DocTomoe
Well-Known Member
Ayana sat in her office during one of the breaks between the Assembly meetings. On her work computer, she was trying to come up with a logical, real number for the proposed Youth Budget but was having a rough time approximating how much it would actual cost to raise a Jiyuuian child.
A message would ping Ayana, from a one Xiaah Destiny Tur'Lista. It seemed that the queen wished for a private meeting with the Assembly member before she made her floor appearance.
Ayana considered the message with a contemplative smile before sending back a response. "Very well. I'm in my office, we have a few things to discuss."
It would be a few minutes before a knock came to the door. Destiny awaited just outside of the door, the Helashio tribe leaders behind her. They would wait outside the door unless they were invited in, as they wished to do.
Ayana moved from out behind her desk to the door and opened it for the awaiting Lorath. "Hello, good afternoon. Please come in and have a seat," she gestured with a polite smile to the chairs that were sitting in front of her desk. "Would you mind if Motoyoshi Tio sat in with us? I know he was also particularly concerned about the current issue."
Destiny shook her head with a polite smile. "Not at all. The more people we discuss this with to begin with, the better." Destiny was dressed in a loose fitting robe that brushed across the floor of a completely white color. Beads were sewn into the neck with colors of the three houses painted on the beads. At her waist was a cloth belt that helped to cinch the robe loosely, yet still had enough hold to have a plushie at her side. It was a plushie of herself, her face straight and oddly enough dressed in the same outfit. As she entered the room, she made sure to fold her wings behind herself so she could sit a little easier.
"I'll pass that long to him and hopefully, he isn't too busy with his own work so he can join us." Ayana moved back behind her desk. Her own outfit was simple and professional, with a calf length black skirt with a white and black kimono style blouse over top of it. She remained standing behind her desk as she waited for her guests to sit.
After a moment, the three Helashio elders entered the room as well, taking seats next to Destiny now. Each one was in a simple white robe as well, though they looked a little uncomfortable with them on. They made no complaint about it.
The Prime Minister sent a very brief message out to any available members of the assembly, "The Lorath Queen and the Helashio tribe leaders are here in my office if you'd like to address your concerns directly to them. - Ayana"
Alexander returned the message with a short reply. "I will be there shortly Madam Prime Minister. -- Alexander"
"I have at least one other person arriving shortly. Could I get you so water? Was your trip here pleasant and safe?" Ayana inquired politely.
"Some water would be lovely. And yes, the trip was rather pleasant." Destiny was still smiling as she nodded, leaning back in her chair a little as she crossed one leg over the other. The three Helashio elders nodded as well, though they seemed to remain rather impassive in their expressions.
Tio remained quiet, under the cloak of his Shroud Suit. He had little business in all this directly, he just wanted to be there. He leaned against the window frame, watching.
Ayana retrieved some cups from a little table behind her desk and pulled a silver pitcher from a mini fridge underneath her desk. She carefully set them all on the desk before she poured out the various glasses of water. "That's always good to hear. I'm sorry that we have been making some assumptions as to the living conditions of your people... it's rather ignorant but we're going off third hand information. I hope we can settle this without too many more misunderstandings."
"Of course Minister. That is why I am here, to hopefully clear up any misunderstandings. I would like to make sure that everyone knows the truth behind what is happening." Destiny nodded a little, relaxing in her chair still. With the roll of her shoulders she shifted her wings a little again. "Misunderstandings can cause more problems then people think..."
Alexander arrived a short while later in a crisp black business suit, and a crimson tie. His hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail as per usual and his glasses in place. The man dropped into a gentleman's bow smoothly before standing upright. "My apologies if I have arrived late." He responded, wearing a soft, apologetic smile. The Jiyuuian then found himself a seat close by.
The seated Helashio which were invited in had tried to look relaxed, however, they did seem somewhat uneasy. The whole matter of actually needing to be present before another government's ruling party just so they could live the way they wanted, the thought was troublesome to them.
