These forums have been archived and are now read-only.

The new forums are live and can be found at https://forums.eveonline.com/

Intergalactic Summit

 
  • Topic is locked indefinitely.
123Next pageLast page
 

Sojourn: The Federation

Author
Aria Jenneth
Societas Imperialis Sceptri Coronaeque
Khimi Harar
#1 - 2015-07-31 22:01:18 UTC  |  Edited by: Aria Jenneth
Entry One: First Steps

Okay, so ... this is going to be kind of hard on me. Or really easy.

I'm not sure which is scarier.

This step's been a long time coming, pretty much ever since I started sticking notes on my travels and observations out under everybody's nose like this. A lot of the point of Sojourn has been to face old fears, and ...

... yeah. The Federation scared the person I used to be terribly, and the "facts" I remember are horrifying.

Please don't get me wrong: I don't think the old "me" ever thought the Gallente were especially mean or overtly aggressive, and I don't, either. But this is going to be a challenge, even so.

Over my time with the Amarr, and somewhat further since leaving them, it's become apparent that my Achur background is not just my base of knowledge, but my frame of perspective as well. I might not feel closely bound to Achura, but in terms of cultural expectations, moral reasoning, and so on, I basically am an Achur.

My knowledge base also seems to be of the loyalist school, more grateful to the Caldari than resentful of them, so, there's that.

Long story short, I "know" the Federation as a ... you know? I think I won't get into that. Let's just say I've got a lot of preexisting ideas about the Federation that make the ideas I had about the Empire seem pretty minor.

So ... well. Here goes.

The ground rules are going to be a little different this time. I'll be living and traveling in Federal territory, but as myself, not as a member of a Federal institution.

Also, PY-RE is the closest thing to a home I've found (though I remain deeply grateful to SFRIM) for reasons I've rattled off elsewhere, and which remain true. What I hoped to learn from them is an ongoing work in progress, and nowhere near done. I'll be staying, though I won't be wearing any provocative insignia in the Federation or otherwise making a bad guest of myself. I'm told the Federation's culture is individualistic and open enough to be able to accept stuff like this, so hopefully this will work.

In the general spirit of taking in diverse perspectives and ideas, I'm also looking for contacts, guides, and travel destinations, though getting involved in this might entail putting up with someone kind of offensively ignorant and biased, and we're likely to disagree a lot about what's bias and what's honest critique. So I'll be trying to bite my tongue a lot, maybe. Getting past all this programming is going to be ...

... well, I'm looking forward to it. But I don't expect this to be easy.
Claudia Osyn
Non-Hostile Target
Wild Geese.
#2 - 2015-07-31 22:36:50 UTC
Ooooo, tourists! We love tourists! We do all sorts of crazy, fun, and perplexing things for tourists that we normally don't otherwise.


Although, if you plan to take up residence, be prepared to find out that we can be boring like everyone else.

A little trust goes a long way. The less you use, the further you'll go.

Aria Jenneth
Societas Imperialis Sceptri Coronaeque
Khimi Harar
#3 - 2015-08-01 05:07:11 UTC  |  Edited by: Aria Jenneth
Claudia Osyn wrote:
Ooooo, tourists! We love tourists! We do all sorts of crazy, fun, and perplexing things for tourists that we normally don't otherwise.


Although, if you plan to take up residence, be prepared to find out that we can be boring like everyone else.

And I kind of love being a tourist (a ghoulish one, according to some). I hope you won't break your usual doings very much, so I think most of the time I'll want to see ... less-"touristy" places.

("Touristy places" includes tourist sites for tourists who don't want to see touristy places.)

I want to see the Federation. If I find a bunch of illusions, I might leave with a head maybe even more full of wrong ideas than I'll have when I arrive.

That would be sad.
Claudia Osyn
Non-Hostile Target
Wild Geese.
#4 - 2015-08-01 05:22:10 UTC
Might be best if you avoid the political scene then.

A little trust goes a long way. The less you use, the further you'll go.

James Syagrius
Luminaire Sovereign Solutions
#5 - 2015-08-01 06:30:26 UTC
I hope you take time to visit the out of the way places.

The Federation is often characterized and rarely understood.

