Intergalactic Summit

Simply pointing out that Gallente and Caldari relations have been sour from nearly the beginning. And precedence has already been set by the Federation that the Caldari's home world is a fair target. And Admiral Tovil-Toba set precedence that Lumiere is a fair target. The signs of our future drawn in blood is older then either of us, Anslo.

Well you did choose to join Nation's fan club, you didn't really take the most peaceful route. I wouldn't call the kettle black.

OK fair enough..Sorry.

One of the joys I have is taking breakfast with my fellow kirjuun here at Lai Dai Research. Most of the workers here take at least one meal a day together in the cafeteria - breakfast is traditionally the time to get together and discuss the preceeding day while looking forward to the next. It is a humbling thing to be a part of. Parents, children, neighbours, managers - we all come together as a family and are reminded of our common goals and roots.

Otelo Meteriushi is a medical technician of Lai Dai Research Biomedical and Cybernetic - she is one of my nurses. Her father, Aten Meteriushi, is retired from the Caldari Navy. He is an old man now, but though he hasn't the strength of his youth his mind is still sharp. They sat near me this morning as we listened to Vanamoinen-haan announce the headlines of the days' news, as he normally does.

Aten-haan was disturbed after the meal had begun, and after I asked how his morning was doing, he explained that he was regretful. As it turns out, he was a captain in service under Admiral Yanala during her first day in command of Shiigeru, and he was sorrowful that, at the end of his life, he could not be there for her again. He explained that, if he had won any favours, he would like to visit the Admiral one last time and salute her recommission.

After breakfast, I asked the crew of LDMT Onuoto to report to the gunnery training simulators and requested that Otelo-haani be given a day of liberty to visit the family shrine. This is where I found her and Aten-haan. She was dressed in white; he was dressed in his old Naval dress uniform. I felt like I was an avatar of Heart-of-the-Forest, come to carry an old hero to his home after a long and wearying campaign. I will admit that I cried, and am glad to say that they both did also. Tears can ease the heart, sometimes.

Aten-haan sat comfortably at the weapon console of Onuoto, and never have I been prouder to have such a respected crew. The Federal Navy chased us from Algogille to Luminaire, and from there to Caldari, but we arrived unscathed. He was able to stand and salute, and he broadcast these words on the old military encryption band that was used when Admiral Yanala had first arrived all those years ago: "Meteriushi-haan, Rikugun Taii. You call, and I answer."

The Federal Navy dispatched us quickly. Do not feel anger or sadness, save for the loss of a loyal hero of the Caldari people.

Rest easy, Aten Meteriushi, Rikugun Taii. You have come home.

Wait, you flew him to his death; the end of that little story? Don't know what to say to that.

The man died on a trip to die over a warzone to salute a Skipper on a Titan used as a suicide pack for thousands that have no say. It just seems barbaric to me.

There is perhaps no luxury so great as to be able to pick the manner and time of ones death, as long as that is not done in despair.

It is, I think, the only sort of death that ought to be allowed.

The difference is at the core of what is called "The Meritocracy" when translated - it seems like an improper word for such an important foundation of the Caldari way. Messages are fine for signaling intentions, but they are insufficient for actual statements. Words are not important. Actions are important.

We all die - even we Capsuleers will face oblivion one day. He was ready to take that step of his own will, with his head high, his eyes open, and his heart full. The only cause for sorrow is that we won't hear his wisdom any longer, save that which is carried on the wind.

First, Miss Scherezad. It almost seems like your veterans are forced to think they are worthless in old age. I rather think after a lifetime of service it should be rewarded and the government should give back just a bit to make it so he wasn't suicidal due to feeling unwanted not disease. The way you described it with his sharp mind it seemed like overly flowered mental depression validated by the state.

To Mr. Kaassan I'm decrying the act and the willingness of a capsuleer to allow the man to blow himself up all for the sake of a salute; because he was worthless and burdened by what was expected of him and what he could not do in body but had a sound mind.

So yes, I do find it barbaric.

Sometimes arguments aren't double sided like a coin; if they were there would be only one or two Empires due to bureaucracy and a lot fewer wars if both sides were 'correct' on social issues.