NationStates Jolt Archive

Night was rather alive in the Austar Union. Particularly in the capital Anatoba City, the society that existed there stayed awake twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. By day it was the place for hussle and bussle, millions upon millions of businesses undertaking their daily duty. And by night, this city was a party, kept alive by neon signs and dancing raves. Yes for a foriegner, or anyone at that the Austar Union was an exciting place indeed. Still it was much more quiet in the residential districts, where surprisingly the greater threat came from.

Kidnappings, Drug Smuggling, Murder in the First Degree; these were all portions of the law which were held so high. And yet not too many of those convicted could call themselves in favour of Treason. And it was outside of a small house, on a quiet street that the police waited for. Hiding amonst the foliage and buildings around, they prepared for a raid which had been planned for several weeks. Through the use of modern technology, it was now an impending matter, before this kind of sect decided to explode amongst the people. Brainless mindwashing this would be, if the police had allowed it to spread. And so now, the call had been given.

Rushing forward, it had been expected that the occupants of the house were asleep, since it was so late at night. And yet, to make such assumptions were dangerous. Breaking through the doors and windows in a shatter of both splintered wood and broken glass, the area came alive in an instant. A man ran out into the dining room where he saw operative running toward him. Turning to run down the hall, he sprinted to fetch for his gun, yet he didnt make it before he was hit with a taser from around the corner. People in the house had awakened, yet apprehended before any damage could be done. And now, what had once been full of noise and activity, had been replaced with silence, once more.

After taking the men back to the station, they would find an array of advanced computer equipment. Fortunately, the occupants had no time to kill what was in them, because evidence would have to be extracted. These men were a part of a very influencial sect, frowned upon by any responsible citizen. The Order of the Invisible Hand was not welcome here in the Austar Union, as as per the word of Indigo, it would soon be completely outlawed in this nation. The police, local investigational forces, would both be working full time to remove any lasting influences. In the meantime, a decree would be issued to the Austarian people, and to foriegn sects of that cult.

Issued to the People, Tuesday 19th April

I decree, that as eventual and absolute Lord of this nation, the Absolutionist State of Austar Union, that the organisation and Secular Cult known as the Order of the Invisible Hand, be declared completely and utterly illegal in the eyes and ears of the law, under the operating status of Treason. Those found with membership or links to the Order, will first be awakened to a series of interrogating efforts to find as much as we can, secondly reducational attempts will be made unto them, and thirdly, if the second point fails they will be put to death, as it is written under the constitution memorandum, under the section regarding crimes against the state, statement regarding planning a coersive action and prior affilliation.

OOC: Bump!

A private communiqué from His Imperial Majesty’s Government to the government of the Austar Union
Greetings from the Holy Empire of Excalbia.

We have read of your recent decision to ban the cult known as the Order of the Invisible Hand. We applaud your decision. We have found this cult to secretive, subversive and a threat to peace and stability. In fact, the current confrontation in the North Atlantic is due to the activities of this cult.

Under the guise of free market libertarianism – and we in the Holy Empire are, ourselves, committed to the free market and free international trade – this cult has clandestinely taken control of the government of the Confederation of Sovereign States. It has used manipulation, duplicity and, we believe, murder to silence its critics.

These are the actions that have led the Sovereign State of Saxmere to secede from the Confederation and that have led us to recognize Saxmere’s independence.

This is the root of our disagreement with the Dutch Democratic Republic – we are seeking to help the Saxmereans escape the influence of this pernicious cult while Knootoss and its Confederation puppet are trying to extend that same influence throughout our region.

Again, we applaud your decision and would be happy to discuss any possibilities you may see in jointly combating the further spread of this cult.

Respectfully,

Albert Cummings,
Minister of State

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TO: Albert Cummings, Minister of State, Excalbia
FROM: Indigo Blue, the Absolutionist State of Austar Union
SUBJECT: Re:
ENCRYPTION: Extremely High
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Ah, now much of the conflict makes sense to us! Thankyou very much for your enlightenment in this, since previously I wasnt exactly too sure on what had been occuring in the Soveriegn States, or should I say, Non-Soveriegn States, puppet of the Order, extention of Knootoss.

For now, I am not particularly fond about leading my nation into a war against this cult, since I would rather divert its resources into more fruitful projects. However I can assure you that I can alert my Secret Services of such a cause. Right now, I have some Directorates debating on the issue, and the outcome is looking positive toward your endeavours to stamp such a cult out. Let it be known though, that publically the Austar Union will have nothing to do with any secret war. Afterall, I have a reputation to uphold.

Yours In Excellence,

Indigo Blue
The Absolutionist State of Austar Union

To: Lord Indigo Blue, the Absolutionist State of Austar Union
From: President Nova Starfighter, the United Solaris Federation of Tiburon
Subject: Banning the Cult

Lord Blue,

Although we unfortunately do not know much about this order, we cannot at this time support the action taken by the Absolutionist State. Although it has been said that this order has contributed to increasing tensions within the eastern North Atlantic, we have not found any reason thus far to put our state of North America on alert. In addition, it has also been said that the Order controls the state of Knootoss, although, as a Knootian ally, we have not found any evidence for this.

Any information, however, from a neutral source that can be used to update our informational files would be most appreciated.

Sincerely,
N. Starfighter
"Perfection in war, perfection in peace, perfection in life."

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TO: President Nova Starfighter, the United Solaris Federation of Tiburon
FROM: Lord Indigo Blue, the Absolutionist State of Austar Union
SUBJECT: Information regarding the Order of the Invisible Hand
----------------------------------------------------

Ah, greetings old friend! Most certainly, I can provide you with some information regarding the Order of the Invisible Hand, which is at the moment, most influencial in the European and Atlanitic regions rather than North America at present. Please find the following attachments as a part of this message. [Attachment: 0001a (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Order_of_the_Invisible_Hand)], [Attachment: 0001b (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Order_of_the_Invisible_Hand/Writings)].

I am complete and utter disagreeance that for one to achieve a 'Free Market', that it is nessasary that the people exist for the market, rather than the market exist for the people. From what I know, they seem to uphold the market as their God in a sense, and that can be dangerous to my regime's security, especially when I am in such proximity to their location. For my own national security, I have passed this law, and I as much as they claim the Order is not a cult, I say it is.

Yours In Excellence,

Indigo Blue
The Absolutionist State of Austar Union

To: Lord Indigo Blue, the Absolutionist State of Austar Union
From: Velite General , Ilek-Vaad

The Free Republic had also previously taken the step of outlawing the Order of the Invisible Hand. It appeared some months ago that the Order attempted to engage in economic terrorism in the Free Republic. This has been hard to pin down. The resident aliens that were arrested for contriving to circumvent Republican economic controls claimed to be members of this Order of the Invisible Hand. I would stress claimed.

We did take the step of requesting that the Order of the Invisible Hand come forward and refute the claims made by it's alleged 'members' , but the Order seems to put secrecy ahead of law and order and refused to nothing more than to make anonymous comments to various Knootian news organizations.

It mat be benificial to pool our resources in regards to the Order of the Invisible Hand. My investigators have collected information on them, but as of yet we have had no way to independantly collaborate these findings.

I do understand that our states have not always seen eye to eye, but that is as maybe. I am not a politician and am charged soley with upholding law and order, something I am sure that you can appreciate.

Velite General, Yash Ihsan, Ilek-Vaad

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TO: Velite General, the Free Republic of Ilek-Vaad
FROM: Indigo Blue, the Absolutionist State of Austar Union
SUBJECT: Re: Collaborating Efforts?
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Can I at least be one of those to commend you for your efforts against this organisation? Such a foe we fight and seek to stamp out within our borders, is silent, and hard to track. If we can at least do our best to protect the everyday citizen against its manipulative propeganda, then we have done our job as leaders of todays' and tomorrows' societies.

I cannot say for sure on what I would like to do for seeking out the Order internationally, for I havent exactly drawn up any plans as yet, if I ever will. But let it be known that your offer hasnt gone ignored, or unnoticed.

