Industrial Relation in Australia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Modern Relation in Australia - Essay Example To comprehend the change, it is valuable to quickly excuse two regular clarifications for association decrease. The first is that associations declined in light of the fact that laborers' turned out to be increasingly wary about them. Truth be told, mentalities will in general be an identical representation of association quality. At the point when organization enrollment expand during the 1970s, Australians turned out to be bound to tell surveyors that they thought associations had an excess of intensity, and less inclined to concur that associations had been something beneficial for Australia. Correspondingly, as associations wound down during the 1990s, the division of individuals who believed that associations had an excess of intensity or that Australian would be in an ideal situation without associations consistently diminished. Another contention that is in some cases made is that deunionisation was a consequence of the decrease in genuine wages that occurred under the Accord. However as David Peetz calls attention to in his book Unions in a Contrary World, this clarification infers that unionization ought to have declined more during the 1980s (when genuine wages fell) than the 1990s (when genuine wages rose). Indeed, the opposite is valid - the greatest fall in unionization happened during the 1990s. The most critical factor in Australian deunionisation has been changes to the lawful system administering associations. Peetz brings up that somewhere in the range of 1990 and 1995, traditionalist governments in five out of six states presented enactment planned for restricting necessary unionization (prohibiting shut shops), empowering singular dealing, and making the change to non-grant inclusion simpler. In the late-1980s, the greater part of every single endorser were required to be a patron as a state of their work. During the 1990s, liberated from the necessity to have a place, enormous numbers decided to quit. Obviously, the associations hit hardest were the ones that were generally dependent on necessary unionism laws. The new system was secured in 1996, when the recently chosen Howard Government for all intents and purposes annulled obligatory unionism across the country, and made it increasingly hard for associations to select and strike. The following most significant driver of deunionisation has been raising rivalry. Prodded by microeconomic changes, duty cuts, and a rejuvenated Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, the business sectors for purchasing most items and administrations are presently considerably more serious than they were during the 1970s. At the point when firms appreciate a restraining infrastructure or oligopoly position, it is simpler for them to pay higher wages to their representatives. Costs are higher in non-serious markets, and in the language of financial aspects, this creates rents. These rents are then common between businesses (who appreciate higher benefits than they would in a serious market) and laborers (who acquire more than in a serious market). At the point when imposing business models are separated, and advertises become progressively serious, the executives needs to begin reducing expenses. This spots pressure on the executives to receive more grounded enemy of associat ion strategies so as to decrease the pay bill. The third clarification for falling association thickness is the development in

Population Essay Example

Populace Essay While Population: 485 focuses on a few unique topics all through the book, I decided to concentrate my understanding on the feeling of having a place the writer, Michael Perry, appears to long for all through the writing, and all the more explicitly, during sections one and seven. In section one, titled Jabowski’s Corner, he makes the way for his excursion by carrying us to the unassuming community of New Auburn, Wisconsin. This is the spot he has a place. He presents a significant number of the individuals of New Auburn in each section, however I picked part seven since he portrays the different gatherings of people that make up the town and alludes to them as â€Å"My People,† which is additionally the title of the section. These are the individuals that make up the town, the individuals he has a place with. I feel his adoration for the land, in this little Wisconsin town, is profoundly communicated in both section one and in part seven. Another affiliation the two sections have is the possibility that to really feel that solace and delight of having a place in where you live, love for the land may not be sufficient. We will compose a custom article test on Population explicitly for you for just $16.38 $13.9/page Request now We will compose a custom paper test on Population explicitly for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Recruit Writer We will compose a custom paper test on Population explicitly for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Recruit Writer Michael figures out how to associate with the network and afterward to interface the network with the land. Michael Perry, the creator and fundamental character, has come back to the spot he summons home in the wake of being for a long time. He left