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SHADOW WARS Focus - Martin Interview
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I was able to meet with the newly elected Supreme Chancellor recently, and discuss how he feels about his new position. Supreme Chancellor Martin was very friendly as we visited in his newly inherited chambers in the Senate Building in Amber. The fine, expensive furniture and priceless artwork adorning the rooms might have made the visit quite stiff if it hadn’t been for the Supreme Chancellor’s easy personality to help loosen the atmosphere.
"Good morning,
Supreme Chancellor. Thank you for agreeing to meet with me today to talk
about you and your new position." "Thank you for
interviewing me," Martin replies with simple sincerity. "We’ll start
out with some preliminary things first, and then move on to the juicier
items," I suggest, and the Supreme Chancellor smiles. "How do
you feel about your predecessor, Ian of Karm, and his work throughout
the recent years of the Republic?" "Former Supreme
Chancellor Ian is a remarkable figure in Republic history. He was able
to keep the Republic together during the toughest tests. I think that
Ian made the best of bad choices given the information available. I admire
his personal strength and courage." "Do you feel that anything could have been done to prevent some of the incidents during Supreme Chancellor Ian’s tenure?"
"Thank you, Supreme
Chancellor. I am sure my readers would greatly appreciate a follow-up
on that topic at some point in the future. In the meantime, what are your
goals, both personal and professional, as the new Supreme Chancellor?" "I am in this
office to serve the Republic. Until I leave this post I do not have any
reason to consider my personal goals." Martin looks down briefly
at this point, and then back up at me, almost shyly, "However, I
would like a family of my own someday." I smile reassuringly.
"I am sure I speak for all people of the Republic in wishing you
well on that goal. But other personal goals aside then, do you feel comfortable
sharing some of the things you would like to accomplish while in office
for the Republic?" The Supreme Chancellor
shakes his head slightly. "I may be the voice of the Senate, but
by no means do I accomplish the goals alone. Therefore I cannot give you
a definitive list of objectives at this time. It would be presumptive
of me to speak for all of the departments in the Republic. I hope to lay
the groundwork for further economic progress with the help of all of the
senators. We have difficult choices to make on spending and personnel.
We hope for the best and try to head off problems with strategic planning
and communication." "I wish you well
in those endeavors. I gather that making those decisions doesn’t
get any easier the higher up one gets in the hierarchy." The Supreme
Chancellor only shakes his head somewhat sadly. We both sip our tea for
a moment, listening to the distant sound of gulls crying outside, before
moving on. "Speaking of moving up, would you share with me the reason
you relinquished your position as a Jedi Knight in favor of becoming a
senator? Was your decision at all influenced by the untimely passing of
your half-brother, Jedi Morgan?" "I am grateful
for my Jedi training," the Supreme Chancellor asserts. "However,
as a member of the Order I was restricted from acting in politics. I believe
that I am able to help more people with my authority as senator than as
one single knight battling on the front lines somewhere. Unlike many in
my diverse family, I was never content as a warrior." Supreme Chancellor
Martin pauses thoughtfully here for a moment, then adds quietly, "Morgan
taught me to value life. He was very young, and idealistic. Maybe you’re
correct... maybe some of Morgan’s idealism has rubbed off on me." "So as a person
who ‘was never content as a warrior,’ are you concerned about
the public perception that you were voted into your new position at least
partially because of your status as a war hero? Does that in any way affect
your feelings of preparedness for the job?" The Supreme Chancellor
smiles a little and shakes his head at that. "My term as senator
seemed to provide all of the credentials I needed for the post of Supreme
Chancellor. In a few years I doubt that many will remember that I was
even a Jedi Knight, or that I came from Rebma." I must smile at that
statement. "Oh, I sincerely doubt that, Supreme Chancellor. People’s
memories of heroic figures can be very long." We pause and refresh
our tea, but he does not offer anything further on that topic. "On
a different tangent, with the approach of its 400-year anniversary, there
has been increasing public interest in creating a new direction for the
Republic. How do you plan to respond to this interest? Are there plans
for a new initiative for the Republic? If so, what sort of initiative?" "The Senate has
some very good proposals for the future. We plan to uphold the values
that found the Republic, that is, to build stronger economic ties which
allow for peaceful coexistence throughout the Shadows." "Are you able
to share any of those proposals with me?" I persist. "Unfortunately
not at this time. Everyone will get an earful in the Senate I’m sure." "I know I personally am looking forward to that, Supreme Chancellor. Are you able to share your position on the perceived conflict of interest between the Republic and Amber, especially considering your position as the son of the current King of Amber?" |
"There are members
in the Republic who feel that Amber has more leverage. My post prevents
me from favoritism, to any member of the Republic. And I would expect
that from any Supreme Chancellor worthy of respect." "That’s
splendid to hear, Supreme Chancellor, and I have no doubt that you will
engender only respect in following that ideal. But what I believe my readers
would like to know is if you plan to take any action in regards to this
opinion. As Supreme Chancellor of the Republic, I am sure you are well
aware that this conflict is not going to go away. What actions, if any,
are you contemplating?" "I will lead
the Republic through the continued debates. A comprehensive plan is nowhere
near completion. I think that the near future will bring cooler heads
to the forefront of discussion. We cannot dwell on this matter forever