Yours In Excellence,

Indigo Blue
The Absolutionist State of Austar Union

To: Lord Indigo Blue, the Absolutionist State of Austar Union
From: Velite General , Ilek-Vaad
Re: Collaborating Efforts?

I do thank you for your praise, your commendation is a high compliment indeed. I also do not think that it is feasible, or legal to go about stamping out the Order of the Invisible Hand internationally. I do however think that pooling intelligence on the Order would help us to better identify and track agents of the Order of the Invisible Hand. Tracking agents of a secret organization is of course extremely hard , especially without a way to cross reference to verify membership, or alleged membership.

I am still not entirely certain that anyone I have apprehended is actually a member of the Order, though some have confessed to it, I simply have no way to verify or collaborate their statements.

If you request, I will make all files regarding the Order of the Invisible Hand available to your security forces. I thank you for your consideration and prompt reply.

Velite General, Yash Ihsan, Ilek-Vaad

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TO: Velite General, the Free Republic of Ilek-Vaad
FROM: Lord Indigo Blue, the Absolutionist State of Austar Union
SUBJECT Re:
---------------------------------------------------------

Well since our involvement with each other will be minimal, in particularly of the sharing of intelligence, I can only agree that I am most thankful to have the opportunity to at work with you against the Order of the Invisible Hand domestically. For now, my actual intelligence on this cult is limited, however I am under the firm belief that they are part of the reason behind Knootoss being so defensive of the Soveriegn States against Excalbian forces.

This is really all I can tell you, except of what is their doctorine and history, of which I am sure you are already certain of.

Yours In Excellence,

Indigo Blue
The Absolutionist State of Austar Union

The government of the Austar Union deserves to be commended for taking action agains tthe terrorist sect known as "the Order of the Invisble Hand." It is well known that the Order is engaged in international intrigue designed to topple democractic governments, whether by subversion or by open invasion, as has been the case with my country.

I ven ture to suggest that there may be scope for international collaboration to combat this menace to free societies everywhere. Our embassy in Knootoss has compiled a dossier on the Order's activities there, and it is our belief that the Order now controls the Knootian government. We should be pleased to share informaiton on cobatting the Invisible Hand terrorists with any government alive to this global menace.

Mari Alkatiri
People's representative for foreign affairs & human rights
United Provinces of Tanah Burung (government-in-exile)

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TO: Representative Mari Alkatiri for Foriegn Affairs & Human Rights, United Provinces of Tanah Burung - [Government In Exile]
FROM: Lord Indigo Blue, the Absolutionist State of Austar Union
SUBJECT: Re:
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Whilst I do appreciate the warm comments on behalf of yourself and your nation, I would like to state that as of right now I have no interest in fighting the Order further than domestically, here in the Austar Union itself. I am under the belief that if others want that cult in their borders, then let them recieve it, but I will not stand for its presence under my regime.

If the Knootian government is controlled by the cult as you say, I have no interest there, and what they do is their own damn business. I have no right to dictate their style of politics. But they will remain however, our allies through VERITAS.

Yours In Excellence,

Indigo Blue
The Absolutionist State of Austar Union

To: Lord Indigo Blue, the Absolutionist State of Austar Union
From: President Nova Starfighter, the United Solaris Federation of Tiburon

Lord Blue,

I hope, firstly, that you may forgive me for my more formal letter earlier. After all, there are no formalities between friends, and no friends between formalities.

At this point, as friends, I wish to first thank you for providing the information on the Order of the Invisible Hand, but unfortunately must note that this provides more questions than answers. Is the Order not simply a religious organization? ...Regardless, the recent accusations against the Knootian government and these actions do, in a way, strain the U.S.F. as well as myself, in that the Austar Union and Knootoss are both old, respected Tiburonese allies, and that we have plans to open an alliance with Tanah Burung and the rest of the FKC.

Of course, we are no stranger to such matters, as a nation that has managed to befriend both Edolia and Allanea. This comes to the thrust of the letter- a better way for both of our nations. Instead of bringing overtones of malevolent dictatorship into the question, it may be infinitely better for us to provide a safe passage for members of the Order into Tiburon. This may simultaneously allow the Austar Union to eliminate it's security problem while preserving the maximum number of lives at a minimum amount of heartache. It also improves both of our nations in the international community's eyes- they're simply leaving to a place where they can have a bigger share of the market, even if it is to a place where their ideas are generally looked down upon by the Tiburonese populace. (Which is true- according to Time, 71% of Tiburonese oppose Order principles.)

And a side note- for long, I have strongly opposed dictatorships everywhere. Perhaps the Austar Union may change from an absolutionist state to a constitutional monarchy? Just a thought from a wandering passer-by.

As always, a true friend,
N. Starfighter

--------------------------------------------------------
TO: President Nova Starfighter, the United Solaris Federation of Tiburon
FROM: Lord Indigo Blue, the Absolutionist State of Austar Union
SUBJECT: Re:
--------------------------------------------------------

I honestly wouldnt worry about you having to form alliances with anyone. No alliances will be formed, no wars will be fought. I have already made up my mind, and that is that I have no interest in fighting the Order of the Invisible Hand globally. As for your call that its nothing more than some religion, I disagree. Contrary to most cults, they do not have strange worship sessions, or meet in strange church-like gatherings. Instead, I consider the Order of the Invisible hand more of an activists group, who hide behind a blanket of secrecy. They promote more of a political ideal more than anything, something I think is dangerous to the human mind in general, and extensively my own position of power.

As for your offer to 'banish' people to your nation; I honestly wouldnt worry about the case of mass death or what not. Intelligence shows that Order activity here is minimal, and whilst I have my police forces watching for any new information, I wouldnt even be surprised if those three men arrested for having links were the only ones in my country. They are fiercly loyal to their ideals, and to the leader of this nation, and damn it took some effort to instigate that into the mindset of my people. But I made it possible through the use of education, and now they choose me and my ways, rather than me having to force it upon them that I am right. I doubt they would even be receptive to a large influence from the Order of the Invisible Hand. They know better, and I trust in that. So I dont see much need to arrange an export program for anyone in the Union with links.

As for your offer and suggestion for a change in government. My answer will be simple, NO. In fact, I am shocked that you would even suggest such a thing. In the meantime, I wouldnt get too relaxed with your form and entitlement, Mr. Starfighter.

Yours In Excellence,

Indigo Blue
The Absolutionist State of Austar Union

To the world and Order of the Invisible Hand sympathisers in the Austar Union
Reaching the world through a publishing house in Menelmacar

Once again, arrests of innocents. People who have done nothing criminal, thought nothing criminal, associated with no criminal, are being arrested and punished. Now, to propose free market reform in a free market state is labelled as treason. The familiar routine of measures:

“interrogating efforts”
“reducational attempts”
“putting traitors to death”

And why then? What is it exactly that has been done by these citizen of Austar Union that warrants such action, thought of as worse still then rape or murder! It is what the Austarians have eloquently termed: treason. To defy the absolute will of an entire people there is no appeal, no redemption, no refuge but treason – but that members of the Order are planning ‘coercive action’ against the state is a flat-out lie. Where then is the coercion of people deciding to join a group of men and women of ideas with their own free will? Who would be betrayed by such thoughts if this supposed loyalty was evidently not with them in the first place.

I mean not to plead for freedom of speech and freedom of conscience – for we all know that these matters have never been respected in the Union and indeed in much of the world. What the persecution shows is the weakness of the regime displayed in its excessive use of strength. If these people you disagree with have a philosophy that is so patently ridiculous and such an abomination before all mankind, then why are such powerful Absolutists as Lord Indigo afraid of its influence? Why would their good and loyal people (for they are no doubt a good and loyal people) submit to ideas so patently false, so obviously and irrevocably evil, so easily discarded? This means that we struck a nerve, and exposed it bare for all the world to see.

Those who persecute the Order of the Invisible hand fail to realise that the only force that can overcome an idea and a faith is another and better idea and faith, positively and fearlessly upheld. This is the core of our Market, based on the absolute foundation of reality.