New Auburn in the wake of graduating secondary school. While away, he earned a bachelor’s qualification from nursing school and worked two or three employments as an attendant. He was disappointed by the way that he didn’t realize how to remove somebody securely from a crushed vehicle or support a separated elbow. This was not his place and he needed more. He took a crack at a crisis clinical professional class and breezed through the National Registry test. He at that point started his profession as an EMT and worked low maintenance for a private emergency vehicle administration for a long time in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. While he increased a ton of experience, it just wasn’t where he believed he had a place. He lived in New Auburn as a kid and youngster. It has been a long time since he graduated secondary school and moved away, however now, he has returned as a grown-up. In the wake of encountering life all alone and having developed, he currently sees the town and its kin from an alternate, progressively grown up viewpoint and is searching for an approach to re-interface with the network of New Auburn. â€Å"Twelve years I’ve lived away from here, and what I missed-what I needed was the lay of the land. A recognizable corner, a specific slope, certain patches of trees. I returned, and the land felt right. The land takes you back. You should simply appear. Finding your place among the individuals, presently, that is an ifferent recommendation. † (p. 111). He needs to restore that encouraging feeling of having a place he once felt from the town he developed to know and love. â€Å"In a spot from an earlier time, I am searching for a spot in the present. This, as is commonly said, is the place my foundations are. The stunt is in reattaching. † (p. 3). Michael chooses to join the New Auburn local group of fire-fighters as a voluntee r fireman. He portrays a few occurrences, in incredible detail, that he has experienced since beginning there seven years back. I think that its intriguing that he worked for more than five years as an EMT in Eau Claire, and just dubiously shares one anecdote about a call he reacted to the primary day at work. He doesn't give numerous points of interest about the mishap, the individuals in question, or the area it occurred. I surmise since he isn't associated with these individuals or this town, nor does he give the impression he wanted to. At the point when he recounts to an account of New Auburn, or any of its kin however, clearly there is much more feeling and importance to it and he truly paints a reasonable picture for the peruser. In part one, Michael depicts the episode he confronted seven years prior, soon after he joined the New Auburn local group of fire-fighters. Tracy Rimes, a youthful secondary school understudy, had been awfully harmed in a fender bender. His mom, likewise an EMT, is there, alongside a few other volunteer firemen. His sister is there as well. She is just a year more youthful than Tracy and goes to class with her. Tracy’s father is there, who was at one time the head of the office. The area of the mishap is Jabowski’s corner, which is named after the family who possesses the ranch at that curve of the street. He goes into exact subtleties of the scene, maneuvering you into the story and leaves the engraving of exactly how close this network is. â€Å"†¦ she is sensitive, and terrified, and cognizant, and a large portion of all, she is one of us. †(p. 12). Everybody is by one way or another, someway associated with each other in this modest community. At the point when catastrophe strikes, these individuals can make peace, group up and meet up as a network, for their locale. Michael is doing likewise profession as he did while he was gone, just now he does it with significance and with energy. The steady is doing what he cherishes, the thing that matters is doing it for â€Å"his people† and in the spot he has a place. The manner in which Michael depicts the town in section one is so distinctive and unadulterated, it makes me wish I had a spot to go as lovely and significant to me, as New Auburn is to him. This is the place he has a place. Some portion of having a place with an unassuming community however, implies identifying with the individuals living in it. Having a place; acknowledgment as a characteristic part or part. A feeling of having a place. In part seven, he discusses the various gatherings of individuals in New Auburn. â€Å"How does one arrange the terms of having a place? † (p. 08). There is an expansive range of approaches to be a piece of something or having a spot with a specific gathering of individuals. All through part seven, Michael watches the various sorts of shared traits between the individuals of New Auburn. There’s a slidin g scale to which an individual thinks about their loyalties. â€Å"The norms against which you are estimated are subject to the milieu. † (p. 110). He makes reference to a portion of the things he has caught one individual as often as possible state about another. For instance, â€Å"She’s very much a worker,† â€Å"He’s a helluva shot,† or â€Å"That kid can take the stuffing out of a softball. (p. 110). One expression, he says, that isn't heard so frequently is â€Å"he makes a stunning illustration. † I think he is inferring that despite the