"We haven't really started, I was waiting for you, Alexander," Ayana said with a smile to the assembly member before offering the Lorath and Helashio glasses of water. "I would like very much for your nation and culture to join us under your own sovereignty and retain its culture. The concern for us is very bluntly, how contrary it is for us to call ourselves free and permit slavery to exist in a nation that joins us."
The eldest of the Helashio, and the one which spoke for the other two due to their language barrier looked to Destiny for a moment out of reflex, but knew it was his place to speak at the moment. "Lady Prime Minister, would you abolish prisons for the sake of this same concept?"
Destiny simply let the Helahsio speak for the moment, opting to sit back and listen. They were here after all to speak their mind.
"Actually, imprisonment was seldom used in Yamatai... if you violated the law, you were executed. I feel that imprisoning someone for violating the law is quite different from enslaving them. But there are many different forms of punishment- we have to decide as an assembly how we want to deal with those that violate our laws. You use forced labor as a form of punishment for breaking laws?" Ayana responded curiously as she settled into her chair.
The Helashio took in a breath as he gathered his thoughts. It was some trouble to convert Helashio tongue to that which could be understood by the Jiyuuans. "Forced labor is a separate matter all together. Forced labor can be utilized for community service projects. What we Helashio do is an honoring to our past and the ancestors of the Lorath which are alive today. Before I explain... tell me, do your people consider your elders, ancestors, and memories of these people to be sacred? Or are you like that heathen Uesu, who found nothing sacred?"
Destiny's hand found the Helashio elder's arm in a soft gesture. It was a simple mental projection, asking him to keep his tone and words courteous.
The elder gave a soft nod to Destiny in response, he did let his emotions get the best of him for the moment. He was glad to have someone to keep his mood in check.
"Yes, I do what I can to honor the memories and lives of those that have been lost to us," Ayana added softly with a short nod as she waited for the Helashio to continue.
Alexander sat with his hands clasped before him, listening politely to the conversation. The man took one hand away to brush a stray strand of hair out of his face, and took a moment to adjust his glasses. "We remember our ancestors, our elders yes. However, we do so in other ways. The simple fact of keeping their memory alive is a most sacred thing, to tell their story, to pass on their knowledge, to be proud of them. Remembrance need not be a physical thing so much as an emotional or mental one."
With a nod, the elder Helashio accepted the words which were spoken, and a smile crept across his lips. "I am glad, this means I will be able to explain our situation with greater ease..." The Helashio reached out and took the glass of water in hand before taking a drink to wet his lips before he would begin his long explanation. "I do hope you have time for an old man's ramblings?"
Destiny simply sat back and let the Elder continue, holding the cup of water in her hands still. She took a small sip but otherwise left the glass be.
Alexander merely nodded.
"I'd like to understand your perspective better," the Prime Minister leaned back in her chair and pressed her hands together on the desk in front of her.
"Well, this story goes back about... five thousand years, yes. Quite some time." The elder Helashio seemed very thoughtful on the matter. He was recalling knowledge which was taught to him when he was merely a young boy. "There was a time long ago when the Lorath were much different, and the Helashio were different as well."
So this is the Lorath... Tio mused to himself, he had to question everything in the seconds as he watched this unfold;as any good philosopher would. He wanted to know how they worked, what it was that made these people tick; it fascinated him. After all, it was likely that which had granted them survival, granted them the ability to overcome the trails. So much the same, but so very different. I like these people, there is more to them that what is on the surface;they have depth and are aware of themselves.
"Five thousand and some odd years ago... the Lorath and Helashio shared the surface of Lor. The Lorath were a primarily peaceful society, deeply focused upon their faith and religious practices. We Helashio were a budding industrial society, but we primarily focused upon agricultural ventures." The elder nodded time to time, as if giving approval to his own words. "Well, at the time, the Helashio and Lorath had a reasonable respect of each other's space. We did not bother them, they did not bother us. That is what peace is at it's fundamental level really... Well, sometimes, a group of people can do some very regrettable things, for regrettable reasons."
