In Brez, Surrounded


#61

"Brooke smiled "As you can plainly see, the General is not an Earther, so it is not too much of a stretch for her to confuse a word or two.

As for the “lot of Government” when we say government we mean a group that makes decisions for the entire city. A street gang leader is technically not what is meant by government.

As for why a train? Well to bring resources of course. The colonies uses the currency of Ghaz, we need to pay workers for goods and services. We also need a lot of different resources and people to help, therefore having a way to get people and resources back and forth quickly and easily is very important."


#62

General Ma’pel’s face went very still for a moment and she took a deep breath before continuing. “Does one not reclaim land from the desert or a flood? What better word would you use? As for the train yes it can carry many people and goods. As Brooke says what better method to bring workers and material here?”


#63

Auf Lalur’ab says "I think a definition of govt is needed. They may call themselves gangs. But the are actually tribes. Each tribe does have its own leadership. And those leaders then work with the other leaders. And now you have a govt. In Tla’loc’al we are just a bit more official, but we have a very similar method. In Brez, my tribe defers to Vector’s gang as they are one of the most influential tribes in Brez. And when they speak, the other tribes of Brez will listen.

So you can see, there is plenty of leadership. Lets not get stuck on terms and traditions of names.

But there is wording I want to be clear on. Do not put the words so called in front of goblin genocide. That makes it sound the slaughter of our gogs didn’t happen. I have worked with the EEF before and you are a good organization, and I know that no one would ever doubt that goblin genocide happened.

Now back to the issue, I think Vektor wants to make sure is understood that Brez is not an unpopulated city to be reclaimed like an empty field a farmer let sit for the water to go back to the river. There are many Olgogs living here."


#64

“I say so called sir because goblin is not and has never been the correct name for your people. Any more than elf is for mine. I chose not to repeat the mistaken words of ignorant people. As for the people of Brez the very fact that we have come at your request to discuss issues of its future shows that we have and do acknowledge that it is populated. Now may we continue? What exactly is it about the train project that so troubles you?”


#65

Auf Lalur’ab says “Then you have my apologies. I have found myself having to defend against ideas like that due to our prior guest who left.”
Auf Lalur’ab will then look to Vektor to continue.


#66

Sira nods in understanding at this, "Like the trapdoor spider which seems like a hole in the sand, so does the Church of One prepare unfirm ground where ever it goes, knowing others unexpectedly will fall in.

I fear Gorth and his ilk planned these types of social issues may come between us.

Brother Arvind brew us some tea so we may sit and talk like potential friends instead of ants around the hole the spider waits in.

Please do continue Vektor with your peoples wants and needs so that we may find a middle ground so all may benefit and your people be granted firm ground in this negotiation by the visitors from the north instead of the hole prepared by the spider…"


#67

Over the course of a few minutes, Vektor recognized the value of friendship. For so many years, the gangs of Brez ignored the outside world except to either trade or bully to gather more strength to overcome smaller gangs. Urog knew better, and although it took Vektor some time to agree with him, Vektor now understood how important the steps Urog has taken over the last few months. When Auf Lalur’ab spoke on the Brezans’ behalf, it strengthened his position in a way that Vektor would not have been able to do himself. Make friends, not enemies. Friends give you many more things and you will find more rewarding.

Finally, Sira brought them to a common ground. When Sira asked for tea, Vektor raised an eyebrow. Are we going to get high? Vektor wondered for a minute what he should do next. His people only drink katla from an herbal mix that had distinctive side effects. Vektor smiled, motioned to an Ur Rhug, who produced a rather large portions of urya, wrapped in dry leaf not found in this part of the world.

“Sira, your wisdom in these matters is valued, and we are thankful for it. Some tea, as you call it, is just the thing to bring us together. In Brezan tradition, let us share some… what is the word, a smoke? It helps sooth the soul, as we like to say.”

He focused all his frustrations of the last few hours, drawing fire Leyas to his finger tip, and with a small spark of fire, lit the edge of what would look to an Earther a mix of a joint and a cigar. Vektor took two small puffs, enough to get the fire burning evenly across, held it in just long enough to swirl the flavor of smoke in his mouth, and exhaled luxuriously. He grinned as he passed the urya to Sira.