fact that he is an incredible essayist and discovers delight recorded as a hard copy, it isn't what will associate him to the individuals of this town. He needed to discover another way. He thinks about the network to an assortment of characters that you can’t power your way into. He has discovered that your place creates after some time. Michael discusses how the world has changed and we thin k that its harder to center our loyalties and ability to have a place or need with have a place. With respect to battling fire, he adores neighbors meeting up and is excited to be a piece of the exertion. â€Å"It feels better. It feels right. It feels like I have a place. † (p. 123). Joining the local group of fire-fighters gave him a state of passageway again into the network. â€Å"I started to meet my neighbors at the greeting of the fire alarm. † (p. 112). Everybody needs to be a piece of something, to have a place some place, and whether it is by occupation, leisure activities, top choices, interests, legislative issues, or religion, the individuals of New Auburn all offer in any event one shared belief network. At the point when the fire alarm moans, two dozen of my neighbors and I go about as one, for the benefit of the network my kin following up in the interest of our people†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (p. 114). This is the examination and connection I found between parts one and seven of Michael Perry’s journal Population: 485. In part one, he shared his accoun t of Tracy. He proceeds, all through the book, to review this memory frequently. This day has more significance to him than simply the passing of an individual from New Auburn. While the day ended up being a disaster, it likewise denotes a significant defining moment of his arrival. I started to acknowledge how this local group of fire-fighters was a methods for reemergence, of rediscovering the spot I had left 10 years prior, of recovering my feeling of spot each catastrophe in turn. I was understanding this administration is a benefit, an approach to mesh myself again into the texture of a spot. Today we had catastrophe, however it was our disaster, and we managed it as open residents, yet in addition as companions and neighbors†¦ To feel comfortable is an uncommon, valuable thing, and I started to feel comfortable that day. † (p. 16). Michael Perry is an incredible case of somebody who truly has energy for where he lives and for what he does. He has discovered his place in this world, his calling. He is a skilled essayist and fireman, and comprehends what it is to really be a piece of something enormous. A portion of his neighbors he knows from his adolescence, some from working with them at the local group of fire-fighters, and some from fire or crisis calls. Whatever the methods for contact, he figures out how to associate with all of his colleagues and has a significant story to tell about them all. While a portion of his accounts give sentiments of joy, a great deal end in catastrophe. To have the option to discover happiness and harmony in both is an uncommon, radiant trademark. He has a great point of view on life and sets aside some effort to praise the things the vast majority underestimate. He cherishes the land and retains the magnificent endowments it brings to the table. After Michael consolidates his affection for New Auburn and his association with his neighbors the inclination is finished. It changes the feeling of being at home, to feeling comfortable. This is the place he has a place.

Effectiveness of operational control system management of Safeguard Securicor

Viability of operational control framework the executives of Safeguard Securicor Free Online Research Papers 1.1 Introduction to consider Security is the level of assurance against peril, misfortune, and lawbreakers. These days, security frameworks become essential to any business or field in the specific business which is Banking, Wal-Mart, individual resources, etc. There are numerous criminal issues because of public activity exponential creating. In Malaysia these issues overwhelmed with presence of Securities Commission Malaysia. The reason on doing this examination on â€Å"effectiveness of operational control framework the board of Safeguard Securicor† is to dissect whether the administration framework security that applied in Safeguard Securicor is exceptionally powerful to control all their operational. Security must be looked into with other interrelated ideas which are Safety, coherence, unwavering quality. The key distinction among security and dependability is that security must consider the activities of individuals endeavoring to cause obliteration. The principal security framework was actualized during the 1960s to give exporters of innovation and offices confirmations that these were utilized for tranquil purposes only.In request to lead this exploration, the scientist will distinguish the primary factors that Safeguard Securicor has taken to control the operational framework. Specialist can likewise decide the corporate social obligations of on their system and to decide the hazard that Safeguard Securicor may look so as to control their tasks. 