The Helashio elder let out a sharp exhale, as if disgusted by what was coming to mind. "The ones who made the mistake were my ancestors... A great famine grasped our crops and our livestock. The famine continued for many years because we did not know how to simply combat a fungus... a lowly fungus. At the same time as our crops failing, the Lorath's crops were in full bloom. We accused them of being demons, in league with the evils that be, that they sold themselves to be able to eat. Thus, my foolish ancestors declared a holy war upon the Lorath to persecute them and imprison them."
Tio's interest was perked at the mention of religion. He had been caught in an internal debate for many years as to religion; something Yamatai failed to offer, save for Chiharu -- a dead solider. He had pondered if the thousands of nekos created in an instant and killed in the next. Did they have souls? Did he have a soul? Now there was a new pondering --Did the Lorath and these Helashio have souls? It was something that was not about to be answered, or would be in any easy way. His own thoughts lead him far off now from the conversation. Philo...the love of...sophy...wisdom.
"The purging war lasted for mere months. The Lorath were isolated to a complex of cities, my ancestors were able to force them from their homes and into a pre-designated natural cavern, one of proportions of which even your people who can turn air into metal can appreciate." The elder could not help but to let out a chuckle at the mere thought of air into metal. "We herded the Lorath like cattle into the cavern... cattle which had a vicious bite as they were cornered. None the less, my people were fanatics, and fanaticism won out as we trapped the Lorath population in the cavern, sealed the opening shut, and imprisoned them beneath the very soil which sparked the conflict... That was our first mistake."
"Our second mistake was one which was far more foolish, and far more evil than what we did to begin with..." The Helashio frowned as he slouched in his chair and looked into the glass of water in his hands. "We forgot. We left them there to die, and we forgot about them. We forgot about the war which we caused, we forgot about the people who were slaughtered, we forgot about supposedly destroying an entire people. We forgot the face
s of those who came before us. For five thousand years my people simply stagnated upon the surface, forgetting, never wishing for more, never trying. We were lazy fools, content with our crops and our primitive ways. That absurd fantasy which was a life with no memories, and a life without recognizing what we did, that was our greatest sin."
"And so, five thousand years passed." The Helashio gave a laugh as he looked at who he was seated with. "Your people, you're mere children... I hope the depth of the concept of five thousand years is grasped and appreciated... I hear your eldest are merely thirty years of age. But that is off our subject..." The Helashio gave a slight cough before resuming his tale.
"Our past before Uesu has been swept away but please, go on," Ayana urged as she watched the Helashio's face with an expression of rapt awe of the story.
"We forgot for five thousand years, then we were sharply reminded. The soil broke, geysers of steam, ash, and dust filled our skies and blackened them. Those which were forgotten made their return. We stubbornly tried to keep them pent up. However, while we stagnated, they adapted and grew. The war between our people lasted for... about one hundred and fifty years, and that is not including the last legs of combat. However, the Lorath were kinder than we were. They conducted their combat honorably. Not a single bullet was fired by them, not a single bomb used. They killed us with bare hands, blades of fire, and their sheer will." The Helashio's eyes looked saddened. Despite the time, he still felt for his ancestors.
"As the war dwindled down, so did my people's numbers. However, the war also served to remind us of what we had done to the Lorath. This led my direct ancestors to meet with my Mistress Xiaah's grandparents. They were mighty figures, great beasts of flesh and wisdom... and they were kind. My ancestors offered the Helashio people's freedom as penance for what had been done to the Lorath. My ancestors vowed for five thousand years we would give to the Lorath our hearts, minds, souls, and bodies to repay the sin of forgetting everything which had happened... and so, the vast majority of my people agreed, and we were then bonded to our Lorath masters which we would serve until our debt was paid."
The entire time, Destiny neither smiled nor grimaced, no emotion graced her face. She had remained silent during the telling, and even after the telling of the Lorath and Helashio shared history as she waited for questions from Ayana.
"This is truly touching that is an agreement between your ancestors but what about your youth? It is indeed a horrible thing that was done on both sides, but do all Helashio indenture themselves to the Lorath?" Ayana asked as courteously as she could. "It's hard to find any grouping of people that are completely in agreement."