During your visit, should you have the time, please visit.

I am fairly easy to find.
Lyn Farel
Societas Imperialis Sceptri Coronaeque
Khimi Harar
#6 - 2015-08-01 08:38:56 UTC
Oh... I have already done this one.

My best wishes.
Caroline Grace
Retrostellar Boulevard
#7 - 2015-08-01 22:33:44 UTC  |  Edited by: Caroline Grace
Ms. Jenneth! How wonderful to see that you'll be travelling across the space of Gallente Federation. I understand it might be hard for you, both for the fact you were probably a naughty pirate potato in your past life, and also for the fact you might or might not be fully loyal to Caldari State now. Fear not however, we're amazingly nice and open people and we will do our best to make you feel like at home. That's the way freedom is, and we wouldn't change it for a minute.

Here I prepared a simple list of places you should absolutely positively visit in order to fruitfill your Gallentean experience. Please note that many of these places might be very expensive, might be for VIP only, kinky, in many cases even wildly inappropriate for people of high profile. Are you a high profile, Ms. Jenneth-lovelyface? Are people looking at you and taking pictures whenever you go? Please treat with caution such places if that is the case! Should there be a problem however, please contact the FOTCO (Federal Omni Tourist Control) which specializes on keeping the inappropriate situations more manageable for an average tourist.

---

Crystal Boulevard street // Caille // Gallente Prime // Luminaire
Whole street is made entirely out of clear crystal - including the buildings, roads, lamps and all. This place offers various of very luxurious shops, nightclubs, very expensive business megatowers and other. You can also visit the The Glittering Dream, which is the nightclub, I used to dance back in the day. Please talk to madame Alegra and she will make you feel like at home.

Exquisite street // Caille // Gallente Prime // Luminaire
A true entertainment heaven for everyone. The whole street is filled with spectacular services such is the Doctor Q; a place when you can hear from the mysterious Doctor Q the whole future of your life to 87% accuracy. And don't forget to visit the most amazing theme park in New Eden -- The Joveland. The Joveland has a larger cumulative attendance than any other theme park in the cluster, with over 650 trillion guests since it opened.

Hueromont Incident // Hueromont // Gallente Prime // Luminaire
Shall you feel the need to reflect between the relationship of Caldari State and Gallente Federation, this might be one of the best places for it! This is the site of burning carrier of Admiral Yakiya Tovil-Toba, from the early days of Gallente-Caldari War. Killing approximately two million people and destroying a significant portion of the age-old city, it holds some rather sad and tragic memories.

Operation Highlander Battleground // Caldari Prime // Luminaire
The cause for this battle was the ever-lasting Caldari titan Shiigeru (Leviathan-class) on the orbit of the planet, watching and protecting the Caldari homeworld from above; up until the Federation Navy decided it is time to act. The crash of the Titan into the planet is known as one of the largest conventional explosions in the history of man.

The President // Ladistier
Jacus Roden is the President of Gallente Federation, wielding great power, and is in many respects the most powerful individual in New Eden. He resides in Ladistier. Visiting him face to face would be of course nearly impossible, but you might be in luck and see his convoy!

The Senate // Villore
The heart of democracy and Freedom in the cluster, the senate is the legislative arm of the Gallente Federal government. It has great powers and is capable of decisions ranging from delivering Freedom to dark and cold places to declaring state of total wars against any and all Federation enemies. Do you want see the power of Freedom on your own eyes? This is the place to experience it.

Roden Shipyards // Iyen-Oursta
The most powerful shipyards known to man, The Roden Center in Iyen-Oursta is the shining diamond and inconceivable mighty superpower of Federation Navy. Building the stellar spaceships of any scale Ms. Jenneth, this is the place for weeping and quiet sobbing: "This is why the Federation will never be destroyed." That is of course only if you feel like a Gallente patriot.

Soltueur // REDACTED
The Iapetan superclass Titan, the Soltueur was constructed during the end of the Caldari-Gallente war. It is one of the largest objects ever built by mankind, being almost 1400 kilometers long, capable of causing disasters on planets and acting like a gravitational pull of size of a moon. Visiting and experiencing The Soltueur is of course impossible, unless you're a very and extremely important individual in the Gallente Federation. And who knows, maybe you're Miss Jenneth!