1.2 Introduction to variable A Management Control System is an arrangement of assortment of machines and individuals that progress in the direction of a target. A framework can be resolved as a progression of steps or stages comprising of a preparing stage, an info stage, and a yield stage. A control framework includes estimation, revealing and investigation stages to the framework. Yield is estimated, looked at adjacent to an arrangement, investigated whenever decided as significant, and after that detailed back to the best possible prior periods of the framework in the structure of positive or negative fortification. In an administration control framework, information and data is normally criticism to directors of the distinctive framework stages. Administrators have the duty to make a suitable move dependent on the information and data gave. 1.3 Need for study Scientist needs to concentrate to break down and decide if the administration of operational control framework in Safeguard Securicor is compelling to guarantee that they offer an excellent support to their clients. This exploration is significant in light of the fact that numerous criminal issues were looking by Safeguard Securicor and from this examination, scientist can break down, assess, and find proper answers for the difficult that Safeguard Securicor may face to deal with their operational framework. 1.4 Objective 1.4.1 To break down the primary factor that Safeguard Securicor has taken to control the operational framework. 1.4.2 To decide duty of participate informal organization on their system. 1.4.3 To research how Safeguard Securicor deal with their worker for a specific occasion or undertaking. 1.4.4 To discover the central point that Safeguard Securicor takes to choose their worker with high obligation. 1.4.5 To distinguish the hazard that they may look in operational control framework. 1.5 Overview for Safeguard Securicor Protect Securicor is the main universal security arrangements bunch that opened branches in Malaysia. Shield Securicor work in redistributed business forms in divisions where security and dangers are viewed as a vital risk. Shield Securicor offer types of assistance, for example, Money Services-Cash Processing, Courier Services, Cash Transportation, Bank Escort Services, Cashier Services, ATM Outsourcing and Management, Full Outsourcing Solutions For Financial Institutions, Retail Cash Management, Valuable Escort Services, ATM Second Line Maintenance and Treasury Services. Kept an eye on Security-Mobile Patrols, VIP Guards, Static Guards, Reception Services, Alarm Response Services, Store Detective Services, Event Security and Guard Dog Patrol Teams. Security Systems-The Design, Supply, Installation, Monitoring and Maintenance of Access Control, CCTV and Burglar Alarm and Alarm Reporting Systems, Asset Tracking Systems and the Design, Supply and Installation of Physical Security Products and Equipment. Other Security Services-Corporate Investigations and Security Consultancy Services, Security Training and the Provision of completely Integrated Security Solutions. Corporate Responsibility Defend Securicor prides it organization on being dependable by they way it handles associations with partners, representatives, networks, and clients. The gathering esteems represent what Safeguard Securicor rely on. Inside the gathering has a senior official victor that answerable for guaranteeing the qualities become quality for Safeguard Securicor working together. BEST PEOPLE-Safeguard Securicor consistently takes care to utilize the best individuals, build up their aptitude and capacity, give opportunity and urge worker to live Safeguard Securicor values. Trustworthiness Safeguard Securicor constantly trusted to make the best decision. Aptitude Safeguard Securicor develops and shows their ability through imaginative and driving limit way to deal with making and conveying the administration. Cooperation AND COLLABORATION-Safeguard Securicor cooperate for the advantage all in all. Client FOCUS-Safeguard Securicor has great associations with clients that make trust and work together for the common advantage in associations. Execution Safeguard Securicor moves every one of their workers to improve execution step by step to produce long haul god execution. Assorted variety Inclusion Assorted variety is wellspring of solidarity for Safeguard Securicor and gives the key upper hand, for example, different workforce, comprehend the prerequisites of clients and perceive open doors for development and advancement. Workers disseminate the administration that clients depended on keep their advantages sheltered and secure. Achievement operational will rely upon expertise to draw in and hold skilled representative to help the difficulties of organization various clients and proceeded with business improvement. As a security organization with an unmistakable course towards generally male vanquished occupations, Safeguard Securicor faces difficulties in spurring a decent variety and consideration plan. Protect Securicor need to think all inclusive yet act locally, the HR chief assumes for the most part liability for taking on certain difficulties by Sharing, recognizing, and growing best practice in assorted variety and incorporation for the organizations. Supporting in improving the assorted variety on their supervisory groups. Build up a comprehensive workplace in the organization. Wellbeing Safety Shield Securicor are in the matter