Shayuri said:
Sigil laughs at that and gestures for Melanoce to be seated. "You are adept with flattery, Citizen. I can see I'll have to watch myself around you. Forgive me as well, but I do not know your preferred title."
She looks out the bubble for a moment, then says, "It never ceases to amaze me; the beauty and size of the universe I find myself part of now. One day, when Kaydia's problems are less pressing, perhaps I'll find a moment to travel the worlds. For now, I'm interested to know what you've learned of my world, and what you have to say."
She waves her fins dismissively, "There's nothing to forgive. I am proud to call myself Citizen, until I have earned a higher title."
She follows Sigil's gaze trough the bubble, "The universe is magnificent, and yet at times I feel it is less beautiful than it is ugly, less wondrous than it is dull. For all its diversity much of it is still all the same, beneath the surface. And in those depths it is a hard and unforgiving place. Eschaton offers many advantages, yet it is also full of dangers. And the threat of uniformity is the greatest of them all. I have seen too many cultures fall not to warn you. The things that make your planet special are all too frail." She looks out the bubble, deep in thought. "And that's why it's so important the transition into Eschaton, for by now there's no way out, is handled delicately. Too much caution is a bad as too little, you have already seen the consequences of being percieved as weak and primitive."
"Yes," she turns to Sigil, measuring her reaction, "I know of the abductions. And I may be able to help you with that problem as well."
"But for now let us focus on the economics, for they are the base of all else. There is much I can do to improve your world, without damaging it or changing your culture too much, and the heart of any worlds economics are legislation and the rule of law, financial institutions and a modest amount of red tape. For your world to thrive you must first establish this foundation."
"I have spent much effort on making the administrative, economic and legal system on Otaijan 5 one of the finest in the known worlds, accommodating the development of a dozen vastly different species while still preserving their uniqueness. And I believe that our system can be adapted to fit your world well, since it is by its nature unintrusive. If you want I can send over some legal experts to help guide the process. Your sustem of education will also require an expansion both in size and sophistication."
"Of course, then comes the matter of direct economic develpoment. Barring any discoveries of rare and valuable raw materials on your planet I suggest we concentrate initially on exclusive luxury tourism, the entertainment industries and advanced financial services. Manufacturing at any scale I do not recommend that we bother with, except possibly for specialised magical goods that your people may have an affinity for. There are many other worlds that do that far better, and you couldn't compete without making unacceptable sacrifices and incurring crippling debt. No, your world is a paradise, and so it should remain."
"The defense of the planet must not be neglected. Membership in Eschaton provides some security, but not enough and never without a price of its own. I have some contacts that can supply you with the advanced military equipment you're going to need to defend your freedoms. You are powerful in yourself, I know. Strong enough to kill a dozen of me without breaking a sweat, and yet you can not be everywhere at once. If your world comes under attack you will need Mechas."
"The fact that... Oh, but I ramble on. Forgive me. Was there something you wanted to say?"