But all this is of little help to those of us who are out there, in the Austar Union or in other States of the Double Monopoly. Those who would seek to persecute us are those determined not to compete for the ideological Market share, to maintain the ‘Double Monopoly’ of Religion and State upon the Market of ideas. This is a subject which has been discussed extensively by people far more eloquent then myself, so I will not elaborate. Suffice to say that in fair competition there is no need for coercion, for violence or for other forces disruptive of the Market for our idea to prevail.

Whenever you despair, remember that the way of truth and love has always won. There may be tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they may seem invincible, but in the end, they always fail. Think of it: always. Remember, also, that nothing is as real as a dream, as our dream. The world can change around us for the better or the worse, but our dream will not change. Our responsibilities need not erase it and our duties need not obscure it. Because the dream is within us, no tyrant can take it away.

But we must also respond to a changing world lest we render ourselves obsolete. It is time to change our strategy and replace excessive secrecy with cautious transparency in those countries where it is deemed possible. Even where the Double Monopoly reigns there is still the law, which seeks to protect all equally and religions and the state especially. Those still in contact with one another will organise the effort to gain the equal means of power and protection now denied to us: the Order will seek to be recognised as a religion wherever such an effort has a chance to yield real opportunity and where this would gain individuals who see the Market as a reality protections under the law. The Church of Freedom will first seek to establish chapters in those countries where it is not yet banned but where it is at risk: the Resurgent Dream, Pantocratoria, Tanah Burung, Excalbia, Syskeyia, Ilek-Vaad and other countries. The church will be giving out official publications at profitable rates, and serve as a platform for transparency. The conspiracy theories are getting too wild now, and too detached from reality in ways that could stand to hurt us. Through open publications we can create understanding and spread the word.

However I give a word of caution that you are not to give your name to anyone. Do not identify yourself as a ‘churchgoer’ as our lives are not yet safe. Like the elves and Jews and communists in other countries we have nothing to hide, but much to fear.

Of course, it was Indigo who would have read the manuscript delivered to the Austarian people, intercepted by the Austarian Intelligence Directorate. He read it several times, to gain an understanding of its meaning and a sense of the mindset behind these words. They were for the most part interesting in most retrospects, however the fundamental judgementals these people had made about his desision were wrong. As much as they had intended well behind the text, the author was still wrong about Indigo, and was still wrong about the people of the Austar Union. Still, it was obviously a novel idea which these people held. He had decided to write back, to whomever had written the text. If they had their eyes and ears open, such a man (or woman), would most certainly recieve it.


In Response to the Manuscript, Written by Hands of the Order

Do not misunderstand my words when I speak so plain and simple. I do indeed believe in the freewill, and goodwill of all men no matter what their beliefs are or what their religious doctorine may be, within reason of course. And I do not believe in a state of absolute censorship, whereby the people have effectively had the right to choose taken away. However whilst saying that, I am growing in concern of the doctorine of the Order of the Invisible Hand, which teaches that the people are to serve the market, that the interests of the individual are not worthy to match that of the Global Corporation. Such a perversion of social priority I believe is dangerous to the human, and while I am under the belief that the Austarian citizens would reject your ideas on the basis that they could be considered rediculous, I do not want your organisation here.

I am under the belief that the Order of the Invisible Hand is such a powerful influence on the political world, that entire nations have been corrupted by its doctorine. As such, I am also under the belief that this has led to a series of conflicts with those of different political ideal, or for the sake of an Order controlled state. I believe that the banding of similar minded states could be dangerous to the balance of global politics if it is simply by matter of doctorine, rather than by treaty as diplomacy would have it. For one thing, I do not want the risk of having such a politically corrupting organisation here in my nation, and I only ask those who follow its doctorine drop all links with what I would define an illegal organisation. And it has not been made illegal by the laws I have passed but rather the simple fact that it influences a man's doctorine entirely, and places them into a sphere of influence and power so much that it affect the course of that nation. It would not be through regular methods of political party or what not, but in the form of a secret society. And if you want an illustration of my point of view just imagine a secret society promoting the rise of Nazi states across the world, promoting its members to higher levels of politics. I consider that practise coersive, and highly illegal. In the meantime if a Nazi Party was to spring up, it would be their true faces they show and I would not be so opposed to their existance in this state. But of course, we dont have parties anyway. I am the ruling leader.

You may wish to realise though that its not even really politics that we are fighting here, but rather we are fighting for the simple sense of moral decency. If our people were to follow the doctorine as you teach, we would be nothing but robots following the trend of the market, rather than be dominated by our own moral order. Here in the Austar Union, I would rather the moral order define the market, rather than the market define it, and it is this difference that makes our average citizens filled with a sense of self-respect, and individuality. We dont follow trends, we like to carve our own while still remaining in the world of decency. A market like you promote, is a danger to the mind, and substandardizes the health of the average human being.

Signed,

Lord Indigo Blue
The Absolutionist State of Austar Union

Yet another anonymous missive from the Order of the Invisible Hand. If the Order is not involved in illegal activities then they should have no need to excessive , fanatical secrecy.

The offer of 'cautious transparency' is likewise a joke. Secret societies remain secret because they have something to hide.

Minister of the Judiciary, Ilek-Vaad

In the meantime down in the darker basements of this nation, the Austarian Intelligence Directorate had been studying the manuscript for some time now, having recieved a copy for almost a day since its release. For the most part, they could not track its origin further than the publishing house front, located in Menelmacar. But that didnt really matter, since the Austar Union had no vested idea in getting involved with Menelmacari internal matters, nor did they really want to send investigators to find out more. Besides, Indigo had already expressed to them a desire not to seek them out.

"Make an enemy out of them, and they make an enemy out of us," were his words to be exact.

Perhaps wise words, perhaps those preventing the final control over the Order of the Invisible Hand. Nevertheless, Indigo believed in a system of tolerance whereby if he left them alone, they wouldnt seriously begin operations here in the Union. Still, it was possible that they could, but then he didnt want to make the Austar Union any more of a target than the average nation who frowned upon its doctorine; there were plenty of those already so his regime was safe, for the most part. And although Indigo had indeed told all correspondants that he wasnt interested in fighting the Order of the Invisible Hand, he never did mention specifically about preventing its eventual spread. Afterall, had he not made some agreements with nations abroad to assist in the sharing of intelligence on this operation?

Preparing a telegram to such nations, and all those considered friendly to the Austar Union, these men at the Intelligence Directorate would acknowledge their friend's right to know. Indigo had claimed the Order of the Invisible Hand dangerous and a menace to the political affilliation of society, and if it was true what he had claimed, surely our friends ought to have a clue on their movements if we were to understand any better on these topics of behaviour.

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TO: Nations Friendly to the Union, Including; Excalbia, Tiburon, Ilek-Vaad, The Resurgent Dream, Pantocratoria, and All Else Concerning.
FROM: Austarian Intelligence Directorate, the Absolutionist State of Austar Union
SUBJECT: Urgent Intelligence Alert
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On behalf of Indigo I speak, and present to you some very important information regarding the Order of the Invisible Hand. Just a few hours ago, my government was presented with a manuscript, which not only speaks down upon our recent desision to ban activities within our borders and amongst our populous, but also reveals some very important information regarding their future movements as an organisation. Please find a copy of this letter found as the following attachment. [Attachment: 0001a (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=8715865&postcount=15)].

Within it details that they strive to instead operate under the guise of absolute silence, they could be beginning a proper series of meetings where they could publish and hand-out entire booklets on their doctorine. And understanding the dangers of such doctorine, I thought it best that you could be ready for the changes which could indeed come to pass. Take it or leave it, the information and security alert has been passed onto you.

Yours In Excellence,

Austarian Intelligence Directorate
Operating on Behalf of Both the State and Indigo.

