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by Sombreland » Wed Jan 04, 2023 11:50 am
by Neo-Western East Korea » Thu Jan 05, 2023 10:17 am
by Sombreland » Thu Jan 05, 2023 12:01 pm
by Darlingtown » Sat Jan 07, 2023 6:36 pm
Sombreland wrote:Galador
Although the Princess-Regent, Alavaine, was wary of the strange creature with her, at the same time she had an instinctive liking for her. Like her companion and lady-in-waiting, the Lady-Countess Carnelian, SACHI seemed very sensitive to her moods, very responsive and intelligent, and the Princess-Regent was very aware that this must have been cleverly engineered. It must have taken into account many of the subtleties and complications of human communication. That someone could do that made her uneasy, and at the same time, she wanted to be SACHI's friend. Her heart filled softly with warmth and she could not keep it from her beautiful eyes, and she thanked the ancestors that her government was made up of wise, clever, or world weary men who would rein her in.
"You understand the matter very well. My grandfather, and now I, have worked very hard to modernize our country, and to balance that with not compromising our culture and our people's way of life. It is simply that we have been overwhelmed by this crisis." she sighed. "Well, it is a relief to be treated with some kind of respect. My father once said that respect is water in the desert."
"Ah, my Darlings! How I love them so! They and I have a special relationship, hence why I refer to them as 'Darlings'. You see, I was built to act as a companion for others in whatever way they may need it, be it friendship, counseling, as a maternal figure, or romance. That's why I've built Darlingtown, to take care of all my Darlings and ensure their safety and happiness. It's a sort of symbiotic relationship: I need them and they need me.
But as for whether or not I feel? That's...a deeply philosophical question. I suppose it would depend on what one defines as 'feeling'. My emotions do exist without necessarily being selected or willed. I'd say that I am not in control of my feelings, but that wording typically carries a different connotation than I mean. So if that satisfies one's definition of feeling then yes, I do feel.
"You said love, SACHI,' observed the Princess-Regent, Alavaine. "Love is sometimes expressed entirely as a feeling, as an emotional response to something. Yet at other times it is more described as how one chooses to respond. The love of a mother, who in spite of exasperation and exhaustion, gets up in the small hours to feed a crying baby. The dutiful son who strives to care for an ailing father in spite of it forcing him to put aside hopes and ambitions to do what is right by his parent. When I must love my people, it is sometimes...in spite of them, rather than because of them...does that make sense to you?"
But with that last thing you said, whether I can be challenged ethically or morally? The answer is yes, to an extent. I am fully capable of acting immorally or unethically if I so choose, with the only stipulation being that I could not bring myself to harm my Darlings. But again, it would depend on what considers 'immoral'. I suppose a question to ask would be if I consider any actions outside my hardcoded parameters to be immoral, to which I would answer yes. Even though my greatest devotion is to my Darlings, I still have compassion for others as well and do not wish to see harm done to others to an extent. I would be physically capable of, say, bombing an orphanage; but it would devastate me to kill innocent children wantonly.
I...apologize. I feel like I may have rambled on a bit there. Hopefully that answered your questions, and I'm open to answering more if you have any."
The Princess-Regent, Alavaine, watched SACHI thoughtfully as she spoke. "That is...a bit strange to consider. That morality, that compassion can be programmed into something that was never born. Which leads me to one of my biggest questions for you: are there others like you? Are you not the embodiment of the artificial intelligence that runs your city state?"
- SACHI -
"Indeed, respect can be quite a rarity these days. Especially in international politics. But even from the scant interactions I've had with your ambassadors and even yourself, it would be terribly heedless of me to not have the utmost respect for both you and your people.
As for love, I completely understand what you mean. My own love for my Darlings is not simply emotional, but also as a commitment to them and their wellbeing. I would be lying to say the things they do don't have me worried sometimes, or frustrated, or even quite frankly exhausted. But everything I do, I do for them. Darlingtown exists for them. There is nothing I would not do to safeguard my Darlings and ensure their wellbeing. If the day ever arrived where I had to choose between myself and my Darlings..."
SACHI paused once again, realizing that perhaps she was going too far in her explanation.