"That is why there are groups which are allowed to 'Free roam', they are watched by the Fyunnen of the Lorath, and the Lmanel as well to ensure they don't stir up trouble. These same free roamers are also to be relocated to a settlement in the Hici'emi system. There, they will be given the opportunity to live as they normally would, or to find employment. However, they are also treated as cultural outcasts. They are committing the same sin which damned us to begin with" The Helashio elder explained as he set his water glass down upon the Prime Minister's desk.
"Each Helashio born is given the chance to do as they please, whether it be finding a job within the Lorath society, both indentured and salary or wage, as well as given the opportunity to go off planet and find work. There are many Helashio now even in employment on Yamatai." Destiny explained.
"ah, I see, fair enough. If you choose to serve, why the need for the harsh brainwashing training collars I've heard about?" Ayana queried again. "Would you like some more water?"
"However, the majority of us do not ask for pay, we do not ask for a position in society, we do not even ask for the clothes which are upon our backs. We did not give any of such things to the Lorath, why should they give to us?"
"As for the collars and 'brainwashing'..." The Helashio elder pressed his lips together. "When a soldier enters a military, are they automatically granted a rifle and sent to the field?"
"Not at all. We sent them someplace to teach them the skills they need. But they have the choice to leave if the life of the soldier doesn't suit them. Our main concern as a people is that others be allowed to make the choice for themselves for how to live their lives, to us, using devices that force that training into someone over all else is wrong," Ayana added. "Unless I have been misinformed of how the training collars work."
"At a certain age, usually about the time of the later stages of... well, I think your people call it puberty. We allow our young to choose what they will do with their life. The majority, choose to honor our debt to the Lorath. Upon this agreement, they are taken in as slaves and they make a binding agreement to serve." The elder explained as he thought back to his own youth. "Training is then given to grant these Helashio the skills they need to be able to serve properly. During the course of this training, the Lmanel trainer can install a collar to aid the young servant in learning their role, and how to appreciate their task. The collars are not just manipulative tools, they also grant rewards for good behavior, and help the young trainees perform as well as they would like to."
"Was there not a similar tool installed in your first power armor suits? That gave a pleasurable twinge with each kill?" Destiny asked Ayana, tilting her head a little.
A message would ping Ayana, from a one Xiaah Destiny Tur'Lista. It seemed that the queen wished for a private meeting with the Assembly member before she made her floor appearance.
Ayana considered the message with a contemplative smile before sending back a response. "Very well. I'm in my office, we have a few things to discuss."
It would be a few minutes before a knock came to the door. Destiny awaited just outside of the door, the Helashio tribe leaders behind her. They would wait outside the door unless they were invited in, as they wished to do.
Ayana moved from out behind her desk to the door and opened it for the awaiting Lorath. "Hello, good afternoon. Please come in and have a seat," she gestured with a polite smile to the chairs that were sitting in front of her desk. "Would you mind if Motoyoshi Tio sat in with us? I know he was also particularly concerned about the current issue."
Destiny shook her head with a polite smile. "Not at all. The more people we discuss this with to begin with, the better." Destiny was dressed in a loose fitting robe that brushed across the floor of a completely white color. Beads were sewn into the neck with colors of the three houses painted on the beads. At her waist was a cloth belt that helped to cinch the robe loosely, yet still had enough hold to have a plushie at her side. It was a plushie of herself, her face straight and oddly enough dressed in the same outfit. As she entered the room, she made sure to fold her wings behind herself so she could sit a little easier.
"I'll pass that long to him and hopefully, he isn't too busy with his own work so he can join us." Ayana moved back behind her desk. Her own outfit was simple and professional, with a calf length black skirt with a white and black kimono style blouse over top of it. She remained standing behind her desk as she waited for her guests to sit.
After a moment, the three Helashio elders entered the room as well, taking seats next to Destiny now. Each one was in a simple white robe as well, though they looked a little uncomfortable with them on. They made no complaint about it.
