Nebula Scout Service Project

Helping to Create Better Work Conditions for the Drudge Caste on Mainwell

James Powell
Troop 17, Tiras Nova, now serving on the HMS Hippocrates
2780.086

A ten-page report, describing in a fair level of detail, Jim's efforts to create more just and equitable conditions for the Drudge caste on the Well:

• It begins with a few paragraphs of background on the state of Mainwell, describing in fairly straight, factual terms the current system of government. There is some discussion of the believed course of events that led to this situation, including the role played by Xanadu, and her change into Mother/Khan.
• Jim's personal experiences (and to a lesser degree those of the crew as a whole) with the junkiness that is the Well are described (in slightly more formal terms). The encounter with the Calvinball ("Game, Set, and Match"), the kidnapping of the children from the Elmer's Gold ("The return of ELMER TRICONIAN!!"), etc. He does some research into anti-Well groups in both Blue and Red systems, and writes to a member of the Avocate (Avocate Lem) about his concerns for the residents of the Well.
• The initial meeting with the potential Drudge unions is described, and Jim's small role there in helping to persuade Citizen Cremont (via his Overseer) to recognize and work with the aspiring union. ("Rebellion: A Stately Pleasure Dome Decree") This event crystallizes Jim's vision of how he can help Drudges on the Well: unionization is a concrete step that can be supported mostly openly, and yet could have significant effect on the quality of life of residents of The Well. A note is also made as to the crew's role in helping gain Citizenship for Victor.
• Descriptions of subsequent work Jim does with the union on the Well, and his efforts to convince the upper castes and lower castes alike that unionization should be permitted. He tries to help the drudges who work in the acid mines particularly.
• Descriptions of efforts to influence the Blue government to support positive change on The Well. This includes: coordinating with the One Life, One Level Society on Quintessence; talking to Hegemon Donella about conditions on the Well; distributing flyers at the day of Remembrance ceremony and afterwards around New Light University and to members of the press and Avocate; designing, implementing and launching a website to help coordinate efforts to sway the population of Eremov to believe that the Hegemony should assist the residents of the Well; modifying the content of said website and deploying a version on Cerulean; etc.
• Discussion of changes that have been effected on the Well. These are mostly beginning steps-- negotiations that are proceeding between the former-Citizen-Archibald union, some support for the acid miner union among the middle castes, and hints of possible concessions. The report views these as the precursors necessary before real change can begin. Hope is expressed that with continued support, these efforts will take greater hold and bear more tangible fruit in time. Success is also noted in helping sway the population of Eremov towards supporting change on the Well.

Another is geared at the populace of the Blue Hegemony, and consists of a flyer campaign and a website. ("Memorial Day")

Both flyers and website show the Well as a terrible place that has been oppressed and is lawless, but is struggling to cast off that oppression. With our help, it can become a productive, law-abiding place. The flyer references Donella being held captive on the Well, with a tone of "It happened to the Hegemon, it could happen to You" and "It's not just someone else's problem any more" tone. It calls for the establishment of human rights and the rule of law on the Well. The back cover of the flyer will show a person at the top of a well, reaching down and helping someone climb out of darkness into the light.

They incite the populace to support the efforts of the rebellion and the unionization movements financially and diplomatically. They will tell people to write and call their representatives in the Avocate to support these issues. (Not really "invade the Well!", more "take a stand for freedom and human rights!") The flyer references the website, which has more details on conditions on the Well, bulletin boards/chat rooms, easy ways to contribute (paypal to relevant charities, etc.), template letters, links to other sites, etc.

There are two versions of the flyer, one that's generic and one that includes pictures of Jim helping someone out of the well on the back, and has more of a "Jim Powell supports improving conditions on the Well!" feel to it.

The website is 7 propaganda successes, and 100 successes for 9s of Computer Wizardry (that's "small-professional-business-sized", "professional quality"). The flyers are 9 successes. There's also a sheet of polling data, which shows that the campaigns caused a 6% shift in the residents of the capital of Quintessence, and 12% in New Light University, in favor of the statement "The Hegemon should take an active role in promoting positive change on the Well". (~2780.066)

A slightly different version of the website content focuses instead on the problems posed by White, and a feeling of "White is Bad, the Well is the source of White, we need to exert pressure to stop the flow of White", with some additional undertones of "there are so many addicted people on the Well that can't get support for their addictions, the planetary government won't help, we have to do something". (Cerulean, ~2780.115)

• A copy of his letter to Avocate Lem:

  Dear Avocate Lem,

  I am writing you today to express my concern regarding a matter of importance to the Hegemony-- that of the current local government of the Well, and its impact on greater Hegemonic society.

  The current caste system present on the Well, run by the "Blacklord" known as "The Matrix", is an oppressive, brutal regime that condones and even encourages murder and destruction in the name of entertainment, profit, or simple whim.

  Crimes are defined to only apply against members of the same social caste or higher; one may rob, assault, or even kill a member of a lower caste with impunity. The lower castes really only have rights as far as they may be business interests of a member of a high caste, and then only if said individual decides to intervene.

  Fundamental rights of citizens of the Hegemony on the Well are in danger of being summarily denied. Tourists are granted sufficiently high status to be protected from many dangers, but still may be targeted at the whim of a Citizen. One of my friends, when he would not sell a possession of his to a Citizen who desired it, was thrown into a Maze of Death, and forced to fight for survival to escape. Another tourist I know of found himself in debtor's prison, and then was purchased and placed in the "ball" in a kind of space soccer game, where every time he was "kicked" his air supply would vent a little. Had he not been rescued from this cruelty, he would surely have died.

  The Hegemony must defend the rights of all its citizens, and ensure that those rights are not denied by local governments such as that found on the Well. I hope you agree that it would be morally reprehensible for the Hegemony to condone such a government within its sphere of influence. Only by opposing the current regime on The Well can the Hegemony claim the moral leadership that is its right and duty.

  The Well seems to be highly dependent upon tourism for a significant part of its income. No doubt an effort by the Hegemony to actively discourage or even boycott tourism to the Well could spur reforms in its government. It is imperative that the Hegemony use its political, economic, and, if necessary, military might to create the conditions that are necessary for change. It is our responsibility to do what we can to put an end to this tyranny.

  I feel that is is important for the Hegemony to confront this problem as soon as possible, and in time re-exert its proper authority over the Well system. I hope you will discuss this matter with the other members of the Avocate and with the Hegemon, and counsel her to take action against the government of the Well.

  Sincerely,

  James Powell
  jim@hippocrates.net

• A letter from the union representatives that met with Citizen Cremont during "Rebellion: A Stately Pleasure Dome Decree". It affirms that Jim played a supportive, beneficial role in their negotiations with the representatives of the Citizens.
• A letter from Citizen Victor. It's not glowing, but appreciative and rather insightful, and does comment on possible ways to improve Jim's efforts in the future.
• A letter from representatives of the One Life, One Level society on Quintessence, thanking Jim for his donation of the website and his efforts on behalf of the residents of the Well. There's also a picture of Jim and an older gentleman shaking hands in front of a monitor displaying the website.
• A letter from one of the union representatives that used to work for Citizen Archibald. It describes some of the changes that are taking place on the Well, including some support for an acid miner's union.