listed below. He said it, holding his apron in his hand and looking rather serious. Our temp center does not use much in the way of food synthesizers due to the fact that often those who come to us have a wide range of dietary needs. Our cooking staff works hard to meet the food needs and even desires of those coming in to our centers. As former slaves themselves, our cooks understand that a newly liberated slave doesn't want to eat what sounds good to you and me, but rather what is good to them. That means beginning with the kind of food they ate as slaves. Oh, I know, this doesn't sound very ideal, but it is what is healthy. Over the course of time, those we rescue will discover gradually the kinds of food that their tribal cultures eat. They will develop new tastes, likes and dislikes. Some, in fact, look back at the slave fare and wonder how they ever stood it. But when they are first rescued, it is often a comfort to eat first that form of food that they are used to. Our "chefs" are not the stereotypical cooking egomaniacs you see in a Gallentean cooking show. They are caregivers whose first concern is the health and comfort of those we rescue.

Our head cook was glad to see the arrival of the 47 rescued men, women and children. His team of dietitians went into immediate action to see to the food needs and wants. Most will be eating several meals of standard Amarrian slave ration at least for the first few days. "We cook for them, not for ourselves," said our head cook as he headed back to the center kitchen.

Wall of Shame:

114/08/29 12:30 DaimonFrei 47 people

The Disciples of Ston bid you peace
Edaine Numenor
Numenor Benevolent Holdings
#544 - 2012-08-31 13:20:30 UTC
From my days in DSTON, I learned to be alert to the presence of jet cans and the possibility of survivors on board. On a recent trip I investigated a jet can near one of the gates in Sivala. This system while in the border zone, is far enough into Caldari space, that did not expect to find slaves on board. 145 former slaves were found alive in that can. Fortunately, there are stations in that system and I was able to get them to safety quickly. One just never knows until you look.


Wall of Shame:

Lander Maan 145 slaves in Sivala

Liberating slaves wherever, whenever, and however I can.
Ston Momaki
Disciples of Ston
#545 - 2012-08-31 20:10:20 UTC
I would like to introduce you to a brave young pilot and her exceptional crew. Her name is Rianne Severasse. Below is the account of her rescue of a large number former slaves from a death can.

Quote:
From: Rianne Severasse
Sent: 2012.08.31 10:11
To: Ston Momaki,

Mr Momaki,

I've just rescued 459 now former slaves from a death can in Niarja on the Kaaputenen gate. I've ferried them to the Bahromab VIII - Moon 6 - Republic Security Services Assembly Plant. Unfortunately I lack a ship large enough to transport more than a handful at a time and would ask that you or another of the Disciples pick them up here.

Honestly, I've no idea what I was even thinking, flying out here in a frigate to begin with, I'm such an imbecile sometimes! I don't think I was really expecting to find anything, really. This was more of a lark to blow off some steam after a day's work. Like some hairbrained child, I certainly wasn't expecting to find hundreds of people left to die in the black void of space, in one can, no less! Never have I been more ashamed to call myself a capsuleer.

But the courage I saw in those people! In both the castaways and in my crew; the 'baseliners', the 'ants', and whatever other derrogatory titles we so called 'gods' refer to regular men and women while we sit on our tin plated thrones. I saw more bravery in the hour it took to ferry the former slaves to safety than I have in the eight months or so that I've become 'immortal.'

It was readily apparent that it would take over a dozen trips to transport everyone. At least an hour, and I had no way of knowing how long the can had already been floating there. My crew leapt into action, fashioning a new jet can as fast as they could while the first twenty eight were loaded onboard. Then my mechanic volunteered to stay behind with her patch kit to make sure the can held together while I made the trips back and forth! Any praise you may have for this rescue belongs to Rel Theselin and the rest of my tiny crew. They're the heroes. I just drove.

Actually, give at least equal portions of credit to the refugees left to die. Even knowing how grim their fate, they never lost heart! Left to die by an inhuman monster, they kept their humanity, and dignity. Any more words I have would cheapen it, I think.

Excuse me for my venting, Mr. Momaki. You'll be glad to know that the rescued people are, all things considered, in good health. I'll keep them here on station as well cared for and protected as I am able until you or your organization can locate them to a more secure facility. As much as it bothers me to do so, I'll prepare a contract after I've sent this message. (Note: A station trade was conducted today after she realized that slaves cannot be contracted.)