The Prime Minister sent a very brief message out to any available members of the assembly, "The Lorath Queen and the Helashio tribe leaders are here in my office if you'd like to address your concerns directly to them. - Ayana"
Alexander returned the message with a short reply. "I will be there shortly Madam Prime Minister. -- Alexander"
"I have at least one other person arriving shortly. Could I get you so water? Was your trip here pleasant and safe?" Ayana inquired politely.
"Some water would be lovely. And yes, the trip was rather pleasant." Destiny was still smiling as she nodded, leaning back in her chair a little as she crossed one leg over the other. The three Helashio elders nodded as well, though they seemed to remain rather impassive in their expressions.
Tio remained quiet, under the cloak of his Shroud Suit. He had little business in all this directly, he just wanted to be there. He leaned against the window frame, watching.
Ayana retrieved some cups from a little table behind her desk and pulled a silver pitcher from a mini fridge underneath her desk. She carefully set them all on the desk before she poured out the various glasses of water. "That's always good to hear. I'm sorry that we have been making some assumptions as to the living conditions of your people... it's rather ignorant but we're going off third hand information. I hope we can settle this without too many more misunderstandings."
"Of course Minister. That is why I am here, to hopefully clear up any misunderstandings. I would like to make sure that everyone knows the truth behind what is happening." Destiny nodded a little, relaxing in her chair still. With the roll of her shoulders she shifted her wings a little again. "Misunderstandings can cause more problems then people think..."
Alexander arrived a short while later in a crisp black business suit, and a crimson tie. His hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail as per usual and his glasses in place. The man dropped into a gentleman's bow smoothly before standing upright. "My apologies if I have arrived late." He responded, wearing a soft, apologetic smile. The Jiyuuian then found himself a seat close by.
The seated Helashio which were invited in had tried to look relaxed, however, they did seem somewhat uneasy. The whole matter of actually needing to be present before another government's ruling party just so they could live the way they wanted, the thought was troublesome to them.
"We haven't really started, I was waiting for you, Alexander," Ayana said with a smile to the assembly member before offering the Lorath and Helashio glasses of water. "I would like very much for your nation and culture to join us under your own sovereignty and retain its culture. The concern for us is very bluntly, how contrary it is for us to call ourselves free and permit slavery to exist in a nation that joins us."
The eldest of the Helashio, and the one which spoke for the other two due to their language barrier looked to Destiny for a moment out of reflex, but knew it was his place to speak at the moment. "Lady Prime Minister, would you abolish prisons for the sake of this same concept?"
Destiny simply let the Helahsio speak for the moment, opting to sit back and listen. They were here after all to speak their mind.
"Actually, imprisonment was seldom used in Yamatai... if you violated the law, you were executed. I feel that imprisoning someone for violating the law is quite different from enslaving them. But there are many different forms of punishment- we have to decide as an assembly how we want to deal with those that violate our laws. You use forced labor as a form of punishment for breaking laws?" Ayana responded curiously as she settled into her chair.
The Helashio took in a breath as he gathered his thoughts. It was some trouble to convert Helashio tongue to that which could be understood by the Jiyuuans. "Forced labor is a separate matter all together. Forced labor can be utilized for community service projects. What we Helashio do is an honoring to our past and the ancestors of the Lorath which are alive today. Before I explain... tell me, do your people consider your elders, ancestors, and memories of these people to be sacred? Or are you like that heathen Uesu, who found nothing sacred?"
Destiny's hand found the Helashio elder's arm in a soft gesture. It was a simple mental projection, asking him to keep his tone and words courteous.
The elder gave a soft nod to Destiny in response, he did let his emotions get the best of him for the moment. He was glad to have someone to keep his mood in check.
"Yes, I do what I can to honor the memories and lives of those that have been lost to us," Ayana added softly with a short nod as she waited for the Helashio to continue.
Alexander sat with his hands clasped before him, listening politely to the conversation. The man took one hand away to brush a stray strand of hair out of his face, and took a moment to adjust his glasses. "We remember our ancestors, our elders yes. However, we do so in other ways. The simple fact of keeping their memory alive is a most sacred thing, to tell their story, to pass on their knowledge, to be proud of them. Remembrance need not be a physical thing so much as an emotional or mental one."