I'm Caroline Grace, and this is my favorite musical on the Citadel.

Aeon Amadii
#8 - 2015-08-02 03:16:58 UTC
Well, it's really more of a Soltueur rather than the Soltueur. During the whole debacle on Caldari Prime the Iapetan titans (note that that word is plural) were on standby in case things got out of hand. Navy had things handled up in orbit but those of us on the ground...

...we didn't fare too well...

(This character is the Eve version of Aeon Amadi since there is no cross-forum support)

Member of CPM 2

Yuko Aioi
Gaorun Intelligence and Security Detachment 9
#9 - 2015-08-02 04:15:22 UTC
Might I recommend my home planet of Lirsautton V in Ysiette, Everyshore. (Just a few hops from Dodixie)

The locals call the planet "Tei-Su". It has rich and thriving rain forests, plenty of fertile land, and grasslands that span seemingly forever. Our cities are built to not disturb the environment, but are still right in the middle of it, so everywhere is nice and close to a peaceful park or reserve where one can work or relax in the open air.

The food, well, it is something you have to try for yourself.
Ameriya
Doomheim
#10 - 2015-08-02 11:29:33 UTC
I know a place in Caille that is out of the way!
Corraidhin Farsaidh
Federal Navy Academy
Gallente Federation
#11 - 2015-08-02 13:02:39 UTC
Aria Jenneth wrote:
...

... well, I'm looking forward to it. But I don't expect this to be easy.


To be honest travel and tourism in Gallente space will only be as easy or as hard as you make it yourself. I'm sure there are many goings on that are very much over exaggerated for the tourists. On the other hand there are certainly areas you wouldn't wish to visit without escort and experiences you would never have thought you would have an interest in.

Please do feel free to drop by at my hunting lodge in Mies, it is the only above ground portion of my PI facility there and is situated on a perfect section of coastline. I shall introduce you to the joys of finest Absynthe and contrary to popular belief we Gallente are not pure hedonists. Though we are open to such pastimes of course Blink

I am more than happy to show you any and / or all of the delights we have to offer but only with and entirely within the boundaries of your own agreement.
Aria Jenneth
Societas Imperialis Sceptri Coronaeque
Khimi Harar
#12 - 2015-08-11 20:50:24 UTC  |  Edited by: Aria Jenneth
Entry Two: First Impressions

As it turns out, one of the larger challenges of dealing with the Federation has been screwing up the courage to actually go. But ... here I am: Crielere.

There's a Caldari station close at hand. All sorts of familiar systems and architecture, the customary angular form and utilitarian structure. That's not where I'm docked, though. For the moment, I'm formally a guest of Duvolle Labs.

This is where the Crielere Project must have happened, I guess-- where the cloaking technology we all use was born. Or at the abandoned research facility here, perhaps. In any event, two stations hanging here in orbital lockstep....

(Maybe an Anathema was an inappropriate ship to arrive in.)

Looking around, getting a good look at Gallentean technology used on a grand scale for the first time, I wonder whether the Gallente might not be trying to avoid being Caldari almost as hard as the Caldari try not to be Gallente.

It's obvious that the two societies' technological bases are closely related. They invented their warp drive jointly. Their direct-fire weapon systems are interchangeable, even if the way each uses them is different. They occupy the first and second ranks among the empires for sheer technical sophistication (as measured by sensor strength, etc.), and each power's weaponry and combat doctrines developed in reaction to the other.

They've been bound together, willingly or not, for centuries.

Maybe the Gallente aren't quite as acutely aware of that as the Caldari, but it seems like they must have noticed. The Federal architecture around me is full of similar materials and similar techniques, but with a purposefully soft veneer. Then there's the wanton use of crystal, which is a very prettily rude gesture to Caldari utilitarianism if ever there was one.

One question I do have: The Federation is supposed to be the land of individualism, freedom, and personal free expression run wild, right?

So why is everything in this station green?

I mean, it's pretty, and kind of easy to look at, but ... it's so uniform. Is this how Federal citizens show patriotism, maybe?