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TO: Representative Mari Alkatiri for Foriegn Affairs & Human Rights, United Provinces of Tanah Burung - [Government In Exile]
FROM: Lord Indigo Blue, the Absolutionist State of Austar Union
SUBJECT: Re:
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Whilst I do appreciate the warm comments on behalf of yourself and your nation, I would like to state that as of right now I have no interest in fighting the Order further than domestically, here in the Austar Union itself. I am under the belief that if others want that cult in their borders, then let them recieve it, but I will not stand for its presence under my regime.

If the Knootian government is controlled by the cult as you say, I have no interest there, and what they do is their own damn business. I have no right to dictate their style of politics. But they will remain however, our allies through VERITAS.

Yours In Excellence,

Indigo Blue
The Absolutionist State of Austar Union

Then, Sir, i shall press the matter no further. Should you at any time decide that the threat is international rather than domestic, my government will lend whatever assistance it can, but this is of course entirely your own decision.

ON behalf of my government, please allow me to express very best wishes to yourself and your people,

Alkatiri

To: Austarian Intelligence Directorate, Abolutionist State of Austar Union
From: Lady Gwyneth Hapsgaard, Director, Imperial Intelligence, Holy Empire of Excalbia
Subject: Urgent Intelligence Alert

We have received your intelligence alert with great interest. Please accept our sincere gratitude for your willingness to share this information.

Allow me to again repeat the offer previously made by our Minister of State to share intelligence on the activities of the Order of the Invisible Hand.

Respectfully,

Lady Gwyneth Hapsgaard, Esq.
Director

#tag# Shall post later.

((OOC" There'll be a thread responding to the Order's wishes but I'm holding off on posting it until more of Knoot's other threads clear up so as not to overburdner him too much. I mean, he is already dealing with about five spin-off threads from the Excalbian thread.))

((Thanks a lot.))

From: Thelasi Ministry of Foreign Affairs

We find it sad that again another religious group is attacked for no other reason than being a supposed “threat” to the people. Yet it is easy to see behind the thin and weak defense which the oppressive regime has thrown up, it is easy to see that this government wishes to maintain a stranglehold on anything that might possible be able to threaten its iron grasp upon the people within the nation.

We sincerely doubt that any measures short of hostile acts will dissuade this government from their self destructive path, but do not misunderstand this as a threat, the Thelasi government has no wish to conduct any actions against a nation such as Austar Union, which will eventually collapse under it’s own weight.

At this time, we merely open our doors to any members of the Order, or of any other groups, who wish to enter our nation and seek refuge.

END

Of course, not disclosed in the message to the major media sources of the world, was the fact that the Thelasi government would conduct screening and surveillance of the emigrants (those who came), to root out spies and saboteurs.

Indigo took the time to actually hear what the foriegn ministry from Thelas had to say, and pondered for a moment. It was easy to see how it could be considered a way to oppress an ideal raising against his regime, I suppose, yet if they had any kind of intelligence they would have realised that it was not for his own political reasons but rather for the protection of mental sanity, and for the protection of moral order he had designed for the citizens of this nation. Doctorines from the Order of the Invisible Hand were not welcome, because they promoted the market as some kind of God. Unhealthy because it degraded the decency of society, into some tangling mass of mental health and personal abuse. Nations such as the United States of America were slowly degrading like that; old morals dont exist anymore. And it was these morals which Indigo and his people appreciated. He wasnt going to let such corruption into society, least for now. In the meantime he moved onto the more important, and that was a letter for Excalbia.

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TO: Lady Gwyneth Hapsgaard, Director, Imperial Intelligence, Holy Empire of Excalbia
FROM: Austarian Intelligence Directorate, Abolutionist State of Austar Union
SUBJECT: Re:
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Im so sorry, I have overlooked your offer. Yes, please let me graciously accept your offer to recieve intelligence on the Order of the Invisible Hand. We would appreciate anything you would have to offer. In fact, with the amount of individuals I am sharing with at the moment, it seems I might be in store for some kind of corporate intelligence pact!

Thankyou for your assistance.

Yours in Excellence,

Austarian Intelligence Directorate
Operating on Behalf both the State and Indigo.

To: Austarian Intelligence Directorate, Abolutionist State of Austar Union
From: Lady Gwyneth Hapsgaard, Director, Imperial Intelligence, Holy Empire of Excalbia
Subject: Urgent Intelligence Alert

We are pleased that you have accepted our offer to share intelligence on the Order of the Invisible Hand. Attached you fill find the transcripts of two electronic intercepts. Both reveal the Order’s operation and strategy in the Excalbian Isles.

In brief, we are confident that the Order has subverted the government of the Confederation of Sovereign States and is actively seeking to subvert the Dominion of Upper Virginia. We also have good reason to believe that the Order is directly supported by the Dutch Democratic Republic.

We have not yet developed any intelligence on the Order’s plans in other nations. If we do so, we shall share that information promptly.

I regret the poor quality of the intercepts; both were recorded in public places.

Respectfully,

Lady Gwyneth Hapsgaard, Esq.
Director

Attachments:

Intercept 0400050601910
Recorded: Private Club in Ergli, Alud, C.S.S.

John Hayes (associate of Pres. Caine): A new day is dawning in the Confederation. The SP (Sovereignty Party) represents a retreat to the past – state sovereignty and states’ rights employed to the good ends of economic prosperity. But, those days are gone. States’ rights might mean good …. (garbled) …. unionists and liberals there …. (garbled) … road to creating a welfare state. Southland? Saxmere? Left to their own …. (garbled) … theocracies. No, my old friend, the only way to implement good policies now is to ...

Cong. Ozolins: You certainly don’t expect us to do a 180 in our official policies, do you?

Hayes: (garbled)… hope that you will support good policies when we put them forth. And… (garbled)… you and any of your SP colleagues willing … (garbled) … our understanding, a place in the new Order…

Intercept 04004569024011
Recorded: Café, The Hague, Knootoss

Elizabeth Pilmana (Member, Upper Virginia Chamber of Industrials): Thank you …(garbled)… Mr. Krauklis… (garbled) … was hoping that the Confederation, as the first nation in the Excalbian Isles to adopt the ways of the Order, would be able to offer some direct … garbled ….

Krauklis (Pres. Caine’s Chief of Staff): Ms. Pilmana, we will naturally do everything … (garbled) … support you …(garbled)… your General Altman is out … (sound of dishes dropping)… send you – at his official request, of course … (yelling in background) … of Commerce. They will be able to do everything you need… (indistinct) … the DDR’s … (indistinct) … us training … (indistinct) … the fruits of that investment with you … (garbled) …. yield in mutual profits.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
TO: Lady Gwyneth Hapsgaard, Director, Imperial Intelligence, Holy Empire of Excalbia
FROM: Austarian Intelligence Directorate, Abolutionist State of Austar Union
SUBJECT: Re:
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Thankyou very much for the intelligence you have provided us. We have recieved the information as clear as day without trouble. In the meantime if you dont mind us asking, what will the Excalbians be doing to work against the Order of the Invisible hand on the Excalbian Isles?

Yours in Excellence,

Austarian Intelligence Directorate
Operating on Behalf both the State and Indigo.

OOC: Also, if you dont mind is there a good map at all for the Excalbian Isles, so I can learn my way around? Cheers!

(OOC: A response is coming. Meanwhile, here is a link to a map of the Isles: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v209/ILCLBT/map_of_countries.jpg; when looking at the map, the landmass in the upper left corner is Greenland and the landmass in the upper right corner is Iceland.)

Reply, again public:

To: Lord Indigo Blu, the Absolutionist State of Austar Union
From: An Order sympathiser, the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar

Lord Indigo,

Having read your letter, I was pained to learn how misunderstandings and mistrust can lead to gravely wrong decisions being taken by well-meaning men. State regulation of the Market of ideologies leads to mistakes and again I must emphasise that fair competition would allow for the truth to surface. But for now let us not discuss the information imperfections in hierarchical systems, but let me instead attempt to enlighten you - as an enlightened ruler surely would desire – about the nature of the Market and those promoting it. If you truly believe in the freewill, and goodwill of all men no matter what their beliefs are or what their religious doctrine then you may yet find us a friend in us.