With a nod, the elder Helashio accepted the words which were spoken, and a smile crept across his lips. "I am glad, this means I will be able to explain our situation with greater ease..." The Helashio reached out and took the glass of water in hand before taking a drink to wet his lips before he would begin his long explanation. "I do hope you have time for an old man's ramblings?"
Destiny simply sat back and let the Elder continue, holding the cup of water in her hands still. She took a small sip but otherwise left the glass be.
Alexander merely nodded.
"I'd like to understand your perspective better," the Prime Minister leaned back in her chair and pressed her hands together on the desk in front of her.
"Well, this story goes back about... five thousand years, yes. Quite some time." The elder Helashio seemed very thoughtful on the matter. He was recalling knowledge which was taught to him when he was merely a young boy. "There was a time long ago when the Lorath were much different, and the Helashio were different as well."
So this is the Lorath... Tio mused to himself, he had to question everything in the seconds as he watched this unfold;as any good philosopher would. He wanted to know how they worked, what it was that made these people tick; it fascinated him. After all, it was likely that which had granted them survival, granted them the ability to overcome the trails. So much the same, but so very different. I like these people, there is more to them that what is on the surface;they have depth and are aware of themselves.
"Five thousand and some odd years ago... the Lorath and Helashio shared the surface of Lor. The Lorath were a primarily peaceful society, deeply focused upon their faith and religious practices. We Helashio were a budding industrial society, but we primarily focused upon agricultural ventures." The elder nodded time to time, as if giving approval to his own words. "Well, at the time, the Helashio and Lorath had a reasonable respect of each other's space. We did not bother them, they did not bother us. That is what peace is at it's fundamental level really... Well, sometimes, a group of people can do some very regrettable things, for regrettable reasons."
The Helashio elder let out a sharp exhale, as if disgusted by what was coming to mind. "The ones who made the mistake were my ancestors... A great famine grasped our crops and our livestock. The famine continued for many years because we did not know how to simply combat a fungus... a lowly fungus. At the same time as our crops failing, the Lorath's crops were in full bloom. We accused them of being demons, in league with the evils that be, that they sold themselves to be able to eat. Thus, my foolish ancestors declared a holy war upon the Lorath to persecute them and imprison them."
Tio's interest was perked at the mention of religion. He had been caught in an internal debate for many years as to religion; something Yamatai failed to offer, save for Chiharu -- a dead solider. He had pondered if the thousands of nekos created in an instant and killed in the next. Did they have souls? Did he have a soul? Now there was a new pondering --Did the Lorath and these Helashio have souls? It was something that was not about to be answered, or would be in any easy way. His own thoughts lead him far off now from the conversation. Philo...the love of...sophy...wisdom.
"The purging war lasted for mere months. The Lorath were isolated to a complex of cities, my ancestors were able to force them from their homes and into a pre-designated natural cavern, one of proportions of which even your people who can turn air into metal can appreciate." The elder could not help but to let out a chuckle at the mere thought of air into metal. "We herded the Lorath like cattle into the cavern... cattle which had a vicious bite as they were cornered. None the less, my people were fanatics, and fanaticism won out as we trapped the Lorath population in the cavern, sealed the opening shut, and imprisoned them beneath the very soil which sparked the conflict... That was our first mistake."
"Our second mistake was one which was far more foolish, and far more evil than what we did to begin with..." The Helashio frowned as he slouched in his chair and looked into the glass of water in his hands. "We forgot. We left them there to die, and we forgot about them. We forgot about the war which we caused, we forgot about the people who were slaughtered, we forgot about supposedly destroying an entire people. We forgot the face
s of those who came before us. For five thousand years my people simply stagnated upon the surface, forgetting, never wishing for more, never trying. We were lazy fools, content with our crops and our primitive ways. That absurd fantasy which was a life with no memories, and a life without recognizing what we did, that was our greatest sin."
"And so, five thousand years passed." The Helashio gave a laugh as he looked at who he was seated with. "Your people, you're mere children... I hope the depth of the concept of five thousand years is grasped and appreciated... I hear your eldest are merely thirty years of age. But that is off our subject..." The Helashio gave a slight cough before resuming his tale.
