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SHADOW WARS Focus - Ian Interview
Focus | Background | Main
I am pleased to report that I was finally able to squeeze into Supreme Chancellor Ian’s schedule recently. Understandably the Supreme Chancellor has been quite overwhelmed lately with all of the tasks involved with surrendering his position to Supreme Chancellor-elect Martin of Rebma. However, knowing that this would be a fine time to talk to the Supreme Chancellor who has seen the Republic through many difficult times, I persevered, and was finally able to talk with him briefly.
"Supreme Chancellor,"
I began, "how do you feel about the election of Martin of Rebma as
the new Supreme Chancellor? How do you view this in relation to your own
career?" "Now? I’m
relieved. My career as Supreme Chancellor meant a great deal to me, and
hopefully I did the right things." "Do you feel
that Supreme Chancellor-Elect Martin is prepared for the responsibilities
and stresses of the position?" "If he isn’t,
the Senate will toss him out on his rump," he remarks simply. "That may be,
sir. But what do you view as Supreme Chancellor-Elect Martin’s greatest
challenge as he steps into his new role?" The Supreme Chancellor
ponders a moment, then offers "Pleasing everyone all the time. Tough
job." "So do you anticipate
the transfer in authority as being amicable?" I pursue. "Do
you have any plans for meetings with the new Supreme Chancellor in order
to help orient him to his new position and some of the key concerns that
will be waiting for him? What, in your opinion, are these key concerns,
the major issues he will have to mediate and resolve immediately upon
taking up his responsibilities?" Supreme Chancellor
Ian stops to watch a hummingbird hovering near a mass of red flowers,
then nods affirmatively. "We’ll be meeting later this week to
transfer the files and go over the procedures. I’ll hand him my list
of things to do and the passcode to the restroom." He smiles at that.
"After that, he’s in charge. There is always something to resolve
immediately. We’re talking about hundreds of Senators who all want
a piece of you and none of them will take no for an answer." "But do you feel
there are certain issues of more urgency than others as he steps in? Would
you be willing to offer any insights into what the more pressing issues
may be?" "Tougher blaster
control laws, enforcing the anti-slavery laws, cracking down on technology
thieves, deciding what to do with the Trade Federation, or maybe providing
more advancement for underrepresented Republic members in Republic events?"
The Supreme Chancellor ticks off the items on his fingers as he walks.
"There are many issues that get swept behind the tapestry when a
high-profile issue such as where to host the Senate pops up in the news." I have to smile at
that, and nod. "This is very true, sir. Unfortunately, perspective
is what causes one thing to gain more attention than something else. So,
in your opinion, what direction do you feel the Republic should take going
into the future? What is your position on the opinion that the Republic
should be moved to a new location? Do you feel Amber has too much influence
in the Republic? "The Republic..."
he pauses thoughtfully, as though considering what he can say. "It
needs to cut the dead weight, the lobbyists for starters. I don’t
think it matters if the Senate location is on Amber, or Shadow Earth,
or anywhere else, but I think that Ygg might please most people who feel
that Ygg is _the_ center of our common reality. Who really knows though?
Amber has a lot of influence. Amber is where the Republic began. Amber
is where most of the struggles have been waged. There is history and people
of strong character who come from Amber and who work in the Republic."
He stops again, to give me a look of irony. "They may take the Senate
out of Amber, but they’ll never take Amber out of the Senate." |
"Wearing that
uniform day after day. I’m looking forward to a rotating wardrobe
and my retirement benefits to kick in. If for nothing else, the retirement
perks are worth the sores on the backside and the chronic fatigue from
hours of yelling in the face of some so-and-so from wherever." He
chuckles a moment. "And would you
share with my readers what you believe were your greatest challenges and
achievements during your term as Supreme Chancellor?" "Dealing with all sorts of people and not losing my sanity. The loss of life during the riot suppression in the Courts of Chaos will always haunt me." He pauses for a moment, with a pained expression, then continues. "There was resentment and miscommunication all the way through. I’m proud that the Republic made it through that one." "Would you care
to share any insights about the events leading to the fall of the Courts?
That point in Republic history has generated a large amount of discussion,
about whether or not it could have been prevented, and what if anything
could be done to help now. As a key player during that time, what are
your thoughts on this matter?" "Hindsight talking…
I don’t honestly know. Maybe it’s a fundamental problem with
an organization as large and as complex as the Republic, that in order
to do business with said organization you have to modify many levels.
The Courts of Chaos were an ancient people. They thrived for longer than
any other civilization known, but its nature… its people seemed unable
to adhere to the Republic structure. The Republic was perhaps too demanding,
but it was necessary to enforce the system in order to function with everyone
else. There were many events out of my control, groups who took advantage
of the weak ties. It’s done and cannot be undone." The Supreme Chancellor
still appears pained by the topic, but there is too much information there
to give up so easily. "Supreme Chancellor, would you please elaborate
on your statements that the Chaosians seemed unable to adhere to the Republic
structure and that it was necessary to ‘enforce the system?’
I’m sure you know that there are many who do not agree with either
of those opinions. How would you respond to the opinion that perhaps the
Republic should learn to be more lenient and inclusive with its membership?" Supreme Chancellor
Ian stops walking again, and gives me his whole attention. "The Chaosian
government was unable to maintain order when there were food shortages.
There were several criminal organizations that were hijacking trade shipments
at the time. Supplies got low and the nobles decided to lead a revolution
of sorts. I know that Merlin did not want to ask for help. But the Chaosian
government could not prevent what would have resulted in a civil war."
He is silent a moment, remembering, then adds, "Fortunately for all
parties, the Jedi were efficient in the matter and saved billions of lives
by intervening. Inclusiveness has limitations in an organization. Look
at your own work for example. How many people does your boss turn away
or accept based on some kind of standards. Why does she have those standards
in place?" "I can understand
your point, sir, but is a discussion of standards in the workplace on
the same level as standards in an organization the size of the Republic?
Are you speaking strictly on a level of what one cog in the wheel has
to offer to the mechanism as a whole?" But the Supreme Chancellor
appears to be finished with that topic. "What happened in Chaos was
not something anyone could anticipate, and hopefully we have learned from
the experience." He makes the statement with an air of finality,
and I take the hint. "I see, sir.
Thank you. Now are you able to share what your future plans are, both
for your immediate future and later on?" The Supreme Chancellor
nods and begins walking again. We are approaching the entrance to the
gardens now, having completed the small circular path. "I’ll
be teaching in my home town in Shadow Karm. I have a lot to talk about
now and why not make a few more people informed on how things are done?
Thanks for the talk. Gotta go get lunch." "I would be delighted if I would be able to attend some of these talks, sir. It is always a great opportunity to hear about history from one of the people present in its making. In the meantime, thank you for your time." I stop and offer my hand. "I appreciate
having the opportunity to let people know more about you as you move into
a new aspect of your life. I hope to chat with you again." -Helena- |
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