Edit:

Found some yellow.

Actually, most stuff is a sort of bone white that mostly doesn't seem bone-like because it's too busy going pleasantly with the green.


Further edit:

Or this odd kinda-black metallic color that doesn't seem to want to be readily identifiable as metal, but seems to be metal anyway. Or a brown that blends in strangely well with the "metal". Or the ...

... okay, I guess there is some substantial variety, but it's all so subdued. I'd call these "earth tones" if they looked a little more like something from a garden and a little less like something from some kind of subterranean fairyland lit by glowing crystals or somesuch.


I have to admit, I'm pretty off-balance here.

It's weird. The Amarr maintain a carefully controlled society, but I never felt like an intruder, there-- just an outsider. Something a little ... exotic, I guess? I actually felt at home with the PY-RE mercenaries, even if our motives and attitudes are really different.

Here, I feel like an alien invader with a head full of contraband.

I guess all that good Caldari social programming goes even deeper than I thought. No one's been unfriendly or anything, though, so that's most likely literally all in my head.
Marcus Gord
Caldari Provisions
Caldari State
#13 - 2015-08-11 22:17:00 UTC
Enjoy the Federation, Aria.

I spent some time there a few years ago. The food is decent, though what passes for 'Traditional Caldari' food isn't anything like home....

I think I still have an apartment in Fricoure if you need someplace to stay for a time.

In a few moments you will have an experience that will seem completely real. It will be the result of your subconscious fears transformed to your conscious awareness.

http://i.imgur.com/LM2NKUf.png

Corraidhin Farsaidh
Federal Navy Academy
Gallente Federation
#14 - 2015-08-11 22:48:00 UTC
Ms. Jenneth,

Stations are always cold and unforgiving areas. If you wish to see true Gallente architecture and design you really need to get planetside. My lodge is actually a perfect example.

It was designed by my grandfather to reflect the influence of our forbears. The house itself is actually a renovated ancient villa with as much of the original structure recovered and restored as possible. The villa itself is of single storey construction except for the main hall where the master bedroom is on the second floor. A fabulous dual staircase runs either side of the mezzanine balcony leading to the bedroom.

The West wing has a pool and sauna whilst the East wing is my private dojo. The South wing is dedicated to the more tropical vegetation and fruit vines. The internal square is a traditional Caldari garden, certified genuine. In contrast the outer garden is a perfect example of free flowing Gallente country garden, blending seemlessly into the rolling fields beyond.

Oh yes, there is a wide variety of colours to titillate your senses too. I truly recommend that you extend your visit beyond sterile stations that are two-a-penny. My home is but one example of the myriad delights that await you.

Enjoy your stay in Federation space.
Lyn Farel
Societas Imperialis Sceptri Coronaeque
Khimi Harar
#15 - 2015-08-11 22:59:57 UTC
I think that this station having been built by Duvolle, and all the ones that usually belong to megacorporations like this one, tend to be rather generic and, you might find the cultural variety you are looking for in private rented areas.

In any case, space stations always suffer from less isolationism than planets themselves, and tend to be a blend of the spacer culture rather than national cultures.
Corraidhin Farsaidh
Federal Navy Academy
Gallente Federation
#16 - 2015-08-12 08:57:19 UTC
Lyn Farel wrote:
I think that this station having been built by Duvolle, and all the ones that usually belong to megacorporations like this one, tend to be rather generic and, you might find the cultural variety you are looking for in private rented areas.

In any case, space stations always suffer from less isolationism than planets themselves, and tend to be a blend of the spacer culture rather than national cultures.


This is one of the reasons I prefer to go planetside whenever I can, I find stations to be soul crushing places devoid of originality. It's hard to know what area of space you are in these days as the main concourses are populated with the same chains of shops, cafes, holo-bars and whatnot. Much better to experience the true culture of the planet you are orbiting where possible.
Aria Jenneth
Societas Imperialis Sceptri Coronaeque
Khimi Harar
#17 - 2015-08-16 05:17:41 UTC  |  Edited by: Aria Jenneth
Entry Three: Dread

It's maybe time I explained why the Federation scares me.