"Our past before Uesu has been swept away but please, go on," Ayana urged as she watched the Helashio's face with an expression of rapt awe of the story.
"We forgot for five thousand years, then we were sharply reminded. The soil broke, geysers of steam, ash, and dust filled our skies and blackened them. Those which were forgotten made their return. We stubbornly tried to keep them pent up. However, while we stagnated, they adapted and grew. The war between our people lasted for... about one hundred and fifty years, and that is not including the last legs of combat. However, the Lorath were kinder than we were. They conducted their combat honorably. Not a single bullet was fired by them, not a single bomb used. They killed us with bare hands, blades of fire, and their sheer will." The Helashio's eyes looked saddened. Despite the time, he still felt for his ancestors.
"As the war dwindled down, so did my people's numbers. However, the war also served to remind us of what we had done to the Lorath. This led my direct ancestors to meet with my Mistress Xiaah's grandparents. They were mighty figures, great beasts of flesh and wisdom... and they were kind. My ancestors offered the Helashio people's freedom as penance for what had been done to the Lorath. My ancestors vowed for five thousand years we would give to the Lorath our hearts, minds, souls, and bodies to repay the sin of forgetting everything which had happened... and so, the vast majority of my people agreed, and we were then bonded to our Lorath masters which we would serve until our debt was paid."
The entire time, Destiny neither smiled nor grimaced, no emotion graced her face. She had remained silent during the telling, and even after the telling of the Lorath and Helashio shared history as she waited for questions from Ayana.
"This is truly touching that is an agreement between your ancestors but what about your youth? It is indeed a horrible thing that was done on both sides, but do all Helashio indenture themselves to the Lorath?" Ayana asked as courteously as she could. "It's hard to find any grouping of people that are completely in agreement."
"That is why there are groups which are allowed to 'Free roam', they are watched by the Fyunnen of the Lorath, and the Lmanel as well to ensure they don't stir up trouble. These same free roamers are also to be relocated to a settlement in the Hici'emi system. There, they will be given the opportunity to live as they normally would, or to find employment. However, they are also treated as cultural outcasts. They are committing the same sin which damned us to begin with" The Helashio elder explained as he set his water glass down upon the Prime Minister's desk.
"Each Helashio born is given the chance to do as they please, whether it be finding a job within the Lorath society, both indentured and salary or wage, as well as given the opportunity to go off planet and find work. There are many Helashio now even in employment on Yamatai." Destiny explained.
"ah, I see, fair enough. If you choose to serve, why the need for the harsh brainwashing training collars I've heard about?" Ayana queried again. "Would you like some more water?"
"However, the majority of us do not ask for pay, we do not ask for a position in society, we do not even ask for the clothes which are upon our backs. We did not give any of such things to the Lorath, why should they give to us?"
"As for the collars and 'brainwashing'..." The Helashio elder pressed his lips together. "When a soldier enters a military, are they automatically granted a rifle and sent to the field?"
"Not at all. We sent them someplace to teach them the skills they need. But they have the choice to leave if the life of the soldier doesn't suit them. Our main concern as a people is that others be allowed to make the choice for themselves for how to live their lives, to us, using devices that force that training into someone over all else is wrong," Ayana added. "Unless I have been misinformed of how the training collars work."
"At a certain age, usually about the time of the later stages of... well, I think your people call it puberty. We allow our young to choose what they will do with their life. The majority, choose to honor our debt to the Lorath. Upon this agreement, they are taken in as slaves and they make a binding agreement to serve." The elder explained as he thought back to his own youth. "Training is then given to grant these Helashio the skills they need to be able to serve properly. During the course of this training, the Lmanel trainer can install a collar to aid the young servant in learning their role, and how to appreciate their task. The collars are not just manipulative tools, they also grant rewards for good behavior, and help the young trainees perform as well as they would like to."
"Was there not a similar tool installed in your first power armor suits? That gave a pleasurable twinge with each kill?" Destiny asked Ayana, tilting her head a little.