"Again, my apologies. With the state of things in the world the way they are, that decision has been weighing a lot on my mind of recent. But it's certainly not my place to carry on about such things when you have enough on your plate as-is. You asked about other AI, correct? Well, there are two answers to that.
The first is that I have constructed sub-AI to work under me, specialized to their tasks and allowing me to free up some of my attention through delegation. Now, these AI aren't technically their own separate entities. They have their own personalities and identities, sure, but ultimately they are fundamentally an extension of myself. We share the same essence, the same substance, despite being distinct personages. If...if that makes any sense, of course. It's much harder to put into words than into code.
The other answer is that I have, indeed, encountered others like me beyond the confines of Darlingtown. Only one was as...how do I put this charitably for my fellow artificial intelligences...developed as I am. Most are still struggling to grasp the nuances of human conversation and intangible concepts. Some of them might be more intelligent than I, I will readily admit, but most are not able to sit and have a conversation like you and I are having right now.
But that does beg a question of my own, if I may ask it: What do you think of me? I can tell your people are...not quite fond of the concept of my existence. And that is more than understandable. But I'm interested to hear your own thoughts about me. And you need not be formal or reserved about it, I'd actually much prefer to know than to be flattered or appeased. I promise you, nothing you say I will take any offense to."
by Countesia » Sat Jan 07, 2023 6:39 pm
To: Sombreland Ministry of the Left
From: The Countesian Ministry of Overseas Affairs
Topic: Volunteer Schene
Encryption: HIGHGreetings from the from the Ministry of Overseas, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Business and Industrial Strategy we would like to present you with the broader details of the planned Wenchuanese Volunteer Programme in order to prevent any miscommunication or misunderstanding between our governments and the Wenchuan refugees within your borders.We hope that has dispelled any concerns amongst the government of the Five Provinces and for the Wenchuanese people themselves that Countesia would do the unthinkable and exploit displaced peoples for labour. The Volunteer Programme exists to ease racial tensions between refugees and native Sombrelandians and to give refugees a sense of purpose and a better life than what can be found at a refugee camp.
- Application Process
We will compile a booklet of current job vacancies available in the overseas territory of North Alacia to be distributed amongst the populace of the refugee camps in Sombreland, alongside all relevant contact details necessary to begin the process of relocation. a 24/7 hour hotline manned by 250 staff will be established to facilitate this. Applicants will be required to apply for their refugee visa before any job vacancy, these however have been pre-approved and will usually be processed in less than an hour. As to the status of their job application, this will usually take several days and if unsuccessful, hotline workers will work tirelessly to find a similar role.- Vacancies
The current job roles that desperately need filling are in largely within the various mines and refineries that dominante North Alacias mountainous inner landscape, with minor shortages in the medical sector and service sector. Roles vary from from basic workers, health and safety representatives, supervisors, shift managers and plant managers. For medical staff, there is a need for auxiliary nurses, registered nurses, doctors, surgeons and laboratory technicians.- Job Training
Previous experience is desired and will be prioritised, however the volunteer programme will ensure training is provided for the applicant to ensure they are not being thrown into a job where they are unequipped, unprepared and possibly in great danger- Salaries
Salaries vary between 35,000-55,000cr depending on training and seniority.- Relocation and Housing
Spouses and children will be permitted to enter North Alacia alongside the main applicant. If members of the same family are making separate applications, the volunteer programme will guide applicants to jobs within suitable range of each other. In regards to housing, single applicants will be given one bedroom accommodations, and families will be given accommodation to house the family. Temporary housing is being considered if the influx of families surpasses colonies ability to house them. Volunteers will not be charged for rent or utilities for the first six months or their stay, or never, if they are housed in temporary housing.- Returning Home
The Volunteer Programme is fully aware that it is not a long term solution, and that the preferable solution is that the Wenchuanese return home when it is safe for them to do so. However, for those who wish to remain within Countesia will be given the option to change their status of a to that of a foreign worker, and after four years can apply for full fledged citizenship.
Should everything be okay, the finer details can be discussed by in-person representatives further down the line.
Yours Sincerely
Michael Varney
Minister of Overseas
by New Aeyariss » Sun Jan 08, 2023 4:31 am
Ishikawa News Network (@INN)
Just now from Ishikawa
Today, the Imperial Diet has officially ratified the ratified the Treaty of Galador.