For the record, the pilot who left these good people to die is Kitanni Norbeas, who couldn't be bothered to spare the 70 seconds to drop these people off at a station, before heading for Caldari space.

Sincerely, Rianne Severasse


The Disciples of Ston salute this pilot and her brave crew. 14 return trips were required for her to complete the rescue in her frigate class vessel. 459 people live because one pilot and a frigate crew decided to act. That is no small thing. If you see her out there, offer to buy her and her crew a drink; they deserve it.

On a much smaller scale, I also resuced another 14 people.

Wall of Shame:

Kitanni Norbeas 459 people
114/08/31 12:25 Honor Aireb 14 people

The Disciples of Ston bid you peace
Ston Momaki
Disciples of Ston
#546 - 2012-09-01 18:45:41 UTC
The Khanid Problem

Five of the 49 people rescue today are Gallente. These Former slaves were captured and enslaved by a Khanid law enforcement on the basis of obscure charges about breaking Khanid customs laws while travelling through Khanid controlled territory. It is well known that the Khanid will enslave anyone of any race for any reason. Legal justifications are contrived to limit recourse as was the case of these five.

We are often told by those we rescue from Khanid dealers/pilots that there are millions of slaves in Khanid space representing all known nations, races and cultures. DSTON has a great concern about the slavery problem in the Khanid Kingdom, but has not devised an approach to serve those under that terrible yoke.

While we feel a great burden for those in slavery there, we have not found yet a path to walk with the confines of our values. We hope to establish a presence in the Khanid Kingdom, but know not the form it should take.


Wall of Shame:

114/09/01 17:27 (blued can, name withheld) 49 people (44 and 5)

The Disciples of Ston bid you peace
Rodj Blake
PIE Inc.
Khimi Harar
#547 - 2012-09-02 16:54:56 UTC
Ston Momaki wrote:



Wall of Shame:

114/09/01 17:27 (blued can, name withheld) 49 people (44 and 5)


So you'll "name and shame" all those who abandon slaves, unless they're your friends?

Dolce et decorum est pro Imperium mori
Scherezad
Revenent Defence Corperation
Ishuk-Raata Enforcement Directive
#548 - 2012-09-02 17:00:42 UTC
Rodj Blake wrote:
Ston Momaki wrote:



Wall of Shame:

114/09/01 17:27 (blued can, name withheld) 49 people (44 and 5)


So you'll "name and shame" all those who abandon slaves, unless they're your friends?


Captain Ston has a stated policy of not naming those pilots who have blued their death cans, making it legal for him to perform the rescue operation.
Ston Momaki
Disciples of Ston
#549 - 2012-09-02 18:32:08 UTC
The second death can was discovered on the way back to the temp center after completing the first rescue. The place was marked and I continued to bring the first group to safety then I returned for the second group. I had actually not expected there to be people in that can as it was not in a location known for that. 39 people were there very alone in a place with little ship traffic.

Of all the things that create dissonance in my heart, the picture in my mind of humans slowly and painfully drifting into death in the cold of space is one that repeatedly imposes itself upon even my waking hours. How many cans go unchecked or worse, checked and then intentionally left with people on board?

We continue our work.

Wall of Shame:

114/09/02 12:50 Krenthic 78 people
12:55 Admiral Kologeros 39 people

The Disciples of Ston bid you peace
Ston Momaki
Disciples of Ston
#550 - 2012-09-03 15:12:14 UTC
How often do you think about gaining wealth? While I am not in charge of administration these days, that is in the hands of the good Doctor, I do receive the notices regarding office rental and such. I pay little attention to these things but today I thought, "I wonder if we have enough scratch to cover these things?" Well, we have have more than enough. In fact, we have enough to cover our office and operating expenses for a long, long time. We are basically done with the large expenses of ship purchases, etc for the work we do. We are free to do our mission and not think about ISK.