of overseeing hazard, regardless of whether that is property, individuals, or resources. The shield security business is testing and hazardous that need representatives work in forceful situations, giving furnished escorts to guards, clearing mines, and managing the battle from rebel assaults. Defend Securicor totally perceive the threats difficulties and strive to guarantee that Safeguard Securicor representatives will be given appropriate preparing, back up help and devices to encourage them to evacuate or widely lessen the dangers they meet at work operational. Part 2 Audit OF LITERATURE The importance of writing survey is a â€Å"critical investigation of a portion of a distributed assemblage of information through rundown, arrangement, and correlation of earlier research considers, audits of writing, and hypothetical articles.† (Wisconsin). Writing audit can be set up by any reports that was distributed or unpublished, thoughts, information assortments, data content, composed proof from an other specialist was done they look into on certain view in the point. Numerous specialists were done introduced on the exploration of general administration concentrating on operational control framework the board. The powerful administration significant for organization to ensure that organization develop fluidly and limit hazard. As indicated by (Christensen, David S, 1989) Management Control Systems (MCS) hypothesis is a helpful integrative apparatus for arranging, clarifying, and understanding the language and ideas of execution estimation. MCS hypothesis can assist make with detecting of the models by giving a method for arranging and recollecting the standards and the related language and ideas. In 1965, other analyst characterized the executives control as discrete from operational control and key control. Various classifications of control are examined among formal and casual controls; conduct controls and yield; activity, family controls and organization; regulatory and social controls; and results, market and faculty controls (Langfield-Smith, K. 1997). The executives control frameworks have been perceived as significant in the usage and plan of techniques (Dent, 1990; Bromwich and Bhimani, 1994). The suitable structure and utilizing the executives control framework is powerful in fruitful therefore contribute and usage to improved authoritative execution (Simons (1987). Simons (1987) foreseen control framework for two techniques that would vary. Simons utilized the accompanying control framework traits on his investigation : he utilize outer information, degree and custom fitted control framework, conjecture information, force of observing execution results, objectives identified with yield adequacy, recurrence of revealing, cost control, degree and recipe based reward compensation. As a significant Safeguard association, Safeguard Securicor assumes a huge job in the lives of a huge number of individuals straightforwardly through business and associations with clients and providers, and in a roundabout way through inclusion in the networks wherein representatives live and work (Safeguard Securicor, 2007). Defend Securicor system is

Essay Help - Do You Need it?

Essay Help - Do You Need it?There are so many essay help online sites that offer essay help that it can be a little overwhelming. But it is important to remember that you will only ever be reading what they have to say and not you.If you have a choice of essay help or you have a choice of writing your own essay then you must think long and hard before making a decision. If you are not sure which is the best option for you then you can use the online sites to find the essay help that you need.There are many free essay help websites out there to choose from, but they may not offer the information that you want. Online essay help means that you will be able to get the answers to your questions as well as help you with every aspect of the essay. This may include how to format your essay, who will help you rewrite your essay, how to find your sources, and other questions that you may have.In order to be able to find the help that you need, you have to make sure that you do your research b efore choosing your site. The more information that you have the better. You will need to go through several different sites in order to find the one that works best for you.Make sure that you are able to submit your essay correctly and quickly to make sure that you get the essay help that you need. You will also want to make sure that you understand exactly what you are doing when you are sending the essay help because if you mess up on anything you will be in a lot of trouble.Another thing that you will want to make sure that you do is make sure that you have all of the information that you need on hand before you write your essay. Most people who have done this will have taken some notes as well as looking over their essay and rewritten it at least a few times. This will allow you to know exactly what is needed to make the essay the way that you want it to be.Essay help is something that you will want to look into. It can make a big difference in your chances of getting accepted to a college or university. Whether you choose a free or paid essay help, it is important that you have the best essay help that you can get.