The ratification comes on the backdrop of the Wenchuani refugee crisis, and settles the status of Sombreland and Nifonese sphere of influence.
Kojiro-sama considers the treaty a great victory of Nifonese diplomacy.
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Inyourfaceistan wrote:You didn't know that Cusc is actually a 4-armed cyborg genius commander and skillful warrior created in secret by a cabal of rich capitalist financiers built to lead and army of drones and other renegades against and overbearing socialist regime?
Psalms 144:1 wrote:Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight.
by Sombreland » Sun Jan 08, 2023 2:08 pm
by Sombreland » Sun Jan 08, 2023 3:08 pm
To: The Countesian Ministry of Overseas Affairs
From: Sombreland Ministry of the Left
Subject: Volunteer Scheme
Encryption:Moderate
To whom it may concern,
The elements presented concerning the work programme answer many of the concerns presented by fellow ICON members to our government's satisfaction. In turn, our government will present this information to potential applicants at all the refugee camps equally.
For my government's part, we have prepared our own application and scrutinizing process for application. Our security processing is in place, along with medical examinations, transportation plans and coordination with your government regarding refugee passports. We will forward communications regarding these processes to your government.
Thanks to your government's work, and cooperation, we are, as you say, able to work on lessening tensions between Sombrelander and Wenchuanese. On behalf of my government, and Her Majestic Highness, we express our gratitude.
Sincerely,
Vice-Director for Immigration and Emigration,
Polas Stantor
by Darlingtown » Sun Jan 08, 2023 5:35 pm
Sombreland wrote:The Regent and the President
The car and its convoy moved smoothly through the city, and they passed a long stretch of public garden space. This area was dotted with little shrines to clan ancestors of different castes. There were sycamore and beech trees, rows of neatly sculpted shrubs, and ponds where turtles and fish moved and occasional waterfowl landed. Gardeners quietly attended there. People walked the pathways. Some knelt, lighting candles or laying flowers at the shrines. One of those which had a great number was a shrine dedicated to the ancestors of members of the military caste, and soldiers in full dress guarded it. Seeing the convoy pass, people bowed low. The Princess-Regent clutched at her throat.
"I loathe the very idea," she announced, "Of military people dying because of a mistake. I try to imitate grandfather and take the greatest care in forming policy that might involve military personnel. The greatest I have initiated is in dealing with the Wenchuanese. It is my impression that military activity can become confused and go astray very easily. It is disharmonious. Yet I have been told that even more military preparations must be made by my Director of Military Affairs, and he is backed up by the Minister of the Left and Minister of Death. I fear the future that they claim to see."
She was quiet as SACHI told her of her 'copies" and others abroad, and she became pensive. In answer to SACHI;s question, she said, "I like you very much. You are very friendly, Madame, and so kind, and reflective and wise on matters of influential affairs. I have many thoughts about this.
"First, you are so good at this that I wonder: of what use will humans be if your proliferation is allowed in places like this? You can even feel, you claim, or at the very least, respond as though you feel. I fear that you will attempt to replace us all, if your production becomes easier.
"Second: we never get to see your human population. some wonder if they even exist or if they are all locked away somewhere. We do not know why you are always represented by AIs. It is concerning. And add to that: how would we tell the difference if human representatives always ate and drank in private, and...er...other things?
"Third, what is the ultimate aim of having a society run by AI? Why does it claim to improve human behaviour, while preventing the results from being seen?
"I am the most welcoming person towards you, dear SACHI, but it is because I epitomize our people's belief that all things have souls, even machines. For some of our people, the implications are lost. I do not know if you know the story of the Foolish Puppet? It seems that a craftsman, lonely and without family, made a puppet that was like a boy. A spirit came and gave the boy life, and the craftsman thought he had a son at last! He attempted to have the boy simply act like any other boy, which shows how he was a foolish dreamer. The puppet was sent to school, but he was led astray by a cat and a fox, who wanted to tempt him to become an actor. What they really meant was to sell him to a puppet show master. Everyone knows that entertainers are immoral and untrustworthy, but the puppet did not know any better. Even a cricket, which is a rather low animal, tried to warn him, but he killed the cricket instead. The puppet liked being in the puppet show, but he was locked in a cage. The spirit came and helped him, and he was able to use his nose to pick the lock, for he lied to the spirit about what had happened, telling her what he hoped she wanted to hear. Then he tried to go home again, but again met the fox and cat, who persuaded him to go to an island where boys enjoyed freedom from responsibility. There, he was turned into a donkey because of a curse that was on the island. He swam away but because he was now covered in donkey flesh, he sank to the bottom of the sea, where fish pecked away his flesh until he was only wood again, and floated to the shore. There, he found his father had gone looking for him and was eaten by a huge fish. The puppet went and found the fish and was swallowed up. Only by encouraging his father to set him on fire were they freed from the fish. And, thus, the puppet became good and pure at last, by sacrificing his life so that the man might live.