It's not that I think that people are going to be awful to me here. It's not that I think they're going to harass me or force boosters on me or hurt me just for being an Achur or mix me up in some experimental polyamorous weirdness.

I don't.

It's the concern for people's wellbeing that frightens me. The cheerful acceptance of strangers-- not only their own bloodlines, but cultural Achura, Raata, even Sani Sabik-- living in their midst. The well-meaning kindness.

The willingness to look at me and see ... just me. Not a corporation or a cause, or even the ideas or faith I subscribe to.

Just me. The chance to be that, and welcome ... it's terrifyingly inviting.

Why would this be frightening? Well, I don't really expect them to do something like lure me in with lovely promises and then mount my head on a plaque or stick me in the magic Achur-to-Gallente machine. After all, there are other Achura and even Caldari living here, and I'd guess probably happily.

That's not the problem.

Earlier tonight, I spoke with a military pilot, a strong Federal supporter, and related some of my uncertainties about the Federation's stability, especially in a crisis. You mean like U-Nats, she asked me. Sort of, I said. I expressed my concern over the looming challenges the cluster faces: the Drifters, Sansha's Nation, whatever comes next.

Don't worry, she said. We're gentle at peace, but when roused, we're fierce.

No, I explained. I don't mean just being fierce if you have to.

I mean, what will happen when you're driven from your homeworlds; when your continents are being glassed; when you're suffering defeat after defeat; when the casualty reports just keep flowing in, and every family has lost someone, and it only gets worse every day.

To her very great credit, she thought about that seriously, and answered:

We'd either unite and stand together, she said, or we'd lose everything. She put the odds at 50/50.

I pretty much agree with that assessment. So here's the scenario.

Supposing the Federation achieves everything it wants: slavery abolished; Amarr and the State liberalized; the Republic a proper democracy-- and in time, all of humanity united in an individualistic dream of peace, democracy, and freedom.

And this is when the hammer blow falls.

The Caldari, forever either preparing for or enduring winter, faced such a time and survived. The Amarr have never faced such a time, but they have their faith to unite them. ... But both are gone. Perhaps the Matari, in their long time enduring servitude, might have learned tricks that would survive the transfer to democracy, but....

50/50. That's what it would probably come down to.

That the Federation is as attractive and brittle as the crystal it so loves: that is the fear. That we could lose what makes us strong and resilient as we're drawn into an idealistic dream that can't be depended upon in the long run.

That's the dread: that democracy's not a stable system under pressure; that the Federation might bring us to a place where we are happy, and doomed.

That I could be drawn into such an attractive, toxic dream, and be unable to escape it.

The Federation's beauty and comfort is not much of a surprise. I'm hoping to find something here that will improve my estimation of the odds.
Skyweir Kinnison
Doomheim
#18 - 2015-08-16 07:54:06 UTC  |  Edited by: Skyweir Kinnison
Aria Jenneth wrote:
Entry Three: Dread
That the Federation is as attractive and brittle as the crystal it so loves: that is the fear. That we could lose what makes us strong and resilient as we're drawn into an idealistic dream that can't be depended upon in the long run.

That's the dread: that democracy's not a stable system under pressure; that the Federation might bring us to a place where we are happy, and doomed.

That I could be drawn into such an attractive, toxic dream, and be unable to escape it.

The Federation's beauty and comfort is not much of a surprise. I'm hoping to find something here that will improve my estimation of the odds.


The love of liberty is stronger than you think. Yes, it always appears that there is more that divides than unites, but when push comes to shove, the thought of losing liberty motivates the free man to astounding courage.

Ask any Minmatar who was once a slave and now is free what he would not do to retain his freedom. Democracies have wonderful reserves of creativity, and citizens who freely choose to defend their homeland.

Of course all types of government may fall. We cannot know the external threat that may bring this about. Right now, we face internal threats that use the fear you speak of to restrict our liberties. But we are at least as resilient as the other governments, and I would argue, far more so: for we are a free people, of myriad diversity and thus, strength.

Humanity has won its battle. Liberty now has a country.

Corraidhin Farsaidh
Federal Navy Academy
Gallente Federation
#19 - 2015-08-16 11:45:12 UTC  |  Edited by: Corraidhin Farsaidh
Aria Jenneth wrote:
Entry Three: Dread

It's maybe time I explained why the Federation scares me.