Technology Drives Culture and Vice Versa Course Work

Introduction Culture can be termed as the process of modifying or inventing way of life transmittable to another in a consistent pattern in relation to stylistic features which can recognized. The patterns spread within social units of a given population having intergenerational enduring meaning the acquired patterns must be retained .on the other hand, technology is the integration of made used, modified and known tools, techniques ,machines, systems, crafts and organizational methods to solve or advance already existing solutions to societal problems.   The interaction between culture and technology is a contestable argument and the debate on which factor (culture and technology) drives the other can take both directions i.e. technology can drive the culture and vice versa.   If technology is presumed to be a content like a computer or mobile phone for a specific purpose, then it’s the culture which drives technology but if technology is viewed as a process like internet as means of communication then its worth concluding that it’s the technology which determines culture and more so to   a particular direction. Technology is affecting our culture in different ways .Internet technology is a driving force culminating into net generation or the millennium generation. The innovation of internet have encouraged online interaction, search for information online, playing online games and online socialization e.g. face book, Skype etc. without social technology platform there will be no social networking or viral videos. It’s the technological innovations of information which has lessened the physical obstacles to communication making people to interact freely across the globe enjoying the digital space. The cultural inefficiencies of gaps and needs must be responded to by technological advancement .Its the new technological solutions which will full fill the desires, needs and ever increasing human wants.eg the extension of internet to   wireless internet enabled electronics like smart phones or tablets. Without the culture rise for social networking and communication, the internet enable d smart phones and tablets will be irrelevant implying that it’s the way of life which determines the technology. The technological innovations in human biology have given hope to stigmatized couples in a society making motherless to be called mothers, as reproductive technologies has been a solution to couples with medical problems of giving birth to their own children. Some of these technologies includes the in vitro fertilization of man’s sperm and woman egg in dish within   laboratory environment before being implanted in the uterus, use of gestational carrier(surrogacy) to carry donor’s embryo to full term then giving back the baby to the donor upon delivery, egg donation whereby a woman donates eggs to   a woman unable to conceive with her own eggs with her husband’s sperms and resulting embryo implanted in her uterus ,zygote intrafallopian transfer with woman eggs and male spermatozoa being injected into the fallopian tube through surgery. Other reproductive technologies are intracytoplasmic sperm injection and gamete intrafallopian transfer. So it’s the te chnological capacity of any hospital which can determine whether the couples with medical complications would be called parents and up bring their off springs. Contrary, the cultural injustices like compromising right to life, daughter discrimination or son preference. Need for gender balanced family units in male dominated capitalism have catalyzed the innovation of new technologies for sex selection. Consequently people may opt to cloning with an aim of replacing the dead to avoid persistent grief. All of these show that at times, it is the culture which determines the application of reproductive technologies. Unethical social behaviors like crime may be determined by technology â€Å"because computer ethics is tied to evolving technology† (.Hester and Ford 44).Technology enabled crime like cyber stalking requires knowledge of soft science like internet technology, to follow and pursue their victims online monitoring every move they make. The stalkers may be individuals or organization applying information and communication technology like websites, chat rooms blogs or email while enjoying anonymity freedom encourages them to harass, threaten, accuse falsely, damage data or personal equipment, impersonate, and disrupt other peoples’ way of life .Mostly they are adult predators pedophiling children or men stalking women with courage since they know they are untouchable through cyberspace. The successful stalkers will use the information gathered to revenge or reconcile unaccepted termination of relationship, prepare for sexual attack, infringe on intellectual property rights p lagiarizing the victims work, cause fear and humiliations and develop online romance since they may not be competent enough to abide by socio-cultural rules governing relationships. Meaning the cyber stalkers depend on technological prowess of tracking soft ware or wireless technologies like blue tooth to carry out their unethical pattern of life. The prevalence of crime on the other hands demands surveillance equipment like intrusion prevention system or intrusion detection system to prevent cyber stalkers. Without such crime, there will be no need for technological enhancement to prevent theft of property, meaning degree of crimes committed determines the technology to be used in curbing the vice. The technological innovations depend ones ability to