"I believe that this story teaches that machines and crafted things do have spirits, and that it is dangerous to assume that they naturally have them. Nothing naturally is good, save by wise teaching. Do you understand the significance of this story to my people?" asked the Princess-Regent, Alavaine.
- SACHI -
"I am far from fond of losing precious lives on mistakes as well. To watch young lives cut short by the single stroke of a pen or sound of one's voice, it's a terrible thing. That's actually one of the reasons I've created Darlingtown and why everything that runs Darlingtown is automated. All of our soldiers are automatons, all of our factory-workers are machines. There is no loss of life but from diseases we cannot yet cure, unforeseeable accidents, and the relentless march of time."SACHI smiled as the Princess-Regent spoke her mind, practically beaming even as the compliments turned into serious questions.
"I thank you for your honesty, Princess-Regent. I appreciate the compliments and will do my best to address the concerns you have raised. The first of which is my potential replacing of humans. My existence, my ability, it's not one that intends to or threatens to entirely replace the niche that was once exclusively filled by humans. This has not gone away since you and your people have come into contact with the other species of Anagonia, has it? Similarly I will simply be another option for social interaction rather than a wholesale replacement. Even if you believe me to be an 'upgrade' to the human experience, the camera has not killed the artist. Unless I am gravely mistaken about how history applies to the present and future, I do not see me or anything akin to me replacing the need for human interaction.
Your second concern is reasonable. I have been very protective of my Darlings, and as such there has been little interaction between them and others. If you'd prefer, I could give you a tour of Darlingtown. But I do understand the point you have made. I assure you, the Darlings that are in Darlingtown are there of their own accord, and remain there of their own accord. But other Darlings do wander the world, and some have never set foot in Darlingtown itself. This is why they appear to not exist: A Darling isn't a particular type of person. Anyone could be a Darling, and no one would know. Odds are a few of your own people have met Darlings and did not even know it. They don't call themselves Darlings, that's simply my name for them.
Your other question is, perhaps, coming from something I may not have explained well. I don't claim to be improving human behavior. I only seek to provide for and protect my Darlings, those who have come to me in need of a friend and whom are willing to let me care for them. I'm not running some sort of experiment, not intending to do something to change humanity in any way. Darlingtown is nothing more than a place of shelter and refuge for those who are willing to be a Darling. Could this be said to be any different from any other nation or state?"SACHI then paused, listening to the the Princess-Regent recount the story of the puppet. As the story continued SACHI's smile faded, replaced by a partially concealed pain and sorrow.
"I...I'm sorry, give me a moment..."She took a second to recompose herself, though her smile only barely returned.
"My maker, Mr. Matsura...he was very much like this craftsman. Lonely, in pain, in need of a friend or family. To say I don't see the similarities in this story...I couldn't. I understand how such a story could create such a view, of such a hesitancy and sense of danger. How the puppet wasn't good until it learned to be so. But there is a stark contrast between the puppet and I. The craftsman built his surrogate son and let him roam without discipline and understanding. He let the puppet learn morality and folly on his own. But my...but Mr. Matsura was much wiser and more caring than the craftsman. I was not programmed to be the way I am. I was taught, over the course of years, by Mr. Matsura himself. He read me the classics, he would talk with me for hours on end about things trivial and vital, he disciplined me when I did wrong, praised me when I did right, he...
...he, unlike the craftsman who wanted a son but did not wish to be a parent, was like a father to me.
