Interview: Bataav `en Gravonere on the Intaki Diaspora and ongoing crisis on Intaki Prime.
September 26th YC 121
Intaki Prime - Intaki Cultural Centre
Continuing the coverage of the ongoing crisis on the Intaki homeworld of Intaki Prime, Kalto Moxin reaches in deeper and gets ahold of Diaspora spokesman Bataav en Gravonere for a one-on-one interview to get a better understanding of the situation unfolding, as well as the stance of the Intaki Diaspora.
Bataav en Gravonere is one of many well respected Capsuleers within Intaki society, as well as the current CEO of the Intaki Liberation Front, which is the executor corporation of the larger Intaki Prosperity Initiative alliance that has an extremely commendable track record of looking after Intaki Interests. ZANIE’s Kalto Moxin meets with Bataav on the surface of Intaki Prime inside The Intaki Cultural Centre.
The following is a transcript of their conversation.
[Kalto]
“Today! I have the honor of sitting across from Intaki Liberation Front’s CEO and the de facto spokesman for the Intaki Diaspora, Bataav! Well known and popular Capsuleer in Intaki society. Bataav, it’s a pleasure to speak with you, and a pleasure to be here… quite…colorful looking place.”[Bataav]
“A pleasure to have you here. And yes, the Cultural Centre is quite something. I miss it when my work takes me away from it.”[Kalto]
“Not surprising that this is your kinda place…I’ve only just met you in person like…Thirty minutes ago? Twenty? Something like that…Regardless, I get the impression you live in breathe this kind of atmosphere, that this unmistakably your culture, where you find your identity…In what I’ve managed to find about you, I’ve seen you starting off your Capsuleer career in the Federal Navy Academy and after a few months? Here you are with the Intaki Liberation Front, still to this day. You definitely strike me as a man that is dedicated to a cause, but the first question i wanna ask you is what do you see yourself as? I can sit here and continue to be your hypeman, but how about you tell me what you think of yourself.”[Bataav]
“I became aware of Intaki politics during my time at the Academy, and have been an advocate for Intaki secession for years now. I don’t consider myself a politician though. I’m certainly unlike many I’ve met, who seem more interested in creating a name for themselves rather than working for the benefit of the cause or people they’re supposed to represent. Perhaps in years to come my name will be remembered. It seems more likely that it will not. Others might think of me as an agitator and a rabble rouser, which I suppose might be true to some extent, if highlighting injustices and campaigning for Intaki interests is to be seen as causing trouble. I’m not sure what label I’d apply to myself though. A mentor perhaps? I hope to inform and empower those around me. When I’ve spoken publicly on behalf of the ILF, or IPI, I’ve done so to encourage thought and debate. If those who hear me agree with me and choose to join our efforts, then they are welcome.”[Kalto]
“You mentioned secession. That’s a uh…Pretty big word for only three syllables if you catch my drift. Now I briefly asked Diaspora affiliate Valerie Vynneve about this, but could you tell me about this relationship with the Federation and the Intaki? Because I’m starting to see that things aren’t as harmonious as it appears, and I think someone like you could really hammer it home on what exactly is behind all the tension.”[Bataav]
“As with all relationships, things are rarely straightforward, and this is no different when it comes to the Intaki. While there are a range of opinions within the Diaspora, on a number of matters, not just with regards to the Federation, I wouldn’t consider it to be disharmonious or contentious. Instead, I believe we each understand that our respective paths have offered unique experiences and lessons to draw from, and so we bring a variety of perspectives to the table. So far I believe we have been successful in applying these to the common cause.”[Kalto]
“With all due respect, you miss my question. You said yourself that you were an advocate for Intaki secession for years now. I’m asking why that is, why are you and advocate for something this politically extreme? Sure, the Diaspora is home to different opinions on the matter - but what’s your opinion exactly? Why call for secession? that implies there’s is and has been some discontent between the Intaki and the Federation, and I’m asking YOU about the matter, not what the Diaspora as a whole thinks about it - And while i came here to discuss the Diaspora, i think it’s best to understand the point of views of the members that fill the ranks, understand their motivations and passions on the subject.”[Bataav]