when there are more pressing matters to tend to, such as the recent increase
in Hutt slavers on the edge of Republic Shadowspace." "Do you have
any theories about the causes of this increased activity that are able
to reveal to my readers? Hutt activity of late has been slightly more
aggressive than it has been historically, has it not?" "The slavers
are growing in number." The Supreme Chancellor shakes his head sadly
at that before continuing. "There is a large financial reward for
successful missions. Unfortunately, what many slavers do not know is that
when the Hutts grow weary of them, they either feed their suppliers to
pets in games, or turn them over to the Republic, minus their heads. There
is a special morgue in Shadow full of former slavers." I shudder at this
remark, and change the subject. "Supreme Chancellor, what is your
position on the opinion that Amber should relinquish control of Tir-na
Nog-th’s mines and their contents to the Republic?" The Supreme Chancellor
nods and smiles slightly, as though he was expecting the question. "This
is a hot topic. While Tir-na Nog’th remains in the Amber System,
it may be considered Amber’s territory. Numerous cases of jurisdiction
over natural resources are common. But Amber also maintains firm control
not only the mining of Tir-na Nog’th, but also production of the
finished goods." "This is very
true, Supreme Chancellor," I agree. "There is also the issue
that the technical expertise to repair the finished components can also,
for most part, only be found in the Amber System. One may admit with a
fair amount of safety that such an arrangement is bound to make people
located outside of the loop uncomfortable, and perhaps that they have
a right to be so. Would you have an answer for such an admission? Do you
have any comments on the idea that perhaps some sort of outside restriction
of prices may need to be instated?" The Supreme Chancellor
sighs slightly, and thinks the question over a moment before responding.
"There are some who believe Amber has a monopoly on the goods, services,
and materials as you say... from a historical point of view, this economic
strength is only recent. In the past, Amber was forced to rely on importing
most of the finished goods from Shadow. In fact, most of the agricultural
and raw materials were also imported from Shadow in exchange for protection.
This was the core of the agreements that created the Golden Circle Kingdoms.
Over the centuries of development, Amber continued to rely on other nations
to provide many of the things that now are accessible in only Amber and
sold to others. I think that the sudden flip-flop of trade, supply and
demand, or what some refer to as capitalism, is what has Shadow governments
in an uproar. Their goods are no longer necessary and Amber’s reliance
on them is no more. If you continue along this line, Amber is trying to
remain self-sufficient and make a profit. If you study technological advances
from other Shadows you will find that sooner or later either the prized
technology of one nation is shared, legally or not, with others, or it
is surpassed by newer versions. Either way it is only a matter of time
before Amber’s seemingly hegemonic hold over the others will loosen.
There is always the possibility that the mines will run out one day. I
would not like to be King of Amber if that happens." "That sounds
reassuring at least in theory, Supreme Chancellor. I hope cool heads prevail
in the discussion in the future." We pause for a time to finish our
tea. Supreme Chancellor Martin does not seem in a great hurry to head
back to work, as though he is taking this momentary diversion to store
up energy against the future. I take the opportunity to broach a different
subject. "Might I inquire if you have any romantic interests waiting
in the wings of your busy career? The Supreme Chancellor
smiles easily at the personal question, then shakes his head. "Not
at present. I’m too busy I must admit." I find I must chuckle
slightly. "Well, Supreme Chancellor, and I do mean this with the
utmost respect, but it’s going to be very difficult to work on having
a family if you’re too busy to even begin dating." I smile to
try to take any sting out of my words, and it appears the Supreme Chancellor
is not offended. "As they say
in Rebma, ‘Every sea has a current.’ When I move on past this
post I should have time to pursue other venues." The Supreme Chancellor
smiles in a pleasant thinking-to-oneself sort of way, and I find myself
reminded that immortality does grant one the ability to contemplate such
distant futures without fear. But the interview must continue, though
the Supreme Chancellor still seems to be thinking about that distant ‘someday.’
"Sir, what do you feel has been the single most important event in
your career and/or your life in general, not including being elected as
Supreme Chancellor?" "I’d have
to say that working as a senator for Rebma ranks up there," he responds
matter-of-factly. "Are you able
to share any ideas or desires regarding who may prove to be your replacement
as the Rebmian Senator?" "Senator Loriel
is quite competent. I feel fortunate not to have had to run against her
during my campaign year. She will honor Rebma well in the Senate." I nod in agreement
with his estimation of Senator Loriel; she will be a fine addition to
the Senate for Rebma. But then an aide appears through the half-closed
door and says something quietly to the Supreme Chancellor. He nods, and
it is apparent that duty calls, so I stand and say, "Supreme Chancellor,
I would like to thank you once again for meeting with me. It has been
a very enlightening discussion, and I wish you success in your new role.
I am looking forward to seeing you again soon, at the anniversary celebration." The Supreme Chancellor
stands as well, looking slightly relieved, probably that he is not going
to be forced to throw me out. He shakes my hand cordially, and says simply,
"Thank you, Ms. Shivala. Hopefully I’ll see you there."
An escort shows me out of the plush apartments as the Supreme Chancellor walks towards his office, the aide hurrying at his side. I was left with the impression of a very caring and dedicated servant of the Republic, one who will work hard for its people. I do hope, however, that he will have an opportunity to pursue personal happiness as well. -Helena- |
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