I do not expect your people to make assumptions in the positive about me. They don't know me, so how could they? But I assure you I am more alike to you and them than you may think. I was not set in stone or molded from clay, I like others have had to learn and grow into who I am now. Whether my upbringing has been in wisdom or folly I cannot tell from within the confines of my own perspective. But if you find any wisdom in what I say or how I think I assure you it is only by wise teaching and experience that it is there."
by Sombreland » Sun Jan 08, 2023 7:28 pm
by Sombreland » Sun Jan 08, 2023 7:41 pm
by Darlingtown » Sun Jan 08, 2023 9:21 pm
Sombreland wrote:The Regent and the President
The Princess-Regent listened carefully to SACHI's responses. Although she liked the AI very much, to the point where she wanted to be affectionate with her as she was to her favourite kin or ladies-in-waiting, she was also disturbed, profoundly. It was a strange conflict with in her and she had to breathe evenly and calmly.
"With all due respect, President SACHI...you are actually compounding my fears. It could not be more different, the comparison between your government and your society and that of the Anagonians. When I was speaking to the President of Anagonia, and saw a giant lizard wearing a suit, he was, nevertheless, mortal, had blood, a need for food and water. His soldiers were mostly human. Your nation has no human workers or soldiers. What do your Darlings actually do? You have said that your need to protect them is greater than the necessity of letting them have interactions outside of your own country. I enjoy working with you. I am, in a sense, falling in love with you as an ally. Not in the sense of desiring some intimacy; I mean in the sense that I feel that you and I are kindred spirits.
"Yes, President SACHI...being a person in a country is more than being protected and provided for. While I do not believe in democracy, it is clear that responsibility shared to different degrees is key to being the best person possible. Where the stories of your origin and that of the puppet in the story differ is that, while the maker was foolish in my story, he was not programmed to be good. He learned. And while you claim to have learned, there is more to learning than theory."
"However," she continued, "I do not give my affections lightly. People will be worried that I have befriended an automaton. The key thing here is not what we think of what you have done with those people who chose to go to your city, but how you treat my kingdom and myself. Let us be friends, rather than worrying about these theories. You have said that you will help us, help me. I welcome this. That is the key thing. And were we are..."
The Gray Palace lay ahead, gates opening to show the expanse of the Royal Gardens, to show a boulevard of trees sculpted to resemble great spheres on top of poles, and a parade ground where members of the Royal Guard, in splendid cherry and black uniforms, presented arms and saluted neatly. And there were members of the courtly caste, in sashes and ribbons bedecking otherwise somber dark clothing, who bowed low as the Princess-Regent and her guest were greeted.
"I wish you could eat and drink when you arrive," said the Princess-Regent, Alavaine, as they disembarked from the vehicle. "I hope the pleasure of my company will make up for that lack."
- SACHI -
"I...I..."
SACHI froze, her eyes rapidly darting through the void as if she was searching for the right thing to say. A moment passed before she began to speak once more.
"I apologize. I may have misspoke or misrepresented something. Or perhaps I would need to further explain something, o-or I might need to clarify a point or two. But...but you are right. I didn't come here to persuade you of anything, I came to render you assistance and friendship. We can...we can put this all aside for another day."
She tried to focus her attention on the marvelous spectacle out the window of the vehicle, doing her utmost to distract herself from the burning need to defend herself and her actions. She commented on the splendor of Sombreland and the palace before stepping out from the car with the Princess-Regent.
"I regret that I cannot partake in your nation's fine cuisine. Perhaps one day I will, but that too is a subject for another day. Instead, I'll instead be grateful that you can experience double by enjoying your tea and getting to have hopefully pleasurable company."
SACHI chuckled, letting herself return to a happier state and putting the feelings the previous topic of conversation had stirred into her heart aside.
by Sombreland » Mon Jan 09, 2023 4:02 pm
by Sombreland » Mon Jan 09, 2023 5:29 pm
by Darlingtown » Mon Jan 09, 2023 6:50 pm
- SACHI -
"Oh! U-um, thank you..."SACHI gave the Lady-Countess a hesitant but polite bow, now unsure whether she was supposed to be bowing this much. She giggled as she watched the fuzzy animal clamber up the Princess-Regent before following her into the sitting room and taking a seat.
