Every year since the invasion he’d watched the resistance die, not only from the force of the Imperial military but by degrees as young people who couldn't even remember the invasion were becoming adults. Every radical change from Plato to Darwin to Salk had faced radical resistance - most of all from the people in their own professions, who were vested in ‘accepted’ knowledge and practices. “Can you tell me Humans are that different?” Radical disruptions tend to be fiercely resisted.” Irleon regarded him and sipped her drink. We’ve found that far more often, stability comes through gradual improvements. For stability to hold true, you need to show respect to established traditions and ways of doing things. Success depends in no small amount on how you frame these matters. If I tried to move things too far or too quickly, I would face a revolt within my own ministry and lose the confidence of the Empress… but I think you've made the case that we must look at moving faster, or we are going to risk losing the trust of the peoples that make up the Imperium. “In the end, I shall get less than I want, yet more than they want to give - but the goal will be moved for the future.” That’s why there are no greater challenges than the uplift of a new species.” Irleon shrugged. Too much innovation turning their lives upside down will lead them to revolt. “Perhaps… Professor Warrick, everyone understands the need for change in the abstract, but people from every station in life, every species… are all creatures of habit. “I think a lot of people back home on Earth don't appreciate the sentiments of your audience - or the size of it.” It was past time for another date, and this would certainly be something to talk about. He glanced over at Miv’eire, knowing they’d discuss it later… it was a comfort he cherished, and he made a note to call Sholea later in the week. It was everything he should want… but he’d seen the reactions, too. “You don’t think it’s too much, too fast?” Tom asked. You’ve given me a great deal to reconsider about going one step further - and it's time they do the same.” I thought that by pressing for the best education possible for students everywhere, I was doing what was best. Believe it or not, it’s not always easy to determine what’s right for an entire society. “Unfortunately for some, no single moral framework can be applied to everything. “I’m sure they did… I see to the administration of education for the whole of the Empire, but sometimes I think the biggest children are in my Ministry,” Irleon nodded indulgently. I heard some people muttering about ‘Imperial values’.” Tom fought off an urge to squirm in the couch seat, and Ganya shot him an inquiring look. “I believe what you said was important, but I don’t think it was very well received. He wasn't entirely certain why she was willing to reach out with her address to the non-Shil races of the Empire, but she seemed in earnest - and her seemingly mild statement had gone off like a gunshot in a cloister. Her announcement set a new goal for the Ministry to reach out to the other races of the Imperium in a search to ‘incorporate their cultural perspectives and talents into the Imperial mandate’.Īs a matter of policy, it seemed natural enough, but over the past week, Tom had come to get a very different picture of Duchess Irleon. It would normally have bored him to tears, but Minister Irleon had taken things in an unexpected direction. He hadn't planned on being in the Minister's suite that evening, but convocation was essentially a matter of seminars and discussions on policy. Tom considered his audience a bit and gave Miv’eires hand a squeeze. “So, Professor Warrick, what did you think of the Convocation? Darned script count)Ĭhapter 38 - What Could You Possibly Learn
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