I find there to be an inverse proportion between the meaning of work and the amount of time spent thinking about and pursuing wealth. Those we rescue are in the very depths of poverty and though I am not wealthy by capsuleer standards, I am insanely wealthy compared to those we rescue. I have enough to last many many lifetimes of these people we help. It is a gift to be free to do this work and not be distracted by the pursuit of wealth.

What about you? Are you a slave to the blind pursuit of wealth or power? Perhaps you need to find more meaningful work.


Wall of Shame:

114/09/02 21:36 Tony C'dale 50 people

The Disciples of Ston bid you peace
Ston Momaki
Disciples of Ston
#551 - 2012-09-04 12:54:50 UTC
Picking up on the ideas in the last post... For the capsuleer, being caught by customs with contraband on board means confiscation, fine, and or the destruction of your ship. For the capsuleer the loss is financial. Those who dump people at the gate do so for the most part to avoid these consequences. The location of the majority of our rescues demonstrates that this is the primary motivation for the kind of soul-less acts that we see day to day.

As long as the pilot is in Amarr territory, they can legally transport slaves so rather than take the minute of extra time to bring them into station, out in into space they are dumped as they head into State, Federation, or Republic territory.

The bottom line for almost all of those who appear on our Wall of Shame is about wealth and convenience. This is the poison that is decaying the soul of these and other pilots. Only a paradigm shift which sees our existence as fitted for service rather self-service will save the collective heart of the capsuleer community. Money enough we have. Isn't it time we seek to gain back the wealth of our souls?

Wall of Shame:

114/09/03 18:08 AniMaTrix 20 people
Lal'c 10 people
114/09/03 21:20 BGodsey420 28 people

The Disciples of Ston bid you peace
Manwe Todako
Disciples of Ston
#552 - 2012-09-05 00:37:49 UTC
It has been some time since I was involved in rescue work and this particular rescue was not part of a regular patrol but a chance discovery as I passed between Ammatar and Republic space. I have arranged for medical treatment and care for these in a safe place. We will need to add this location to our regular patrols.

Wall of Shame:

RaZ Anneto 12 persons

SANKOFA
Gaufres
Just Keep Hanging On
#553 - 2012-09-05 02:48:46 UTC
Yesterday and today, I had the glad but sad encounter with over 200 ex-slaves who had been abandoned in a death can. Next to them was another can with over 40 more and one better constructed can (blue) with 10 ex-Elite slaves in it. While abandoned, they were told that the area was patrolled and they would be picked up soon. Fortunately, I was making my weekly supply run and found the 3 cans in space. All were rescued in good condition and glad to be safe again.

To my shame, the ex-slaves had been abandoned by persons of Gallente extraction. I would have thought that most, if not all Gallente would not want that stain in their thoughts as they travel on their various ways.
Rianne Severasse
The Scope
Gallente Federation
#554 - 2012-09-05 05:40:49 UTC  |  Edited by: Rianne Severasse
I've rescued 87 people tonight from 2 separate containers. The first 'can' was registered abandoned and held 27 now former slaves. The second one particularly angers me as 30 of the people onboard were freed, and thus legal to transport over the border. I would ask for details, but I feel that the last thing these people need right now is someone badgering them with questions. I suspect that when the 'illegal livestock' was being dumped, the freed slaves objected and suffered the same fate.

Regardless, I'll be in contact with the Disciples and see to everyone's transfer to a Matriculation Center.

-Rianne Severasse.

EDIT:

Before calling it an evening I happened upon another dump containing 20. As I'd only been throught that gate moments before, I know that the former slaves were only in the can for a few minutes, but that's still an eternity when facing certain death.
Manwe Todako
Disciples of Ston
#555 - 2012-09-05 22:45:19 UTC
In addition to the very very slow process of repatriating oour Matriculation populations. (very slow) I do believe I will have to start regularly patrolling the border between the Ammatar Mandate and the Republic. Again today, I discovered survivors in a jet can. In spite of relatively low traffic, we just can't leave this spot unchecked for too long periods. I just not sure how we can get all this done. I am grateful to see Gaufres and Ms. Severasse rescuing people. This is what we need.

Wall of Shame

Victor Echeverria 32 lives

SANKOFA
Ston Momaki
Disciples of Ston
#556 - 2012-09-06 01:50:45 UTC
To see others validating the worth and sanctity of the lives they have rescued by posting on this thread is a gratifying experience. Always hold on to the fact that your willingness to act on their behalf will be a contributor to far more than just their continued life but also in their posterity and the endless possibilities and actualities of the same.