spend time energy and financial resources i.e. those who are lazy, weak, poor or doing parallel things to innovations will not progress in technology. That’s why â€Å"monopoly privilege serves an initial incentive to innovation† (Johnson and Nissenbaum 174).Other crimes such as terrorism are enhanced by technological sophistication e.g. in 2008 the lashkar-e-taib from Pakistan launched attack in Mumbai hotel with the comfort technology ,they navigated from Arabian sea to Mumbai from Karachi in Pakistan locating they target using global positioning enabled handset at the same time interacting with their colleagues back in Pakistan   using satellite phones .they could study the satellite photos received from Google earth   their   internet phones had voice over internet features making it difficult for Mumbai antiterrorism unit to trace or intercept their calls. The technology helped terrorists to commit crime wh ich they could not have committed. The culture of terrorism can also determine the technology to be used in fighting the crime. Technology may determine the criteria and ways of solving societal phenomenon but the activity its self well not change. As the technological advancement adhere to culture without altering the initial construct e.g. the basic needs for socio-cultural networking and communication will not change but innovation of email and message texting will replace telegraphs and letters. Any technological innovation must have moral objectives and directions for solving cultural problems as cultural inefficiencies determine the technological innovations to be applied. The basic principle of society and technological interplay may be hard to alter; the technology will only open up new approaches for solving non changing cultural needs e.g. the need for effective and efficient economy, improved standard of living, cheaper and reliable mode of transport and communication, enhancing food security and affordable health care among others. Work Cited Hester, D. Micah. And Ford, J, Paul. â€Å"Unique Problems in Information Technology, Computer and Ethics in the cyber age† Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, Web 12th Dec 2012 http://www.freewebs.com/philosophyisprettyneato/Unique Problems in Infor001.pdf Johnson. Deborah and Nissenbaum Helen. Computer, Ethics and Social value, Prentice Hall Upper Saddle River, 1995. Web 12th Dec2012 http://www.freewebs.com/philosophyisprettyneato/Moral Foundations of Int001.pdf Nissenbaum Helen, â€Å"Should I Copy My Neighbor Software†, Prentice Hall, 1991 Web 12th Dec 2012 http://www.freewebs.com/philosophyisprettyneato/Computer.pdf NSW Government .What is Stalking, NSW Police Force, 31st august 2012, Web 12th Dec 2012 http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/community_issues/domestic__and__family_violence/what_is_stalking Thomson, Casey. â€Å"Bill of Health, Examining the intersection of law and health care, biotechnology and bioethics†, Caseyt 26th Nov 2012, Web 12th Dec 2012 https://blogs.law.harvard.edu/billofhealth/category/reproductive-technology/

Diana Der-Hovanessians Personal Influences on her Works

Diana Der-Hovanessian is a contemporary American poet of Armenian descent. Her literary contribution includes 25 books of poems and Armenian poetry translations into English. Der-Hovanessian’s upbringing in Worcester, Massachusetts shaped her early life as her family prospered and helped other Armenian immigrants find work and attend school. Her interest in translating Armenian poetry began when her father asked her to translate works of Armenian poet Daniel Varoujan. Since the 1980s Der-Hovanessian undertook this difficult and earlier neglected task of translating Armenian poetic heritage into English. She also wrote several plays, including Two Secrets of Survival and Growing up Armenian built around themes of Armenian-American identity and history. Armenian history told through poetry and music has been actively promoted by Der-Hovanessian since the 1980s among Armenian-American diaspora and the non-Armenian public in America. Diana Der-Hovanessian’s poems serve as a literary journey to the formulation of her personal and national identity. Through her poems Der- Hovanessian establishes her close connection with Armenian history, culture and the people who share common grief’s, fears and hopes. Armenian-Americans are descendants of ancient people from the Northeast region of Asia Minor dating back to over 2500 years ago. They lacked a homeland but have been spread in most regions of the world. Armenians in America came from Europe at the beginning of 1600s. The Armenian

Wake Up Call free essay sample

Up to my freshman year in highschool i had no care for school. I would not do much of my homework, and i also recieved no punishment for it. I assumed that it was A okay to not do it! The start of my freshman year i did the same thing, barely did any homework but then ame Christmas break. My brother, the overachiever, came home from Stanford. He was strong, smart, and a great person. He was all i ever dreamed of being. That started me thinking of picking myself up and getting into a four year unviersity; UCSD, USC, UCLA, etc.. But it wasnt until one night my dad came home from a long day of construction, and looked me in the eye. What he said will stick with me throughou all of my life, Dont end up like this. I knew i now had the motivation i needed and since the first week back my grades have improved. We will write a custom essay sample on Wake Up Call or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page A well neded wake up call.