To begin with the basic point of doctrine, which you stated as being that ‘the people are to serve the market, that the interests of the individual are not worthy to match that of the Global Corporation.’

Nothing could be further from the truth!

As Adam Smith said about man, in ‘The Wealth of Nations’: "By pursuing his own interest he frequently promotes that of society more effectually than when he really intends to promote it. I have never known much good done by those who affected to trade for the public good." Although it might not come readily to mind for those unfamiliar with our way of thinking, a price is an "invisible hand" institution. No one enters an exchange to produce a price, but nevertheless an exchange ratio or a price emerges from the transaction. Not being the result of anyone's intention a price can be rendered meaningful only by an invisible hand explanation. Prices, as you will surely agree, are both unintended and benign and there is no question of men ‘serving’ the price mechanism!

And yet, spontaneous development is not the same thing as automatic development, if by automatic one means instantaneous and mechanical adjustment. On the contrary, it is up to the Entrepreneur to perceive changes in the Market and adjust the use of resources not only to the new present conditions but also to what he sees as likely conditions in the future. Order doctrine holds that every human being is and should be an Entrepreneur, managing their own life! It is a message of great liberation and liberty, not of servitude to any institutions old or new!

This same liberation extends to the role of the corporation in the Market. The Order has consistently opposed corporate oppression in Santa Barbara and the lands controlled by the Resi Corporation. In order for there to be a Market there must be competition, and if entrepreneurs are enslaved to serve the single cause of a corporate dictator, there is no Market. This is reprehensible, and such things must be opposed by all civilised men. This is not to say that Corporations do not play a role in the Market but that the role of the corporate Entrepreneur is to compete, not to enslave.

You speak of corruption, Lord Indigo, but surely the liberation of sentient beings is not corruption. We do not seek to control states but instead seek to open Markets. The Austar Union as it is has nothing to fear from the Order, it only has to fear its own oppression of an idea.

If the secrecy of our members is your problem, then try to understand that the States of the Double Monopoly have always sought to oppress the Order because they do not wish to compete for the Market share. If you wish for more openness, you need only recognise the Church of Freedom in your lands and you may see a public organisation you so much praised in your latest note.

OOC: Just to clarify, AU, you mentioned the United States of America earlier. The United States of America no longer exists. This map (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/United_Solaris_Federation/namernationstates.jpg) can help.

IC: --------------------------------------------------------
TO: President Nova Starfighter, the United Solaris Federation of Tiburon
FROM: Lord Indigo Blue, the Absolutionist State of Austar Union
SUBJECT: Re: The Order of the Invisible Hand
--------------------------------------------------------

I honestly wouldnt worry about you having to form alliances with anyone. No alliances will be formed, no wars will be fought. I have already made up my mind, and that is that I have no interest in fighting the Order of the Invisible Hand globally. As for your call that its nothing more than some religion, I disagree. Contrary to most cults, they do not have strange worship sessions, or meet in strange church-like gatherings. Instead, I consider the Order of the Invisible hand more of an activists group, who hide behind a blanket of secrecy. They promote more of a political ideal more than anything, something I think is dangerous to the human mind in general, and extensively my own position of power.

As for your offer to 'banish' people to your nation; I honestly wouldnt worry about the case of mass death or what not. Intelligence shows that Order activity here is minimal, and whilst I have my police forces watching for any new information, I wouldnt even be surprised if those three men arrested for having links were the only ones in my country. They are fiercly loyal to their ideals, and to the leader of this nation, and damn it took some effort to instigate that into the mindset of my people. But I made it possible through the use of education, and now they choose me and my ways, rather than me having to force it upon them that I am right. I doubt they would even be receptive to a large influence from the Order of the Invisible Hand. They know better, and I trust in that. So I dont see much need to arrange an export program for anyone in the Union with links.

As for your offer and suggestion for a change in government. My answer will be simple, NO. In fact, I am shocked that you would even suggest such a thing. In the meantime, I wouldnt get too relaxed with your form and entitlement, Mr. Starfighter.

Yours In Excellence,

Indigo Blue
The Absolutionist State of Austar Union

To: Lord Indigo Blue, the Austar Union
From: President Nova Starfighter, Tiburon
Subject: Both Messages

Lord Blue,

Although I agree that the nihilistic beliefs of the Order of the Invisible Hand are in general dangerous to the free and liberal politics (in general) of many nations, including the USF, we still have not found sufficient evidence to consider them a terrorist organization, and as such are obligated to welcome them to our shores. If they

As for the system change- I'm very much in favor of democracy personally, and we as a nation are in favor of democracy and freedom overall. We believed, given the growing friendship between our two nations, that the time was ripe for a more stable system. We probably will ask again- myself, and future Tiburonese presidents.

And in regards to the last comment of the first message, I'd like to quote an old Tiburonese saying. Don't tread on me.

As per the second message, we do not believe this to be a major factor in changing plans for Order immigration laws. As long as they are not proven by Tiburonese law to be a terrorist state, we cannot change their designation.

Sincerely,
N. Starfighter
------------------------------------------------------

Official Message from the USF of Tiburon

The USF, upholding its commitment to freedom, democracy, and liberalization, at this time notes that it will not change any laws for immigration into Tiburon for Order members. Tiburon shall remain a safe haven from persecution.

Indigo leaned back into his comfortable, high backed chair. Handcrafted by seven thousand men, each piece had been carefully designed before assembling the chair so that it would not only become ergonomically pleasing, but also incredibally high in comfort and a pleasure to view as well. It was most probably the most comfortable chair in the nation, being the only one in existance. Whether it was the greatest in the world was a different matter, and could only be up to speculation. In the meantime he continued to read the two letters before him, and seriously considered what they meant. It appeared that perhaps his judgement on the Order had been far too rash, and he had misunderstood their doctorine and beliefs. Still, there was no way he could remove the restriction he had placed now, for he could only be considered a 'flip-flop', proverbially of course. Maybe in the future, after a long while he could remove the ban.

And onto the letter from Mr. Nova Starfighter. It seemed as if he couldnt even see his own insolence. Who in the world with a straight working mind would suggest to a national leader, that his system of government was either wrong or too unstable? It would be like walking into a house, and telling the residents there that the way they ate dinner was a menace. Fortunately for Starfighter, Indigo was a peaceful man and rarely if anything was fond for war and battle. Most things could be settled a peaceful way, one which doesnt require the death of thousands, hundreds of thousands, or even millions. There was the occasional time when Indigo would consider it appropriate to mobilize his armies, but this was not one of them. Afterall, Nova had only insulted Indigo several times. He was getting to be on a roll. Pulling out his pen and paper, Indigo began to draft a short message.

-----------------------------------------------------------
TO: President Nova Starfighter, the United Solaris Federation of Tiburon
FROM: Lord Indigo Blue, the Absolutionist State of Austar Union
SUBJECT: Re:
-----------------------------------------------------------

If I were a lesser man, I would have opted for battle. Once upon a time, it would have been quite a possibility. Now you're fortunate that I have developed the intelligence to realise that war doesnt hang over every curve, or every insult. There are plenty of men however I must point out, who actually do. I can probably say that if Riddick had been in power over the Austar Union, that could have been such a realistic expectation. He's an angry one that Riddick, be careful not to treat him as you have me.

In the meantime, I am beginning to understand what I can expect from Havenites. Most definatly the behaviour you have displayed I am in dismay about. The way you conducted yourself sir, to suggest that my way of life and governmental style was somehow unstable. From my position I view democracy as an unstable and unripe way of governing a nation, but do I choose to comment. Sure, I would support a rise in non-democratic reforms should they be introduced, but I choose not to insult my friends and allies. I think you had better rethink the way you conduct yourself Mr. Starfighter, before you get into trouble with somebody. Just a helpful word of advice.