It's not that I think that people are going to be awful to me here. It's not that I think they're going to harass me or force boosters on me or hurt me just for being an Achur or mix me up in some experimental polyamorous weirdness.

I don't.

It's the concern for people's wellbeing that frightens me. The cheerful acceptance of strangers-- not only their own bloodlines, but cultural Achura, Raata, even Sani Sabik-- living in their midst. The well-meaning kindness.

The willingness to look at me and see ... just me. Not a corporation or a cause, or even the ideas or faith I subscribe to.

Just me. The chance to be that, and welcome ... it's terrifyingly inviting.

Why would this be frightening? Well, I don't really expect them to do something like lure me in with lovely promises and then mount my head on a plaque or stick me in the magic Achur-to-Gallente machine. After all, there are other Achura and even Caldari living here, and I'd guess probably happily.

That's not the problem.

Earlier tonight, I spoke with a military pilot, a strong Federal supporter, and related some of my uncertainties about the Federation's stability, especially in a crisis. You mean like U-Nats, she asked me. Sort of, I said. I expressed my concern over the looming challenges the cluster faces: the Drifters, Sansha's Nation, whatever comes next.

Don't worry, she said. We're gentle at peace, but when roused, we're fierce.

No, I explained. I don't mean just being fierce if you have to.

I mean, what will happen when you're driven from your homeworlds; when your continents are being glassed; when you're suffering defeat after defeat; when the casualty reports just keep flowing in, and every family has lost someone, and it only gets worse every day.

To her very great credit, she thought about that seriously, and answered:

We'd either unite and stand together, she said, or we'd lose everything. She put the odds at 50/50.

I pretty much agree with that assessment. So here's the scenario.

Supposing the Federation achieves everything it wants: slavery abolished; Amarr and the State liberalized; the Republic a proper democracy-- and in time, all of humanity united in an individualistic dream of peace, democracy, and freedom.

And this is when the hammer blow falls.

The Caldari, forever either preparing for or enduring winter, faced such a time and survived. The Amarr have never faced such a time, but they have their faith to unite them. ... But both are gone. Perhaps the Matari, in their long time enduring servitude, might have learned tricks that would survive the transfer to democracy, but....

50/50. That's what it would probably come down to.

That the Federation is as attractive and brittle as the crystal it so loves: that is the fear. That we could lose what makes us strong and resilient as we're drawn into an idealistic dream that can't be depended upon in the long run.

That's the dread: that democracy's not a stable system under pressure; that the Federation might bring us to a place where we are happy, and doomed.

That I could be drawn into such an attractive, toxic dream, and be unable to escape it.

The Federation's beauty and comfort is not much of a surprise. I'm hoping to find something here that will improve my estimation of the odds.


I have no love for the Federation as a governing body as such but rather for the ideals encompassed by it. I find that I would rather fight amongst those who would give everything in defence of each other rather than those who fight for themselves either through unshakable belief in their prowess or their God.

To destroy the Federation would mean destroying all who form the Federation and that would be incredibly difficult.
Lyn Farel
Societas Imperialis Sceptri Coronaeque
Khimi Harar
#20 - 2015-08-16 14:48:24 UTC
I as told you yersterday, and that is only my belief and the conclusions I have drawn from all those years spent living in Caille...

The Crystal Dream is often just a facade. Megas run the Federation as well as the megas run the Caldari State. They just do not do it here through the same tools. The paradigm is libertarian where in the State it is authoritarian. But roots are governed by ultracapitalistic free markets all the same. The same free markets that now rule New Eden international exchanges.

Maybe even more so in the Federation that taught everything to the Caldari, including the identity they chose for themselves today, as we were talking about free will and its futility. The Caldari became what they are only due to their live spent inside the Federation.

If there is one thing that the Federation has for itself, besides its capacity for instability and democratic unpredictability, is that it can not really be beheaded. Nothing is truly centralized. If the Caldari State is a cold mountain, then the Federation is the rain, the rivers, and the oceans that eroded it and shaped it.
123Next pageLast page