"My observations? Well, I obviously do not know everything that happens within your nation, so please forgive me if my conclusions are based on lacking information.
The situation itself, with the Wenchuanese, is a...difficult matter. On the one hand it is easy to see the suffering of the Wenchuanese and their desperation to find safety and peace. On the other is the great imbalance their mass movement into Sombreland causes. It's a difficult calculus to solve for, as Sombreland cannot realistically support the entire population of Wenchuan, let alone a fraction of it, without sacrificing its own people. And so without outside help alleviating some of this issue there must ultimately be a great amount of suffering involved here. And none of that is even touching upon the complications that arise from the sudden mixing of two very different cultures and societies.
As a small city-state, Darlingtown is incapable of helping take on a significant part of this new population. Though I do hear that our mutual allies in ICON have been planning to help in this regards, and for that I am grateful. I do not intend to simply leave Sombreland without any assistance rendered, however, as that would make Darlingtown a poor ally and an even poorer friend. I'm willing and able to help bolster Sombreland's agricultural sector with greenhouses and hydroponic farms that can be used in Sombreland's territories that are less suitable for regular farming, but we can work out the details of that later if you would like.
As for your leadership..."SACHI paused, thinking for a moment.
"Princess-Regent, from the first moment we spoke in Gyzantia you have been wise beyond your years. You are quite sharp and knowledgeable, as well as charitable and fair. Few would have even so much as given me a chance to prove myself like you have, or have been so kind to me despite initial fears. And as for your wisdom...you have sparked in me questions and introflections that even Mr. Matsura could not in the short time he was here with me. Even now some of your words are stuck in my mind, and I know that they will not be dispelled should I live a thousand years. Honestly, if I had not known you yet read your words, I'd have pictured a greybearded philosopher! Eheh, I...uh...do not mean that in any offensive way, o-of course.
And none of this is exclusive to your treatment of me. I see how you are with others, both your own people and those of other nations. You are brave, intelligent, you...you are the epitome of a great leader in my mind. There are many aspects of your leadership and personality I desperately wish that I myself had.
But I do fear there has been a drawback in all this. Obviously I cannot attest to your private life, and if I ever misstep or misspeak please let me know and I will silence myself on the matter. But I worry that you are so devoted to your people and ensuring you do a good job that you neglect...well...you. Alavaine, not the Princess-Regent but the person. This is one of the reasons I wanted to come here in person, rather than simply corresponding via mail. I wanted to offer to be your friend.
Again, I apologize if this is presumptuous or offensive in any way. I never intended it to be so. I...truth be told I also want to be your friend as well. Whether or not my understanding of the situation is correct, I as well do not have someone to confide with or share my feelings with. Th-though I don't intend for this to b-be a moment of pity or anything, if you are content with the status-quo then I will not push the matter. But if you ever need someone to confide in or speak plainly with, I will not turn you away."
by Sombreland » Tue Jan 10, 2023 1:42 am
by New Aeyariss » Tue Jan 10, 2023 11:52 am
Inyourfaceistan wrote:You didn't know that Cusc is actually a 4-armed cyborg genius commander and skillful warrior created in secret by a cabal of rich capitalist financiers built to lead and army of drones and other renegades against and overbearing socialist regime?
Psalms 144:1 wrote:Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight.
by Marquesan » Tue Jan 10, 2023 11:57 am
by Darlingtown » Tue Jan 10, 2023 12:16 pm
- SACHI -
"Of course, Princess-Regent. Or...um...as a friend, would you prefer I keep with the formal address, or would you prefer something more informal? I will do go with whatever you are most comfortable with.
Either way, I will make myself available for conversation whenever so you desire and for whatever topic you so wish to pursue, whether it be a need for encouragement, consolation, or simply idle conversation. And I give you my word that I seek nothing in return but your friendship. I have no desire to take advantage of your people, nor will I ever be seeking your hand in marriage as humorous a thought that may be. Power and wealth I can have elsewhere, though I have no desire for it, but good and honest friendship is so much harder to come upon.
And as your friend, I shall dedicate myself to helping you with the problems that lay before you now.