Yours In Excellence,

Lord Indigo Blue
The Absolutionist State of Austar Union

To: Lord Indigo Blue, the Austar Union
From: President Nova Starfighter, Tiburon
Subject: Re(2): Both Messages

Lord Blue,

I apologize wholeheartedly- in no way whatsoever did I or my nation mean any insult to yourself or the Absolutionist State as a whole. On the contrary, we consider the Austar Union to be a full and complete ally of the USF, and I personally consider you a friend as much as any. The cultures of the Austar Union and Tiburon are very different, it seems, and some of these cultural differences have been borne to light- in the USF, at least, the dialogue that we have been having would be considered nothing less than a light discussion of politics between friends. We strongly hope that any obstacles to Tiburonese-Austari and personal friendships created during this brief debate can be mended- the USF is a peace and friendship-loving nation, and we believe that the Tiburon-Austar alliance is one to be protected. If anything, please consider my and Tiburonese conduct during the Austari arrival to Haven as the true indicator of Tiburonese personality, the ideal for which we strive. While we may unfortunately deviate from this path at times, the USF tries to make every attempt to rectify their mistakes, and we strongly hope that this can be another correction in our history.

Sincerely, and once again with apology,
N. Starfighter

In the meantime he continued to read the two letters before him, and seriously considered what they meant. It appeared that perhaps his judgement on the Order had been far too rash, and he had misunderstood their doctorine and beliefs. Still, there was no way he could remove the restriction he had placed now, for he could only be considered a 'flip-flop', proverbially of course. Maybe in the future, after a long while he could remove the ban.

--------------------------------------
Totally unrelated discussion.... or is it?
The Hague, Knootoss
--------------------------------------

"So what is this 'flip-flopping thing anyway?", asked young Manfred as the news on KNN went on to report on the weather in various Haven countries.

"Well" - the greying old man sank a little deeper in the comfortable couch. "Its the basic platform of the Social Liberal Party here. You can trust them to take whatever opinion they think will gain them seats at that moment." He snickered a little to himself as the younger boy looked mildly annoyed.

"Please Vader", the young lad continued. "I really do not know the term. Does it have something to do with sandals? Something the Jesus-worshippers do?"

Frowning mildly annoyed, ‘dad’ answered: "No, no. It means changing your position several times on a political issue."

"You mean when people realise they are wrong they change their position or when circumstances change?"

"Nah", the old man replied. "Well... yes actually. But politicians prefer to persist in their errors even when they themselves know they are wrong. To save face. They then accuse the people who do change their minds of flip-flopping. Nice political trick eh?"

"Seems rather stupid to me", Manfred said unimpressed. "Why would people think that someone changing his mind is a bad thing?"

"Well, the SLP changes its mind all the time and they are still here", the father said with a grin. The son - clearly more liberally inclined - glared angrily.

"Its more something of conservative societies", the old man went on, "Want consistency in their leadership. That sort of thing.... which reminds me, has that Lord Purple Blue answered that letter from the Order yet? I thought that was an interesting story to follow."

"Lemme check", Manfred said as his hands darted over the remote control. Informational screens from the digital KNN connection popped up, until the boy reached a red link denoting a possible follow up. "Nothing yet", he said with a frown. "And its been a while. Maybe he wants to ignore it."

"Who knows", the old man shrugged, "pass the Pink Bunny Cola please."

----------------------------------------------------
TO: The Order of the Invisible Hand
FROM: Lord Indigo Blue, the Absolutionist State of Austar Union
SUBJECT: Re:
----------------------------------------------------

I do apoligise for the delayed response, for I have been pondering upon your message for some time. And I have come to a quick, yet consise position. I will be perhaps the first to admit that maybe I have been overhasty in the judgement of your doctorine, and I do apoligise for that. However, my concern for the organisation's political extent does trouble me somewhat, since I have recieved a large variety of intelligence that the Order could be at the bottom of many conflicts globally. It is this reason, of which for now I will remain cautious. As such the ban on the organisation's involvement within Union borders will remain, however unless you can present to me evidence to the contrary as to why I shouldnt be concerned, then I may rethink my position.

In the meantime, to be honest I have been considering repealing the ban anyway, since lately analysts have revealed that the economic boom effects within our finance department have indeed been created since I have began to remove restrictions on the lives of my citizens, and since the nation has turned to more of a benelovant dictatorship than anything. The repealing of such a ban would be a move in the right direction if I was to consider my economic options. However, dont count on these words as promises, since I am only considering all arguements first. Should I decide on a course of action, you will be the first to know.

Yours In Excellence,

Lord Indigo Blue
The Absolutionist State of Austar Union

Reply, again public:

To: Lord Indigo Blu, the Absolutionist State of Austar Union
From: An Order sympathiser, the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar

Lord Indigo,

I am glad your initial misconceptions about Order doctrine have been taken away. It truly is the sign of an enlightened leader that one may come to a different point of view based on the available information. It is an entrepeneurial point of view!

With your ideological objections against the presence of the Order in the Austar Union removed, I can only hope your other misgivings will be refuted - also based on the available evidence.

Our competitors are many, and the lies spread about the Order are ever-present. Without knowing upon which intelligence you base your opinions about the supposed subversive nature of the Order it is impossible for members to defend themselves or refute the accusations made by anonymous foreigners who would not even openly speak their poisonous words. Instead, those who wish to promote the Market can only cower before the Double Monopoly as its defenders unleash their vast intelligence apparatus with the intent to combat an idea.

But is the Order then innocent, you may ask, are we the people allowed to throw the first stone, to use a Biblical reference? Why of course not! When billions of sentient beings join together to follow an idea and accept it as Truth, then every possible sentient being can be counted amongst them. No doubt there will be members of the Order who are thieves, murderers, and liars. There may even be traitors or terrorists who believe that the Market is an absolute reality. Yet the same holds for every single faith that this planet has ever known: Protestant thieves, Catholic murderers, Sirithilist liars, Socialist traitors and Sidhe terrorists have all in common that they commit unjust acts – not that they have this idea or the other.

To ban the idea shared by the guilty as well as the innocent, yet to leave the unjust acts intact legitimises and reinforces the unjust acts and punishes the idea. Such injustice surely cannot exist in an enlightened state. Be who you were born to be: let there be fair competition between the ideas, and punish the unjust act. Be the defender of the State that defends the Market, and defend public order, not the public idea.

I remain,

----------------------------------------------------
TO: The Order of the Invisible Hand
FROM: Lord Indigo Blue, the Absolutionist State of Austar Union
SUBJECT: Re:
----------------------------------------------------

Yes. The evidence you have provided to me has been an overwhelming factor in my latest desision. It is true that there will always be the bad apples to join the good, and you are correct in your statements as such. It appears to me now, that it is quite relatively possible that the Order of the Invisible Hand is not so much the organisation we have been told. For the clarification you have presented, I thankyou. In the meantime, please know that in the near future, you will see a news presentation based on the event that I will be repealing the ban on Order doctorine within this state. If there ever was a misconception, then let it be put behind us as a recieving of false intelligence. I will publically announce not that I particularly agree with the Order nor its doctorine, but that I support the free exchange of personal ideas within my borders. Like every religion and belief, it ought to be allowed so long as it doesnt present a clear danger to the state or its populous. You have proven to me that the Order does not create such risk, and that it is simply an idea, among the rest.

Yours In Excellence,

Lord Indigo Blue
The Absolutionist State of Austar Union

http://www.abcnews.go.com/images/site/homepage/showbrand_default.gif
Austarian Broadcasting Corporation [ABC]: World News

ANATOBA CITY, AUSTAR UNION
Order of the Invisible Hand - Ban Repealed After Considerate Negotiations

After some considerable exchange between Lord Indigo Blue, and representations of the notorious society; Order of the Invisible Hand, Indigo has announced that he will be repealing the ban on their operations in the Austar Union. In the meantime, those who have been linked to the Order of the Invisible Hand have been declared innocent in the eyes of the law, since the ban had been in effect after their arrest. Therefore, no law had been broken and they could not be convicted guilty. Indigo has supported the freedom of such individuals. Indigo had only a little to say on the matter.

