Intergalactic Summit

Pilots;

The Malkalen disaster is now nine years in the past. This past remains with us, however. With the rise and fall of Provism, with the reclamation and near-loss of Caldari Prime, with every crew sacrificed in the Pendulum War, with every victory and defeat, with the blind eye we somehow still turn to the Dragonaur threat to even the State itself, we witness it again.

Bright-eyed children born in the years following the crisis have known only the conflict, not the peace that preceded it. As they grow ever nearer to adulthood, their view of the world is shaped by our actions and our words.

For their sake, and for ours, we must remember and speak not of the violence we inflict upon one another, or that we permit others to inflict in our stead, and speak instead of the ideals that were exposed to the harshness of the void on that day.

Gariushi-imkura’s legacy must be spoken. His dedication to the ideal of uplift, of the paternal relation between corporation and citizen, where both the citizen owes much to his corporation and the corporation owes much to its citizen, is the thing of stories. His desire for peace and prosperity did the Caldari credit, even as he stood against the xenophobia and hatred that would consume the State following his death. We must teach of this legacy, and we must enumerate its many virtues.

We are fortunate that Repolla-haan has carried on with Gariushi’s vision. He has done so with dedication not just to the workers of Ishukone, but to the history and place of the Caldari people, as demonstrated by Ishukone’s willingness to save Caldari Prime from complete loss in the face of renewed invasion. Let none doubt that this act was perilous. Even as we reeled from Yanala-haani’s sacrifice and the fall of the Shiigeru, a hand was extended to preserve what could be preserved, to attempt to find an equilibrium that would allow a path for peace.

Gariushi’s legacy lives in actions such as these.

Today is a day of remembrance. It is also a day of renewal. Let us look to these actions that best demonstrate the ideals that would otherwise have perished on that fateful day in Malkalen, that would have died two deaths on the altar of war. Let us, indeed, demonstrate those very same ideals, so that they may be given new life.

Just as the bitter winds of winter shake barren branches, the first warm winds of spring herald blossom and leaf, and the end of darkness.

Let us be the spring wind.

Two deaths...
Now I am still in Malkalen, I would like to speak on another man's legacy. A man who I've come to remember and honour just as much as Gariushi, if not more. Probably more.

This man had long been praised for his lifelong work in bridging the gap between the Gallente Federation and Caldari State. A man that in the year preceding the attack on the Ishukone HQ helped negotiate trade relations between the two empires, as well as amicably mediating several issues of border incursions by the two sides' navies.

He served in the Federation Navy, mostly as an ambassador to the Caldari State, where he was equally well known by Caldari Navy officers. Admirals inside the Caldari Navy spoke of him with respect and admiration. "The man is a legend," said Admiral Janus Tovaan. "He is not an empty politician who speaks of peace without knowing the strife of war. He lived and fought through the most harrowing war in memory. I have only had the pleasure of dealing with him once, when I was only a Captain. He proved himself to be a remarkable, unique man."

This man won the Aidonis Statue just over a year before the attack in Malkalen. I'll share some of his words he spoke in accepting the award:
"I have long worked to bring total peace between the State and Federation. Once we were joined as brothers. And though those days have long passed, there is nothing that should keep us from being friends. Many have wondered when I will retire. The real question should be, when will we find peace in the galaxy? Unless my body gives out on me before then, I'll never retire. The galaxy still teeters precariously on the edge. This award shows that my work is appreciated. But if anyone thinks that it means I will let go, they are sorely mistaken. We must always remain diligent against the specter of war. It is only through constant vigilance, not empty words and paltry gestures, that we can ensure that our children grow up in a world without war. I hope the leaders on all sides can follow my example and work toward peace. And I shall continue to strive every day for the continuation and expansion of the peace we now know."

His name is listed on the monument in Malkalen, and vandalized regularly. There are rumors that his name was originally not listed on the monument, and that whoever placed it there was the first to vandalize the monument.

R.I.P.

Mr. Biko, when I say two deaths, I mean this:

Gariushi's immediate work was undone by Noir's act. His effort to save the State from the drumbeat of war was halted in that moment, by that very strike.

Gariushi's legacy was perverted by the Provists and Dragonaur who used the death of a man of peace and prosperity to press for the war, making a martyr of the man even as they worked against his very ideals.

That the State reacted with anger at Gariushi's death is understandable. However, every time radicals continue to use Malkalen as reason for their cause, they spit on Gariushi's legacy, they spit on an example of the best of the executive class.

As to Noir, I have few words. His life was a respectable one. His death was a treacherous one. Conspiracy theories that try to whitewash the man's actions are the worst sort of wishful thinking.

I find this pretty rich coming from someone who frequently defends if not outright celebrates the final act of murderous madness by a certain Caldari folk hero. And yes, it should be remembered.


Otro Gariushi is one of those people who I hold deep respect towards, for reasons already stated before by others - and because he was not just "Caldari" but a citizen of the world we all should aspire to be, in some ways. I am sorry if that statement offends anyone, please understand that when I say that, I mean it with utmost respect and admiration on my behalf.

It is a cruel joke and a sad, repeating pattern that the deaths of great men and women who desire nothing more than peace seem to always be spun in to propaganda by those who desire conflict - disregarding everything these people worked all their lives for.


I will light a ceremonial candle tonight in my quarters for all the other victims of the Malkalen disaster, whose deaths were overshadowed by the select few.

In my former professional life I often had to deal with men who had lived lives of unremarkable goodness, punctuated by a single act of criminality. There is some mitigation in that, but no forgiveness.

Thank you, Teinyhr, for moving the discussion elsewhere.

Still hoping for an opportunity to take you out to dinner, Diana. ♥