Side-Write: Imperial Directive

Fresh off struggling with MVOL, I've been taking care of some side stuff, but my next goal is to start working on the next version of Matchmaker, so I've taken this month's Side-Write as a chance to refresh myself a little on that story and world, and reflect on the stories and implications that surround the characters.

I realized that, while I've done a few from the "side" of Saffron's species, we've seen very little from Mala's. Partly that's because some of their culture still needs to be worked out (for what measure of it will have impact on the story) but I did think of one rather important document that would be going around at about the same time as our little slice of story takes place, and which may provide a little insight into the kind of world Mala is coming from.

As usual, this isn't meant to be "strictly canon" so much as an exercise in what may be. There are some pretty extreme cultures and societies in history, but finding the right balance for believability is important. Still, I hope you enjoy!

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THIS NOTICE MUST BE DISTRIBUTED TO EVERY HOME AND PLACE OF BUSINESS IMMEDIATELY. IMPEDING THE DISTRIBUTION OF THIS NOTICE IS GROUNDS FOR SUMMARY EXECUTION.

LET IT BE KNOWN TO ALL, HIGH AND LOW, THAT THE FOLLOWING IS THE DIRECT WILL AND BRILLIANCE OF THE DIVINE EMPRESS, SOURCE OF ALL GLORY AND WISDOM. HEED THESE WORDS OR PERISH.

As of this day, the Empire has committed to a non-aggression pact with the species formerly known as the Rebellion. Negotiations are underway for the establishment of a long-standing peace based on the concept of coexistence. We, the Holy People Keamaka, must make adjustments to our ways of life to ensure the success of these efforts. The first such adjustments are outlined below, but more will follow.

FIRST: Henceforth, the people of our neighboring star shall not be called "the Rebellion," "rogue beasts," "wildlings," "heretics," "insurrectionists," or any similar term that suggests they do not have the inherent right to act independently of The Holy Will. Any reference to these people in such a manner must be destroyed immediately. In the stead of these terms, The Singing Throne suggests such terms as: Neighbors, Walkers, Singulars, Blessed Bodies, or United Ones.

SECOND: We must accept that these people think and reason in ways our common livestock do not, and that they should be treated as having all the same rights as any Holy Person, even when a Holy Person of our world is not controlling them. To suggest the Walkers do not have the same basic rights to live and act by their own choice as we do is to betray the will of the Divine Empress.

THIRD: All Walkers captured and converted to livestock are hereby confiscated by The Singing Throne and must be submitted to your local Authority immediately. Owners shall be compensated or furnished with replacements at The Singing Throne's discretion. No further Walkers are to be captured or converted. Fresh grown specimens of the Walker species are not currently being confiscated, but The Singing Throne suggests seeking replacements immediately.

FOURTH: In the event that you, a Holy Person, encounter a Walker directly, you will follow the guidelines described below. Any member of the Walker species encountered must be assumed to be a Walker and treated accordingly until proven otherwise. Any being that attempts to treat a Walker as a Body faces Familial Incineration.


GUIDELINES FOR INTERACTING WITH WALKERS

If at any time you are aware of the presence or the possible presence of a Walker, you will conduct yourself according to these tenets:
1. You will issue no commands to the Walker.
2. You will not harm the Walker, or allow the Walker to come to harm.
3. You will comply with any reasonable request the Walker makes of you.
4. As a representative of your Empress and your People, you will present hospitality to the Walker through your demeaner, communication, and actions.

Any failure to follow these guidelines will reflect poorly on the Empress and The Singing Throne. Choosing to do so will incur punishments up to and exceeding death, as will conspiracy or coercion to bring such actions to pass.


The Empress, in Her Infinite Wisdom, is well aware that some among the Holy People Keamaka may be uncomfortable with these regulations. Direct any questions on these policies to your local Authority. Should you feel unready to carry out the Will of the Empress, Self-Incineration Facilities are being opened in every major population center and will be open at every hour of every day until further notice. By Her Generosity, the Inheritance Tax has been temporarily reduced to 10%. Any Holy Person still living at the opening of the new week will be considered fully prepared to carry out these commands with conviction and enthusiasm.

THIS CONCLUDES THE SUMMARY OF THE DIVINE WILL OF THE EMPRESS AND THE SINGING THRONE. READING THIS DOCUMENT CONSTITUTES AGREEMENT TO THE TERMS AND COMMANDS WITHIN. FAILING TO READ THIS DOCUMENT OR FAILING TO ENSURE ALL OTHERS IN YOUR COMMUNITY HAVE READ THIS DOCUMENT SHALL BE TRIED AS TREASON.