"After some careful negotiations and discussion with the Order of the Invisible Hand, I have deemed their organisation and doctorine to be rather safe to both the Austar Union, and to the people therein. Foreign Intelligence Sources would have me believe quite the opposite, however after a proper look at their Society, I am under the belief now that they are no where near as dangrous as it had been conveyed to me earlier. And so to promote a free exchange of ideas within the Absolutionist State, I have therefore repealed the ban on their operation. Now I do not nessasarily believe in Order principals, however they are most certainly not as dangerous as I believed much earlier. May they preach their doctorine here, within reason."

---------------------------------------------
A small office rented by the Church of Freedom
Anatoba City
---------------------------------------------

“Welcome, welcome. Do come in”

A middle-aged man with a light Dutch accent let in the small but mixed group of Austarians into a simple office with a wooden table. Most of the visitors were young in age – one might guess that they were students drawn in out of curiosity about the nature about this new Cult that had been banned and then again unbanned by Indigo himself after some much-published letters.

“Tea and coffee are one Austarian Dollar each. Feel free to use the dispensing machines”, the Knootian said with a welcoming smile. And after some brief introductions he invited the group to ask any questions they might have. Everyone looked at oneanother for a moment before a young women spoke, looking at the Knootian.

“I never understood why people would worship something like the stock exchange?”, she asked. “I don’t mean to be rude but it sounds silly.”

“No. Its not about the stock exchange,” the man replied with a friendly smile. “The Market Idea is much broader then that. The Church promotes Market ethics. Yes - economically, we flourish through production and trade for the economic Market of supply and demand. But socially, too, trade is the model for how people can best deal with one another.”

“That sounds weird”, the Austarian woman replied, “What happens to love and friendship? I would not want to live in a cold world like that.”

“Trade is voluntary exchange to mutual benefit,” the Knootian explained, “We trade money for the goods we need. But we also form friendships and join clubs and associations as a kind of trade, too, investing our time, money, and energy in a relationship, for fun or because we have the same goals. Independent people are traders because they give value for the values they receive from others. They do not mooch off of their friends and relatives, and they do not loot the resources of strangers. Right?” Some in the group nodded.

“Any work is spiritually achieving in the Market if it is well and thoughtfully done, no matter what the scale of achievement, from the factory line worker to the corporate CEO, and from the most unknown clerk to the most celebrated movie star. The Market is not merely a system of economic freedom, much less an economic system favouring big businesses. In its pure form, the Market is a social system characterized by individual freedom, diversity, and dynamism. It is a system that treats people as individuals, with no ethnic, religious, or other collective principle enshrined in the law. It is the system under which each of us makes his own choices and must take responsibility for his own life and happiness. It is the system in which long-term peace and unbounded prosperity are possible, if people will work for them."

“What would you say the Order of the Invisible Hand philosophy is?” a young man asked. “There have been a lot of different stories in the press.”

The Knootian smiled once more.

“I cannot speak for any organisation, really, so I’ll just speak for myself and allow you to discuss – if you want to jump in do so.” He crossed his legs. “I think of man as a hero, with his own happiness as the moral purpose of his life and with productive Market achievement as his noblest activity.” He paused for a moment. “The ‘heroes’ of the Church of Freedom are not martyrs or criminals, but achievers – people who build businesses, invent technologies, and create art and ideas. They are the people who depend on their own talents and on trade with other independent people to reach their Market goals, to fulfil their desires if you will.”

“The idea of the Church of Freedom is that there is no greater moral goal than achieving happiness. But you cannot become happy by wish or whim. Fundamentally, you have to see reality, including the facts about our sentient nature and needs. Happiness requires that one live by Market principles, which includes moral integrity and respect for the rights of others.”

“But nobody would be against that, right?”, the young man followed up sceptically.

“Not quite,” the Knootian replied. “Many conservatives for example here in the Austar Union are Christians who attempt to be champions of industry and the free market, while advocating for their religion at the same time. But the two are not consistent. Jesus, after all, taught that the rich should give away all their possessions. So conservatives are in a way torn between the two tendencies of Christianity and capitalism. Some choose for capitalism and emphasize ‘Knootian-like’ traditions of freedom and tolerance. Others choose for Christianity and attack my countries "materialist" culture, while also advocating paternalistic government programs like welfare and government support for religion. The liberals are, for their part, are torn between valuing freedom and personal happiness with abortion and freedom of speech on one hand and valuing equality which they do through laws banning racial discrimination. This is a contradiction in terms.”

“The difference is that the Church of Freedom has a full system of thought in which each position is supported by more basic positions beneath it and supports derivative positions that follow from it. What we know about one field of philosophy supports what we know about the others, so we do not have to choose between contradictory tendencies as modern conservatives and liberals do.”

“Why is that so bad?”, the women who had asked the first question chipped in. “Its not as if reality is always consistent. We have to think of others too, or you’re just an egoistic loner.”

“For thousands of years, people have been taught that goodness consists in serving others. "Love your brother as yourself" the Christian scriptures teach. "From each according to his ability, to each according to his need" the Marxists preach. Even liberal philosophers, who defended free market capitalism, taught that one should act always to attain "the greatest good for the greatest number." The result is a bloody trail of wars and revolutions to enforce self-sacrifice, and an endless struggle in society to achieve equality among people. Yet the advocates of uniformity and self-sacrifice strain to prove themselves "more equal than others," so that they may determine how much love is enough, or what your ability is and what your needs should be. Loving our fellow man, I think, is a fine way to hate him.

Market philosophy, unlike the old religions, is made for the era of industrial capitalism. It teaches that a harmony of interests exists among Martket-driven individuals, so that no one's benefit need come at the price of another's suffering. Because one person's happiness does not come at the expense of another's, a life of mutual respect and benevolent independence is possible for all. It is the doctrine of "live and let live," to the full and in every way.

“Now how can such a harmony of interests exist? Aren't our interests really in conflict? I.. I mean… aren't we each at the other's throat in the real world?” another member of the group inserted.

The Knootian looked dismissively, speaking a little deeper.

“Sentient beings are not vampires, feeding on each other. We don’t need to live as hunter-gatherers, simply feeding on limited natural resources. Where animals graze the land, sentient beings like us can cultivate it. The sentient mode of living is production: the creation of value from the raw materials around us. We see a rock, and we invent tools, smelting techniques, stone buildings, steel girders, paved streets, and so on and on. We see a tree, and we make furniture, fuel, papers, books, construction materials, medicines... we are not like dogs squabbling over meat or children sharing a pie; we are – each of you is a creator, making new goods through our productive work, materially and morally.

Material well-being is possible for everyone, and no one needs to make others poor to get rich. Consider the fact that the richest people in the world are Entrepreneurs who created products that trillions of people use. The Market is our means of survival, and we stand to benefit from every discovery others make, every image or story they share, and every euro they earn by production and trade.

“How about force?” the same person asked. “The Order supposedly said it would not use force here in the Union. But the whole situation with Saxmere has all sorts of nations mobilising for and against this Caine fellow who seems to be an Order stooge.”

“I regret the situation in the North Atlantic”, the Knootian said. “I don’t want my country to go to war either. But, philosophically, the principle of non-initiation of force does not prohibit its use in self-defence. The Church of Freedom is not pacifist if attacked. A trader does not seek to profit from the use of force, but he is able and willing to defend himself, his friends, and his goods if they are threatened or attacked. Pacifists are right to recognize that violence is not the best way for Market actors to deal with one another. But when the rational and good fail to defend themselves from those who attempt to live irrationally, through force, they are surrendering all that is decent to all that is not. Those who choose the life of the animal, the life of tooth and claw, deserve a response in kind, if that is what will eliminate the threat to the Market.”

“You sound like Galadriël, that warmonger!” the woman cried out.

“I am not a warmonger.”; the Knootian said with a brush of being offended. “Unlike with Markets, the power of a State is the power of the gun. Only the double monopoly of Religion and State have the power to enforce a set of rules in the territory it controls. Because that power that is so often turned against freedom we want a strictly limited form of government with only those powers and takes only those actions required to secure our rights to freedom from force. There must be a military force for defense against external enemies. There must be a system of legislation and law courts to establish the law and to adjudicate disputes in which force might be used. And there must be a system of enforcement of the law such as the police, to make sure the law is a social rule, not empty words. A trader does not go out in convoy to other lands to conquer, but only a stupid trader ventures in hostile lands without an escort.”