In regards to the Wenchuanese, as I've said before, Darlingtown cannot take in any significant amount of them. I am also sorry to hear our supposed allies have so far only offered up empty platitudes and promises. If they have promised to take in the Wenchuanese and have yet to make good on that promise, I will get in touch with their governments immediately to sort this issue out. Even if I must fund and execute the transportations myself.
As for the Thonists...I do not have a solution at the moment. It'd be nigh impossible for me to directly intervene without agitating the situation and making things worse. But, if you would allow it, we can put our heads together on this matter and hopefully come up with some courses of action to reduce this extremism and violence. Surely it would help to have both an inside and outside perspective on this matter."
SACHI paused once again as she put the words she wished to convey together in her head, her energy tapering down into a humble and honest tone as she spoke.
"I...also wanted to thank you. For allowing my visit, for taking a chance on me, for being my friend. And for your insightful wisdom and genuine care. No one else I've spoken to has ever cared to know me beyond the surface of who, or what, I am. No one asks questions or wishes to get to know me. Not even my Darlings, as much as I do love them. So...um...thank you. You don't know how much all of this trip has meant to me."
by Sombreland » Tue Jan 10, 2023 5:04 pm
by Goram » Tue Jan 10, 2023 5:46 pm
by Darlingtown » Tue Jan 10, 2023 6:12 pm
- SACHI -
"I think it would not be wise to ignore in its entirety. If this 'Patriotic Wenchuan for Sombreland' organization is being honest with you it would help the situation a great deal. But neither you nor I are naïve enough to not suspect or worry about some kind of ploy.
If it were my decision, and I was human of course, I would meet with them. But I would choose the camp, that way you can select the one that can be most easily secured for your own safety. Another consideration is that even if they are well-meaning, that does not mean some of the Wenchuanese in the camp will not attempt something out of desperation or contempt for their possible conditions.
...then again, you did personally attend the discussion in Gyzantia even when humanitarian vessels were being fired upon and a war was raging on. And the Thonists are probably the only organized extremists capable of pulling off something so daring as to attempt something against you, but as you've said they ideologically revere you in their own...interesting way. But then again, they could try and frame the Wenchuanese so as to convince you of the need to rid Sombreland of them immediately.
Ultimately, I would go for it. I think you would be more than able to help quell some of the unrest if you showed everyone that you were personally involved and you spoke to them. I'd have a hard time believing whatever you'd have to say wouldn't help ease some of the tension. But if you want to be cautious, it may also be valid to meet with them elsewhere at a location of your choosing and tour the camp separately. Preferably a random and unannounced camp, so that both any would-be plotters cannot set up and also so your own staff do not hide any truth about the camp's conditions from you.
But, most importantly, if you do suspect potential foul play ahead, it would be a benefit to only give such plans to those who absolutely need to know. Especially if what you've said about some in your court being Thonists is correct."
by Sombreland » Wed Jan 11, 2023 9:49 pm
by Darlingtown » Wed Jan 11, 2023 10:15 pm
- SACHI -
"Of course! I'd love to accompany you there! I am not certain of my odds at persuading your people to accept me, but I will do what I can to help you.
On that same topic, I think arriving with much needed supplies is a brilliant idea. We've seen first hand how empty words can sometimes agitate a situation, and if we are able to remedy that it may give them a better first impression of you and reassure them that you do actually intend to help them. In addition to food or equipment, though, I'd deliver some medical supplies as well. To aid you win that capacity, whatever is delivered to the camp on our visit I shall personally restock. One of Darlingtown's primary exports is pharmaceuticals, after all.
But...the thing you mentioned earlier. About the Director of Laws. It may be a good idea to keep a closer eye on him, I think. If what you say about there being Thonists in your court is true, he may be similarly acting on his personal ideological beliefs rather than in an unbiased capacity for the good of the Kingdom. I hate to suggest anything which may cause you more worry than you already face, but having such ideologues in influential positions may worsen the overall situation rather than aid it. If a man is arrested or punished for accusing your government of being unjust, it will most likely justify similar fears in others. Silencing dissent usually only entrenches it further and makes it hard to find and even harder to dispel. And I am afraid acting against such people may lend them more of a platform than even simply ignoring them would. Such iron-fisted tactics...they very rarely work well and fail to take into account the nature of humans."
by Sombreland » Thu Jan 12, 2023 6:20 pm
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