The Consequences Of Surrender

The People Of The Wind, X.

Admiral Cajal discusses the consequences of Avalonian surrender with the High Wyvan and the First Marchwarden. He says that:

"'Insofar as possible, the Empire allows home rule and the continuation of local ways of life.'" (p. 556)

The Wyvan dislikes the word "allow," as would I. I would also have asked in what circumstances might home rule and local ways of life be regarded as impossible. What the Wyvan does ask is:

"'Let us assume a degree of democracy. Could we stop immigrants from coming until they outvoted us?'" (ibid.)

The Admiral is obliged to reply:

"'Well...well, no. Citizens are guaranteed freedom of movement. That's one of the things the Empire is for. Confound it, you can't selfishly block progress just because you prefer archaism.'" (ibid.)

At that point, the Avalonians terminate the discussion. What are the issues here?

The framework is that, under Imperial rule, Avalon would:

"'...be included in a reorganized Sector Pacis...'" (p. 555)

And they are reminded or reassured that:

"'...Governor Saracoglu is efficient and humane.'" (ibid.)

Questions:

Is he? We have reason to believe that it was Saracoglu that promoted the war against Ythri.

Will he promote more interstellar wars?

What of the next Governor or the one after that?

When will Saracoglu or one of his successors override a decision made either by the Parliament of Man or by the Khruaths?

When will a Governor decree that some aspect of the choth way of life is "impossible"? (I dislike "deathpride" but an Imperial decree would not be the way to try to end it. Avalonians, whether human or Ythrian, can either not join choths or maybe try to found a new kind of choth, combining the best of Ythrian and human values.)

Why should the Avalonians fear immigration? Human immigrants would be able to participate in the already existing Parliament of Man which has very limited powers and it would be difficult to argue that those powers should be increased although I suppose that a growing planetary population might have that effect. Meanwhile, the sovereign choths would continue as before. I think that there is a question mark over how badly the Avalonian way of life would be affected by incorporation into the Empire.

I believe in freedom of movement on Earth. People have a right to go where the work is and to seek a better way of life. Immigrants enhance economies and societies. Populations and their politicians can promote a culture of welcoming and inclusion as against hostility and exclusion. I would want freedom of movement in an interstellar civilization. Merseians are fully incorporated into Dennitzan society. What are the crucial issues that immigrants might "outvote" the established Avalonians on? I think that this question warrants further discussion.