“Sira is right,” he said to the K’iorn General and the Earther Negotiator in Power Armor. “We want firm ground. When your chief negotiator is dressed in mechanical armor, it is easy to see how we would react defensively.” He looked at Agent Brooke, “I’m not asking you to take it off. Your intentions are your own, I just wanted to point out why we would be wary of your intentions. But as Sira mentioned, let us talk like friends, share urya and katla, or tea, and come to greater understanding.”

He paused while he followed Sira’s lead and got comfortable. “General Ma’pel and Brooke, you both mentioned your desire to bring prosperity to Brez. While I may have certain… what is the word… misgivings, I will put them aside in the interest of building trust.” He nodded to Sira, acknowledging his intentions. “Based on what you say, prosperity is good trade, beautiful buildings, and a “clean” city. Problem is, these things are generally meaningless in Olgog culture. You wish us a prosperity that has no connection to what our actual needs are. We don’t live in Brez with hopes to rebuild it to it’s whatever it was when the Earthers lived here, we live in Brez because it is decent shelter against the Der’na, or Flamewinds. You speak to us as if we should be ashamed to live here.” Vektor sighed, letting the thought sit before continuing, and his tone, “It sounds insincere to say you wish us prosperity and then offer things that we don’t value as if our lives are so bad.” Vektor looked directly at Brooke, “And to quote you, I am sure your people would be much more comfortable if this city was rebuilt as opposed to living in a ruin is deaming. You’re judging us and how we live. The K’iorn live in trees, my olgog brethren live in caves and in tents, would you tell them that they need to be more comfortable? Don’t answer, the question is rhetorical.”

Vektor took a breath and looked around the room, he was rambling a bit, but he might as well get this off his chest so there’s no more misunderstandings. The EEF representatives were probably tuning him out, but if Sira understood him, he had hope.

He continued, “The other thing that concerns me is that up to now you have referred to us as locals. This project does not sound as if it’s goal is to serve our needs as trading partners, but are using our territory and need to find a reason to “appease us”. We happen to be in the way of your grand project, not it’s purpose. And since you consider us lawless, when in fact there are plenty of us that would have a say in these matters, as Auf Lalur’ab mentioned earlier, is concerning. We may not be centralized like the other inhabitants of our planet, but the need for centralized rule is not Olgog tradition, especially not around here.”

Vektor clapped his hands together, and gestured to those that gathered, “There’s an old saying in Earther that is similar to one in Olgog: the path to ruin is paved with good intentions. If we are all to find firm footing, let us stop intending and start doing.” Vektor smilled to himself. He was starting to sound like Sira and didn’t know why. That kind of talk is infectious. No wonder Urog began talking funny after seeing the Mag Auf Yyanyi. Next thing you know, he’ll sound like a Karovan. He was never going to hear the end of it!

“You have a stolen train, General. We will send people to reclaim it with the Earthers from the East. Their people can talk to your people about the situation and we can work together. We don’t know who stole your machine, but in good faith we will help you retrieve it. Even if we choose not to build through Brez, your property should not be stolen. I ask in return, General and Negotiator, is that no more assumptions be made about the Olgog.”


#68

General Ma’pel sipped her tea before replying she gave the monk who brewed it an appreciative nod.“Actually, Vektor, the prosperity I have been talking about besides the train is an improved water delivery system and reservoir, a hospital a place of healing if you are unfamiliar with the earther word, and perhaps a place for merchants to trade in light of the request made by the Unene representative. If your people wish to leave your homes in their present state why should we care? You chide us for assuming things about you and your people yet hold tightly to your assumptions and prejudice.
For instance you question the armor that Brooke wears, do you know what that armor is and what it means? Are you aware that it denotes a rank and an obligation to wear it? You assume it is a show of force an implicit threat. Yet Brooke and I with only my small escort sit in a city of over one million ol’gogs. Who has made the greater show of force?”


