Intergalactic Summit

A case study, if you will, that likely covers the attitudes of 95% of the Federation's inhabitants...

I am a drone engineer in my forties living in a prosperous planetary republic of around five million in the Essence region. I have three children, the oldest of which is looking to get a place at the state's most prestigious university, about an hour's flight away on a jet aircraft. The youngest is not doing so well in school, so considerable time and effort is put in on my part to put them back on the right track. My spouse is an accomplished consultant with a local recruitment firm, and we are happily married. We live in one of the upper tiers of the capital's arcology tower, where many leisurely pursuits and distractions are available to us.

Our local government is relatively transparent and well-functioning, though is subject to every problem with any democratic institution. I vote at every election, join in on public initiatives, and attend community meetings when I can, either in person or remotely. I often watch the news of the wider continent, learning the latest from the neighbouring states. Sometimes, I attend conferences in these neighbouring states. Rarely do I pay attention to the affairs of other continents. These areas of the planet were colonized by cultures radically different from my own, and so I cannot compel myself to show any interest in them. They speak a foreign language and are subject to a radically different set of problems that are beyond my knowledge. I think it best to focus on the problems of my family and local community.

I treat my family to a vacation once or twice a year. Though we are extremely well-off compared to our peers, we don't earn quite enough to make trips off-world. Besides, our planet is large and biodiverse. From deserts to tundra, to tropical jungles and magnificent mountains, we can survey the wide array of habitable environments on this single planet alone. Sometimes we take hiking trips, others trips to a beach resort. I encourage my eldest, before he joins university, to spend some time working for the planet's largest charity, aiding some indigenous tribal communities that have yet to be discovered by the interstellar media.

Occasionally, we hear of the multiplanetary, interstellar government known as the Federation. Once or twice in my lifetime, I've seen a local infrastructural construction program with the Federation eagle on it, letting me know who funded that project in particular. Most recently, this Federation have passed a law that regulates what sort of drones may be sold off-world from planetary markets. We discuss the law at work, and make plans accordingly. From time to time, we hear from our local Federal Senator that we "are all Gallentean" and "in this together". I think he is only partially correct. It is true that the Gallentean civilization has a shared value system, emphasizing democracy and whatnot, and many languages that have originated from Luminaire use the same alphabet. However, I would much prefer to be called by my local identity. Given how the state across the border has a radically different culture, how could we share the same label? It would also be rather disingenuous of me to share solidarity with the plight of those in the warzone. How could I pretend to know what it is like to have your homes threatened by empyreans? It would be patronizing of me.

On my way to work, I see a group of off-world students, so-called "nationalists". They are embarrassing to look at, not even able to speak the local dialect fluently, never mind their bizarre fashion. I approach them, and ask which nation they are supporting. They say the Federation. I say the Federation passes laws that regulate the drones I make at work, and that I feel no particular loyalty to this body. They tell me about Kihar Elokur, who "got away" with the murder of some three men who I apparently share some vague genetic history with. I tell him that people get murdered all the time, and that the Sebiestor I know at work is a rather ingenious fellow who has been responsible for many breakthroughs in drone mechanics. They start heckling me with insults using words I don't understand, and I just roll my eyes and carry on to work.

After work, me and this Sebiestor fellow (I prefer his actual name; Trobevon) go out for a drink. We talk about future prospects for drone sales, the local sports results, and our thoughts on well-known planetary politicians. Some drunkard comes up to us and begins yelling at Trobevon. I come to his defence and attempt to shoo off the drunkard, who I discover to be a crew chief for a transport vessel currently docked at the local spaceport. When he proves too rowdy, we call the police and he is taken away. I will discover a week later that the starship he belongs to is no longer permitted to dock in our territory.

When I get home, I read a GalNet article about the Kihar Elokur case. Turns out it is a lightyear or two away in Synchelle, a place I've never heard of or even been to and likely never will. Not feeling any wiser for reading up on the story, I go to bed with my spouse and ask myself:

Why should I care?

The cluster would be a much better place if we focus on improving ourselves and our immediate surroundings, instead of involving our noses in other people's business.

Mr Inhonores,

this was very interesting for me, yet after reading your reflections I feel bewildered. Why do you make all this kinds of assumptions and remarks? Do you see a relation between your holiday plans and what you call nationalism? I really don’t understand your problems. But I am sure that you can solve them by abandoning the flawed practice of radical individualism. Everyone should serve society. And one serves society best by being in service to his superiors.

Regards,
Odelya Negin Intourtsetseg of House d’Hanguest

I suppose this highlights our very different views. From Lonetrek to Forge, all Caldari are my business.

Every outpost. Every mining colony. Every world and every orbital.

I hope I will not offend you by asking this, for I am only curious. Is it possible for a Caldari to choose not to be Caldari, and not be your enemy?

[Edited]

Actually, I think I'll pass on some in-depth elaboration. Anyway, the original post was me advocating a position separate from my own outlook. Unfortunately, that wasn't clear for some reason.

I think we have just as much role as anyone.

Im not sure what your point is here?

I'd say the Federation, if I was an advertizing Executive, represents a certain set of marketable memes that foster the destruction of cultural values not its own and which is propagated through the use of media, political authority and economic control.

I certainly don't care for the Federation, because I do not prescribe to its maxims.

However, as a capsuleer ensared in the transhuman condition I find myself in, one also comes to recognize that one does not care overmuch for baseline attitudes. There is a perspective to be gained in the realization that one does not have to be restricted by the memes and dreams of old.

Greetings,

The simplist of ideals seems so complicated to some; and why should I care?

"One raindrop raises the sea"

That may be one reason...

I am and always shall be, your friend...not for the many, but for the one...

There may be a collective out there...do I care?

There may be connections...do I care?

I am "ME" ... I need not care (!)

I Survive ...

Darian

Pieter, you always seem to remind me of what the Caldari and Matari have in common.

As to Seriphyn, if you do not like being pulled into discussion, do not stick your nose in the discussion lest you be bubbled and webbed into a position you did not want to hold.

The question is not why you should care but why you should not care.

Across the known verse billions of planet side inhabitants are connected via social networks by mercantile endeavors. Only a click away one who chooses can set up correspondences with another you may never meet in real life, whether this be on your own planet or not of your world all together.

The effort in participating in galactic enterprises as apposed to local or planetary has become as simple as clicking the icon linking you to solar listings instead of local.

In light of the long arm of technology civilians thriving planet side have access to boundless investments that come with cluster commerce.

Whether or not you choose to "care" about the people peddling these otherworldly treasures is your prerogative. I assure you that while they may not be at the forefront of your thoughts the interstellar flight navs destination is the forefront of theirs.