Let a growing fraternity swell among the ranks of capsuleers who reach out to those in need of rescue. Just stopping to check that can for people is all it takes. You have the time. Take it.

Wall of Shame:

114/09/05 17:06 Yakal Ilidien 10 people
114/09/05 21:43 (name withheld/ blue can) 31 people (blue can labelled free slaves)
Nina Latina 4 people
Sonny Guzman 7 people

The Disciples of Ston bid you peace
Ston Momaki
Disciples of Ston
#557 - 2012-09-07 12:58:32 UTC
114/09/07 02:05 I met pilot Rianne Severasse at our Matriculation Center in Dresi 2. She brought with her 30 freed slaves and 77 former slaves whom she had rescued. In conversation with her I sense a sincere love and care for those she has rescued. This is refreshment for our souls here at DSTON. The 30 freed slaves are excited. It is often a challenge for freed slaves to find work outside of the Empire. We have offered them employment with our organization helping their brothers and sisters in our centers. Be it permanent or transition work, we are glad to offer it. 206 others were also resuced and included in this report.

In other news: DSTON faces an interesting choice. We have been somewhat self-guarded since the M-5 incident and we are still reeling from the loss of life and the re-captivity of the center residents. We realize that it was misplaced trust and lax security that put us in that situation. So what we face now is an offer from outside our organization to help us with our repatriation work. This work is simply overwhelming. Our Matriculation Centers in Amarr Space house 3,293,212 (plus an unnamed number at our Ealur Center) former slaves most waiting to be repatriated to the Republic. If there are offers to help transport these to our repatriation center in the Republic, we have to seriously consider this. Trust is required by us and risk is required by those who would help.

It is illegal to transport our Matriculants through Republic space because by law, they are still slaves. To transport them makes you an illegal slave runner in the eyes of the law. Also, we would need to give temporary legal ownership of each group of passengers to the pilot while he or she transported them to their destination. Trust and risk. That is what we are weighing right now as we ponder this. The M-5 incident occurred because we as corporation allowed a member to have independent charge of a Matriculation Center. We no longer take that risk. We would need to risk that again to accept transportation help from the outside.

Dr. Nalthkh, Manwe, and I are in consultation right now over this issue. The Elders have told us that there are thousands of our Matriculants willing to take the risk if it means getting into the Republic sooner. This doesn't make the decision easier.

Wall of Shame:

114/09/06 20:30 Ujosu 86 people
114/09/07 00:16 Quindon 120 people

The Disciples of Ston bid you peace
Ston Momaki
Disciples of Ston
#558 - 2012-09-07 23:04:43 UTC
"Captain, something is horribly wrong here." My Vherokior crew chief spoke these words into my crew com channel moments before the rescue began, but we all had already felt it. We felt the confusion, We felt the panic, We felt the terror. We felt what could best be described as a cold black blanket of death slowly descending on the jet can a few KM distant as we cruised toward it. My crew chief then spoke these words and I don't believe any of us will forget them. "I don't think we are ready for what we are going to see, sir." He was right, none of us were ready. What we were about to witness was the aftermath of one of the worst acts of barbarity at the hands of a capsuleer pilot that we have yet seen.

Do you know what a jet can is like? It is not a habitation module. It is not built for survival or minimal comfort. It is a frail bubble holding out the hostility of space for a very short period. It is itself a hostile place for life. Minimally pressurized and with barely sustainable oxygen for a few, it is an absolute horror for a large group. The larger the group, the sooner death comes and the more horrible. Panic and fear are often part of being in a death can, but we have also seen serenity and bravery as small groups have coalesced and faced death with great bravery. Here, today, chaos reigned; terror reigned. We felt it and experienced some of it ourselves. Nothing could have prepared us for what we saw inside that death can.