#69

Brooke fumed, this…this…Ganger who is surrounded by a small army is criticizing her for wearing her armor? If she wasn’t here as a diplomat she would crack his arrogant face into the pavement. Taking a deep breath she restrained herself, she would let the General speak for a while, let her deal with this rude Ganger for a while.


#70

Vektor heard what the General had said and nodded. He then looked at Brooke and said, “Interesting. Honor??” He nodded appreciatively, “There are many questions I have, but for another time.” He looked back to the General, “You see, a good start! I know more by the minute. I’m used to having my friends and brothers stomped to bits by these machines, so I did not think they had more meaning other than to kill.” He looked back at Brooke, “My apologies. There are many olgogs in other parts of the world that are also noted by their armor. I think you’d enjoy talking to them about your experiences.”

He looked back at the K’iorn. “You feel threatened because this project began on the the wrong foot. While there are 1 million olgog in this city, not everyone cares enough to come. If there were 1 million olgog gathered here, well, we would be having a very different conversation. But your point is heard, you fear and take precaution. If we come to terms, you will no longer feel threatened. If we come to terms, you will be able to come to us in peace and we will receive you the same way.” He smiled, feeling the effects of the urya. He took another portion, though smaller, had one of the younglings light it for him, took another big puff, and handed it to the K’iorn General. “This is good. Your ideas are not bad. Tla, or water, is good. It is our greatest need. Had we started with that project, this train would have caused less of an issue. Sira had mentioned to me your plans for providing water. Some of our people have begun giving out these strange barrels that provide endless water, gifts from another tribe. It created much good will. Water will bring us together.” He smiled. “A hospital, however, I don’t know. Perhaps a school of healing would be better. We can trade knowledge and do things for each other to heal the sick and infirmed. A place of healing, like a hospital, cannot be bartered. But I get ahead of myself. So you wish to offer goods and services. I hear that now. What is it you expect in return?”


#71

The general looked doubtfully at urya a small grimace on her face. “I don’t normally partake,” she said but took a small puff and passed it on. “You should first understand that at this time our main concern is not Brez itself. Our goals are twofold. The colonies wish a closer connection and trade with the Southern Dome cities. Secondly many colonial olgogs wish to be able to travel south as they seek a connection to their racial roots and ancestors. To that end we ask of the people of Brez space to establish the facilities we need to accomplish these things. Namely the expansion of the water system, the hospital, the train station itself and perhaps temporary housing for merchants and visitors. A hotel as the earthers call it. In exchange the people of Brez get access to the water and health services and greatly expanded trade. If your people wish the hospital to be a place of learning and healing I see no reason to object to that.”


#72

Auf Lalur’ab says "Sira, General, I did not mention this before because I didn’t want to make our solution in Tla’loc’al the solution for Brez. But we have decided how to make sure to keep the station at Tla’loc’al supported by the locals and protected. Much of this revolves around trade and learning. But I think it may show another idea of how to use this for the betterment of the tribes here as well.

In Tla’loc’al, my tribe and the Lur Union will be building a Trading Outpost that is a spot for Olgogs and Earthers to interact. Additionally it will be a place for all to stay, trade, and learn. We plan for a… Museum… I think thats the right word to inform non Olgogs about us. Right now they only have the Church’s point of view of us. We hope this will work to change this. This should bring the support of the Lur Union and the great Tla’loc’al community.

In Brez, there are different issues. But Vektor, a hospital can still be a trade. Just maybe not on a case by case basis. But as a trade with the tribes. With your support, these trading places, hospitals, will get security and knowledge about the Olgogs from your and other tribes participations in this. And training in the healing arts is very valuable for the tribe as well. Some days, I wish there were more of me most days. And Healing types of actions will improve relations faster than most things.

The part we have to make sure of, is any expansion into Brez will need to barter with the tribes whose lands these are built on. This could be access to Tla and use of the hospitals. And this should also keep those tribes from attacking to reclaim the land.

For them, building some of these services is part of the cost of supporting stations. So they do not just have to do it for what they get out of the tribes here. They have many earthers to gain something from as well."