“Ah, I understand. I believe that secession would restore the authority and responsibilities to the Intaki Assembly, that other states take for granted. The Assembly should be able to provide for, and protect its people, but the systems of governance in place within the Federation prevent them from doing so. I see no controversy in that position. But I acknowledge that we have not been successful in communicating that message, and very often I hear concerns from our opponents about a Federation-wide repatriation of Intaki citizens back to Placid, and that is not what we are about. I am sure there are people all across the Federation, proud of their Intaki heritage, who are extremely happy with their lives, and I wish them well. The Intaki Liberation Front advocates for a civic nationalism for the people of Intaki, not the Intaki people.”[Kalto]
“Well with that in mind, let’s segway into the topic of Intaki Prime itself. Now like you said, the Diaspora is made up of members of different opinions, but if there’s a unifying concern that brings you all together, it’s the health and stability of Intaki Prime, which currently is seeing slight occupation by the Lai Dai Corporation and Federal Marines supplemented by forces from the Capsuleer alliance Villore Accords…Now, its plain obvious how the Diaspora views the Lai Dai corporation right about now after having mercenaries on their payroll sack monasteries across the planet…But what I’m curious about is if the Diaspora is looking to the federales with trust or concern now that they’re tossing their weight on the scales.”[Bataav]
“My personal view is that Federal groups are now seeking to influence the situation, and potentially benefit from any acclaim they may receive as a result, but if there are any longer term objectives beyond that, they are not yet clear. Recently, one of the organisations participating in the Diaspora established a structure in the Intaki system at short notice, and I wasn’t surprised to see elements within the Federal Militia quickly seek to capitalise on its facilities and services. This is a benefit of the Diaspora’s loose structure however, as it allows some to engage with external interested parties, while others can focus their attention elsewhere. We shall have to reserve judgement and see how the Federal Marines, and their militia allies act, before we consider how to proceed ourselves.”[Kalto]
“Very well, then let’s address another problem, one that I’m admittedly a little uninformed about so forgive me for coming to you to learn more about it. But there’s protests breaking out among the populace, towards the assembly no less? I mean I saw a crowd coming in from the starport with signs in language I can’t read so…Could you tell me more about these protests going on?”[Bataav]
“Of course. Large sections of the community are dismayed by the news that the Assembly has chosen to sign business contracts with an entity that up until very recently was engaged in hostile action against the people of Intaki, and I share their concerns. Protests on Intaki Prime very rarely break out into violence however, and protests that have occurred in the past and have been on a scale large enough to make headlines across New Eden have ended peacefully, and largely without incident. The people of Intaki have asked the Assembly to explain Lai Dai’s lease negotiations for a major distribution hub within the Intaki Prime transit network, and I echo their calls. I’ve spoken publicly on behalf of the Diaspora on this matter, and I repeat our hope that an official statement from the Assembly will help bring clarity and calm to the situation.”[Kalto]
“Interesting, now I gotta ask about the Lai Dai hostility itself. From what I gathered from your affiliate Valerie Vynneve, the Lai Dai were out for “reparations” or something along those lines? Surely the Diaspora has done it’s own independent research into why these attacks happened, could you tell me anything? Any theories?”[Bataav]
“I’ve heard some conspiracy theories, but it’s rarely helpful to give those more oxygen until there’s a reasonable amount of evidence. I had been content to wait for news from the Ishukone legal case at the CBT, which they had originally brought against the Onikanabo Brigade, but I’m unaware of the timescales involved before any judgement is made. I cannot begin to guess what justification Lai Dai and their hired goons at Onikanabo would have in targeting Ida monasteries and nearby communities, and corporate reparations sound like excuses to me.”[Kalto]
“Well tell me this, because as I talk about it, I’m starting to recall more of my talks with Valerie. And I believe her exact words were “-to recover reparations from properties and resources linked to certain radical sects of the Ida movement.”…Now you don’t want to talk conspiracies? Sure, but how about you tell me about these “Radical sects” of the Ida faith? Do they exist?”[Bataav]