Lecture Office 77B, The University of Anatoba City
The Absolutionist State of Austar Union

Outside, night had befallen the city, and once again Robert Gurogson was working beyond the hours he was supposed to. Bloody Exams. Anyhow, he had a long time before him - many students had chosen the subject of the Order of the Invisible Hand to write about in their practise essays of which were to come before the exam. In this dim light, he could barely read what he needed to, but fortunately he had come prepared with a small lamp he brought from his room. Enough procrastination, really. He should start with the first, and by the looks of it the first was looking to be a failure. It was afterall a short report rather than an essay expected from a second year student. Still, he ought to read it - funnily enough it was about the Order of the Invisible Hand, of course.


Order of the Invisible Hand
Written by Carl Deakson

Having visited the office for the Church of Freedom just last week, I had been spoken to by a man with a Dutch accent - a Knootian. Typically as I had expected, the man had educated myself and the small group I went with about the Order of the Invisible Hand, and its true doctorine verses what is published in many media sources at large. And what can I say, it was an experience of possibly humor if anything else.

From the beginning, his logic had been flawed and he had not done his research on Austarian society. He preached against the contexts of Christianity, whilst we are by far not a religious society. And having studied religion itself I was surprised by his total misjudgement of the documents within the Bible. He had claimed that religion and a capitalist society did not work together efficiently, and refered to portions of the Bible whereby Jesus taught that the Rich must give their possesions to the poor. He seems to have misjudged that verse entirely, for the simple fact that God does not condemn the rich for being rich. In fact, he encourages prosperity and wealth, and that verse was refering to a man whom had become consumed by greed. His heart was for his money, and money was its only desire. Therefore he would have to give up his money, because it clouded his destiny. Jesus was warning about the dangers of serving money, rather than serving God. 'One cannot serve two masters', as it is said in the great Christian book.

From there he acted as if we were a non-materialistic people, when the latest statistics show that we do value materal greatly. We are a people of business, and we are a people of great prosperity. We are a people who adore helping our brother, and we welcome the ideas that we are all traders. If it had not been for the initial misconceptions, I would imagine strongly that the Order of the Invisible Hand would be at largely successful in the Austarian Environment. But more than anything people here regard their freedom as most important, after the welfare of the Austarian State. We have respect, we have all the things he had promised. But if I am correct (which is the attitude most seem to hold), if we were to give into this Church of supposed Freedom, I can imagine we would rather become slaves of those in the upper levels. I have seen this happen in Zvarinograd, New York and New Jersey, and a variety of others whereby of whom works closely with the Order, takes on the perspective and understanding of Knootoss. We will not be slaves to Freedom, but will enjoy Freedom as a fruitful tree of prosperity.

Weeks before the election in Etaros...

Ivana sat straight in her chair, reading over news articles and mail that had piled upon her desk throughout the day. The small lamp illuminated only a small area of the hotel room, though the rest was not engulfed in darkness. She pushed her small, square-framed glasses up the bridge of her nose to better read an article describing her comments on interstellar trade. She smiled as she remembered the handsome reporter that interviewed her. An abrupt knock at the door startled her out of her fantasies, and she beckoned whoever it was to enter. A half-elven aide, Michael Frosgorn, appeared. "Good evening, my lady. I hope I have not disturbed you too deeply..." She waved her hand, "Worry not, Michael. What brings you to my room at this hour?" He was holding a book, and passed it to her. "Have you...heard of the Order of the Invisible Hand?" She looked up, slightly interested.

"I suppose I've heard bits and pieces. It sounds like an extremist group to me." He nodded, a small bead of sweat forming upon his forehead. "I have read their doctrine...I must say I find it wildly outlandish." She opened the book to scan over its contents. After a few tense minutes, she closed the book and looked at him with curiousity and worry. "Michael, what are you trying to tell me? Is this foolishness spreading into our society? Or is it hampering your ability to think properly?" His eyes flashed with anger. "I am telling you because our allies are becoming upset by its influence. Just recently, the Austar Union has repealed a ban on the Order. And Knootoss seems to be the very root of the organization. It has created a 'Church of Freedom', and the very existence of it disturbs me to the soul. I think you should send a message to Lord Blue and tell him that he should rethink what he has done."

"Michael, if this is so dangerous, why is just now popping up?" He shook his head. "It has been rising since the Tanah Burung incident. It has spread to a half dozen nations, and now I fear that some in Etaros are beginning to feel its venomous power." She raised her eyebrows. "Here? That is the most absurd thing I have ever heard. People in the Erasat have been much more wise than to fall for such a stupid ideology. Regardless, I will write Lord Blue as a distinguished citizen and nothing more." He thanked her, and left in confusion. She shook her head and began reading her mail again. After about an hour, the Order came back into her mind, more venomous than ever. It felt as if she felt a wave of sickness hit her stomach. A system where the people served the Market? A system in which all codes of morality were washed away in the name of profit? The thought of Etaros in such a situation nearly brought tears to her eyes. She wrote a short message to Lord Blue in hopes he would not fall victim to this freakish organization.

To Lord Blue of the Austar Union

Greetings, esteemed leader. I have been greatly accelerating in my own nation as a prominent citizen and a candidate for the leadership position in my nation. In my ventures, I have stumbled across news that you have repealed a ban on an extremist organization that has been sprouting up worldwide. I will not lie -- the decision has irked me. It is my fear that you will begin to believe those that follow the Order, and thus allow your culture, your society, your very way of life to fall victim to an idealistic cult that professes that people serve an invisible force, the Market. I must plead with you to stay true to your traditional morals and codes, and do not fall to this evil. If I am elected leader of my nation, I hope that we will find ourselves together in meeting. In hopes of seeing you sometime,

Ivana Kasparov.

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TO: Esteemed Friend and Possible Leader, Ivana Kasparov - Etaros
FROM: Lord Indigo Blue, the Absolutionist State of Austar Union
SUBJECT: Re:
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Ah, greetings friend. I have heard much about you and your endeavours for leadership in the lately developed and democratic version of Etaros. I must say that your concern has been met with gratitude, and I thank you for taking interest in the general welfare of our populous. I will say however, that for the most part I agree with you. Perhaps I will enlighten you in the meantime, in the reason behind my desision.

My banning of the Order of the Invisible Hand was intended much more as a 'temporary-fix' verses a final blow to their activity within these borders. Over their controversey, I had become unsure exactly of whether or not I can trust these individuals, since many conflicts regarding Knootoss appeared to be linked or sublinked to that organisation. It is important to note however, that there has been a series of letters since the enforcement of that ban between myself and representatives of the Order of the Invisible Hand. After their arguement of a free exchange of ideas, I could only agree since I am a man whom generally believe that the people can believe in what they want so long as it doesnt affect my own title as leader, and so long as it doesnt harm the status of this nation. They have proven that the organisation will not contribute to either, but rather give another perspective of ideal.

I must however reassure you, that whilst I have since repealed the ban in the name of a free exchange of ideas and ideal, and also because I believe in the good and bad in everything one may come across. Our people however, are strongly educated from birth to think in a particular way, so I am extremely doubtful that the Order could ever prosper here. At most, they may find a few thousand followers but no more, and none whom could influence a greater cause. Trust that I have done my homework Ivana Kasparov, for I have had several sociologists to study their ideas and found them to be less harmful here than in such nations as perhaps your own - or others. Whilst the general Austarian shares a similar belief to their own, there are some fundamental differences which will cause them to disregard the Order and their doctorine with a sense of humor. Thankyou one again however, for your concern.

And as for your desire to meet with me I would like that very much, should your leadership come to pass. We are always friends of Etaros.

Yours In Excellence,

Lord Indigo Blue
The Absolutionist State of Austar Union