#73

General Ma’pel nodded at the Auf’s words. “Yes a situation like that is what we hope to achieve. Obviously there are unique concerns to address for each community. But our hope is that each one and the stations can grow together rather then at each others expense.”


#74

Sira smiled sweetly at the urya and did not partake but did pass it to Brother Arvind of the Fist saying, “Thank you Vektor for your generosity. As a Brother of the Heart my very state of being is similar to what this…urya accomplishes, but I do so from meditation and control of my own bio-chemical systems through intense thought alone. But you Arvind, you could use to relax.”

Arvind held the tea kettle in one hand while smoking the urya and then passing it on. His stern face relaxed for the first time during the meeting. “Thank you, Brother Arvind,” said Sira, “A general lessening of our hostile feeling would benefit all.”

“Good, water as a first step, a hospital where locals could learn methods of healing as the second. A teaching hospital perhaps? We have such things in the valley of vegalia. And free disease and rot healing of course. No need to barter for so important a method of preventing the spread of pandemics,” said Sira with a sigh, “The Great Wheel is pushed by the smallest beings as well as the largest.
In exchange for these things we would get our Brezan station? Would the other community groups and family units agree to this?”


#75

“This city is full of beautiful stonework and marble,” murmured Brother arvind out of turn, feeling the Urya a bit strongly, “But so much of it is broken. I don’t see why both sets of colonies don’t send artisans and masons to help teach those locals that want to learn how to make use of this.”
He lifted up a small marble buttress piece, shattered but obviously some bird native to Earth that has never flown on Refuge, Except maybe near the cloners vats of Saragosa.


#76

Vektor was tallying the count in his head. They get use of the land, we get trade rights, tla, healing knowledge, and artisans will come and teach us. Only one thing left to discuss…

“You offer much. But trade is not enough. The olgog of Brez must help build the railway. Even if it means only digging trenches, cleaning up dirt, or moving things. Only if we build it together will it close this pact between us. If we can agree on this, then there will only be one thing left to discuss.”


#77

The General glance at Sira. “I believe I will have to defer to Brother Sira on this point construction of the project is outside the scope of EEF authority. That rests with the projects financial backers.”


#78

“As long as the native workers can make their mark on an Earther form absolving the VofV Comission of insurance liability and a waiver on union membership and wages. Only as you said Vektor wages would be paid in ghaz and you wanted to avoid Earther currency.
What payment for their work would they recieve though? Legal liabilities alone would account for a need of some payment either in kind or in service or in resource. Perhaps livestock in the form of vinvir birds, we have many farms that currently execute vinvir who are not plump enough or pretty enough for the colonial market. They require minimal water and space, though feeding them would have to be up to the natives who recieve the birds. But i am getting ahead of myself,” Sira said, “Would this payment be acceptable on top of healing facilities and barter facilities and Brother arvinds idea about the artisanal training?”

Then they were interrupted as another Brother of the Fist ran up and whispered in Siras ear.

"Our days of peaceful negotiation have served one benefit. The train has been recovered and Brother Daizo safely with it. Truly the great buddha has blessed our meeting,"said Sira, “apparently the train robbers escaped and their location and who they are is unknown beyond that they were natives.the train is fine overall. The engine car will need extensive repairs but it is just an object. I must extend a prayer for Brother sanjay who was killed by a boobytrap when the train was finally recovered.”


#79

Auf Lalur’ab says “I do not know your beliefs about Death. I would bring Brother sanjay back to life and fully healed if you wish. We do this for those whose death is before their time.”


#80

Vektor breathed deeply when he heard the train was recovered. He was relieved, but did not know what the death might mean to Sira. He was about to go further into the points regarding their concept of payment when he heard the news of Brother Sanjay’s death. Thankfully, Auf Lalur’ab said they’d be able to heal the Earther, but he did not want to interject his point as if the death were trivial, especially since Sira had looked so serious when he mentioned it.

“I regret the loss of your brother, Sira. We can postpone further conversation if you need to.” Vektor hoped Sira would be able to finish off the agreement, but an hour or a day were of small consequence in the large scheme of things.