That is no misprint in the wall of shame. 2900 people were floating about nearly asphyxiated in that death-can. Hypoxia induced panic and terror had set in. The rescue crew and medical team acted with extraordinary hast and wisdom. They flooded the passenger compartment with a sedative gas and wore oxygen masks to do their work. The Temp Center was contacted and told to send word to Dresi to medical teams scrambled and sent immediately here. The Transfer took three trips, with some crew staying in the can between trips. We rushed the rescue as fast as we could and the temp center prepared triage teams for the mass arrivals. Shortly after the rescue was complete, the teams from Dresi arrived with additional equipment, rations, medicine, counselors, blankets, even toys for children. These teams are prepared an know what to do in these situations. I was sent back out on patrol so the teams could work without me getting in the way. Good thing, there were more death cans to deal with.

I sent a short message to the Brutor pilot who did this. "Why?" was my question. I not received any answer. What kind of inhumanity does this? What defect in conscience can explain this? I feel that my crew and I may need some time in counseling to get our minds around this day. I will say, that I have grown instantly to respect and acknowledge the spiritual instincts of my Vherokior crew chief. He validated what we all felt and put words to it. That in itself helped us prepare our minds for the kind of action needed to save these lives.

Wall of Horrific Shame:

114/09/07 20:07 ChineseLollipop 2900 people
114/09/07 21:28 Death Ranger 4 slavers, 23 former slaves
Thor Saidin 22 people

The Disciples of Ston bid you peace
Ston Momaki
Disciples of Ston
#559 - 2012-09-08 14:00:10 UTC
The Hospital Ship Critical Care is making way here to help with the transport of temp center residents to one of our main Dresi Centers. Many of those rescued yesterday are in need of ongoing hospitalization. We need to move them out of here to our main center and a fully equipped hospital. Meanwhile, our medical staff here has stabilized those in the most severe condition. Other less ciritcal cases will be able to receive the personal medical attention they need in Dresi. As I write this I am told that the Critical Care is in system and will be docking in moments. I am also told that she carries 10 militants rescued from a death can en-route here. We will see to the Militants and the Critical Care will begin loading our passengers/patients. I will be following the hospital ship on to Dresi to contact the Elders and staff there and to offer additional assistance and to evaluate the preparedness of the facility.

We are also transporting the remainder of our temp center residents as we were already at capacity when the 2900 were rescued. The Critical Care is transporting a total of 4021 passengers. I am impressed with the facilities, staff and crew aboard this ship. We extend our appreciation to NUVOS for their assistance in this urgent need. We understand that it involved some interruption in other work and some significant travel on their part. I will complete this entry after we have arrived in Dresi.

Dresi Med Center staff were ready and waiting in the egress area for our arrival. Dismemberment was smooth and problem free. Critical patients are receiving the care they need; others are being checked over for lingering effects of hypoxia, cyanosis and PTSS. The physical treatments are quite straightforward and most successful. The psychological treatments are more difficult in these situations. We have found, however that those we rescue are very robust and resilient people. We believe they will not just survive this trauma, but thrive as free people.

I might note that a rescue was performed earlier and that the 24 rescued are part of the group that is now here in Dresi.

Now I am off to Korama.

Wall of Shame:

114/09/08 12:23 Sacrificius 24 people

The Disciples of Ston bid you peace
Ston Momaki
Disciples of Ston
#560 - 2012-09-09 12:24:57 UTC
When there is a report such as was given about the 2900 abandoned to die, reactions vary a little. Mostly, there is no reaction. We live in a very violent universe and many have become numb to it. Our wars kill millions so why worry about a mere 2900. The Capsuleer life has not only insulated us from death but also from living humanity. The pod separates us.

There are exceptions. There are pilots other than DSTON pilots who make it a practice to rescue the stranded. There are people of special caliber who reach out to those who have suffered such things. We are glad for such people. In fact, in the wake of the large rescue we received a donation of high quality food and medicine for use in our medical facilities. This donation will be used to replenish supplies that were used rapidly in the necessary response to this rescue. We acknowledge the generosity of this pilot.

Rescues continue. There were two jet cans on this particular patrol but only one was a death can. The other contained a nit of tritanium, doubtless the byproduct of recent violence in this area. The death can contained 43 people waiting for what they anticipated to be death. But, that has changed.

Wall of Shame:

114/09/09 12:01 Relaxedtrader 43 people

The Disciples of Ston bid you peace