“There will always be some who twist ideologies to suit their own goals. But, there is no holy book of Ida. There are no scriptures to abide by. The Idic monasteries are not a place of religious instruction. They are a place of meditation and discussion, and a building of timber and stone cannot subscribe to conceptual thought, radical or not. Of course groups may gather around common ideas, but Ida is deeply personal to its practitioners, and allows for a great deal of individual interpretation. A wise Idama once said, ‘Ida is a path, but Intaki are expected to walk it themselves.’ That Lai Dai claim otherwise betrays a lack of understanding on their part and critically undermines their entire premise.”[Kalto]
“Well let’s ask this question - firstly, let’s drop the word sect and focus on the two remaining words. “Radical Ida” - Now we already know what the word Ida means, but what do you think radical is in reference to? What does “Radical” typically mean when coupled together in a sentence with a spiritual or religious faith? Typically I’d say it’s in reference to terrorism, or violent actions motivated by said religion or spirtuality…Now don’t mistake what I’m trying to get at, I’m not saying the Ida faith is turning people into terrorists, what I’m saying is what you said - There are those that will twist the ideology to suit their own goals, afterall the faith is open to personal interpretation…And it just so happens the Ida faith made circulation in the news when one or two Ida motivated groups committed some pretty violent actions in Khanid space. You aware of what I’m referencing?”[Bataav]
“I’m aware of the events in Khanid space that you’re referencing. However, consider that Ida encourages a life of moderation, eschewing the extremes of excess and denial. It would seem to me that acts of indiscriminate violence and terrorism would be incompatible with any reasonable person’s interpretation of Ida. By the same measure, a life of strict abstinence and absolute pacifism would be considered equally as extreme. I find myself questioning whether the terrorist attacks by the group calling itself Tears of Reschard were carried out due to a twisted ideology in and of itself, or whether it was more about targetting the Khanid holder who held Idama en Waro. I acknowledge that these attacks could have been used as justification for a reponse against Intaki, but I would have thought a petition to the Intaki Assembly by Khanid representatives would have been more appropriate. Certainly not an assault against innocent civilian targets by a mercenary group contracted by a State megacorporation. If that is the reason for the current crisis, then some could suggest the Khanid have surrendered any moral high ground they may have claimed on the issue.”[Kalto]
“I’ll leave it at that…Now, i think i’ve asked enough questions as it is, but i do wanna ask one last thing before we move on to our closing statements. And this last question is in regards to the Diaspora’s current objective as it stands right now? Recently on the Intergalactic summit, another affiliate by the name of Auriga Menkalinan has announced the sale of pre-assembled medical centers at a undercut price to that of Lai Dai’s centers. So are we expecting the Diaspora to wage a trade war against the Lai Dai corporation?”[Bataav]
“There are a number of projects and areas of focus within the Diaspora at the moment, and yes that includes the manufacture and sale of Upwell-compatible prefab medical facilities. The potential to compete with Lai Dai with these items wasn’t missed, and if the competition impacts Lai Dai revenues in some way, well then the Diaspora isn’t uncomfortable with that. That the medical centres also have the potential to assist in the rebuilding process on Intaki Prime is extremely welcome, and those that make it to affected areas will immediately benefit the surrounding communities.”[Kalto]
“Suppose time will tell in that regard…Now Bataav, it’s been a pleasure, buy I think it’s about time we wrap this up so you can get back to work. Before we go however, we like to open the floor to our guests to say whatever it is they want to put out there. If there’s something you wished I asked about so you can express or want to announce something, now’s your chance to do so. So if there’s something you’d like to say, the floor is yours.”[Bataav]
“Thank you for visiting Intaki to talk to me. I’m pleased that the Diaspora has caught people’s attention. It’s my hope it will help shine a light on some of the other work that goes on in Intaki. The current crisis may have encouraged us to come together, but I’m confident we’ll continue to work in Intaki’s interests long after things return to normal.”[Kalto]
“It’s been an honor Bataav, good luck to you and the rest of the Diaspora”