The accuracy of joule meter Essay Example

The accuracy of joule meter Paper Aim: To investigate how the efficiency of an electric motor varies when it is lifting different weights. Summary: I have investigated how the efficiency of an electric motor varies when it is lifting different weights. I found that the efficiency of my motor (using an input voltage of 4v) was maximum when it was lifting 500-800g weights. I also found that the efficiency of the motor depended on its internal resistance and friction. I also used my results to estimate the internal resistance of the motor and I found it was about 0. 5? In my extension experiment I used the electric motor as a generator. I dropped a variety of weights from my pulley system and I measured the amount of energy produced using a joule meter. I found that the efficiency of the generator increased as the mass of the weight I dropped increased. The percentage efficiency of the generator also appeared to tend towards 14%. Finally I discussed whether my experiment was time reversible. I decided that it was to an extent but not completely. I decided this since I only retrieved about 1-2% of the energy I used to lift the weight when I dropped the weight again, using the motor as a generator. We will write a custom essay sample on The accuracy of joule meter specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The accuracy of joule meter specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The accuracy of joule meter specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Experiment 1: See Diagram1 for Apparatus and circuit diagram Experimental Method: I will use a 12v electric motor to lift a variety of weights a fixed height and I will measure the voltage and current in the motor coils. I will also measure the time taken to lift the masses. How will I make my experiment accurate? 1. In my experiments I will keep all variables constant except the one I am investigating. I will vary the mass of the load but I will keep the input voltage to the motor and field coils constant and I will lift the load to the same height each time. 2. I will repeat each measurement in till I am satisfied that it is accurate and then I will use an average when I am analysing my results. I will also take a wide range of results to ensure I get a complete picture. 3. I will do a trial experiment to decide on appropriate values for the voltage in the motor and field coils. I will also need to decide on appropriate range of masses to test. I want the voltage in the motor coils to be large enough so that I can measure the current/voltage in the motor coils accurately with a 1-10 V/A meter however I want the motor to be able to lift a wide range of masses at this voltage. Acknowledged Errors: 1. Friction in the pulley will reduce the efficiency of the motor . The pulleys are needed to reduce the torque the motor requires to lift the weights. By reducing the torque the motor can lift a wider range of weights. I have tried to reduce the friction in the pulleys by oiling them. 2. The radius of the cotton reel used to wind the string around the motor shaft increases as more string is wrapped round it. As a consequence the torque on the motor is increased. This error is unavoidable and I will attempt to correct for it by using an average value for the radius in my calculations. 3. The internal resistance of the power supply and the ammeter used in my experiment will affect the voltage across the motor. For this reason I will directly measure the voltage across the motor and I will not simply use the E. m. f of the power supply in my calculations. 4. The bottom pulley contributes to the weight of the load. It weighs 104. 8 grams (error +/-0. 1g) My results: Experiment1: Field coils voltage=9. 88V, Motor Coil input voltage (as show on power pack)=4V, the height the mass was lifted=1. 025 m (% error=0. 9), g=9. 8(Estimated error=1%) I repeated each reading in till I got reliable results the value given in the table is the average value I recorded. Mass (including pulley) in grams Average Voltage (V) Average Current (A) Average time taken to lift mass I. 025m Estimated Error=+/- 1% Estimated Error==+/- 0. 05V Estimated Error=+/-0. 05A Estimated Error==/-Â  Experiment 2: Although the voltage and current remained roughly constant while I was lifting the weights at a steady speed, they varied by as much as . 3V/A. This variation was due factors such as the varying friction of the pulley system and it made taking accurate results difficult. In my second experiment I am going to use a joule meter to measure the amount of energy given to the motor. The joule meter will take in account the fluctuations in voltage/current that I observed and therefore it should give more accurate results. This is assuming that the joule meter is accurate. See Diagram 2 for circuit diagram Experimental Method: I will attach different masses to the pulley and I will measure how high they are lifted if 20J of electrical energy is given to the motor-As soon as the joule meter reads 20J I will stop the weight and measure the distance it has moved. I have chosen this method since the joule meter I am using can only measure the number of joules received to the nearest 10J. In my experiments I was only using about 30-70 Joules and therefore the error in my results could be as high 33%. However using the joule meter I can accurately tell when exactly 20J of energy has been used, and then I can then use the ruler to measure the height of the weight to the nearest millimetre. Using this method and assuming that the joule meter is accurate, I estimate the experimental error to be about 2-3%. My results: Motor coil voltage (as shown)=4V, Field Voltage=9. 80 Mass (g) (inc pulley) Voltage (V) Height Lifted (Cm) Height lifted Exp2 (Cm) Average Height Lifted(Cm) Average Time taken to lift weight (s) Estimated Error=+/- 1% Estimated Error==+/- 0. 1V Estimated Error =+/-0. 5cm Estimated Error =+/-0. 5cm Estimated Error =+/-0.5cm Estimated Error=Testing the accuracy of the joule meter Before I analyse the results from my experiment I will test the accuracy of joule meter. See Diagram 3: For Diagram of Apparatus used Experimental Method: I will supply the joule meter with a constant voltage and I will time how long it takes to record energy of 10J. From this information I will be able to compare the energy I put in to the joule meter and the energy it recorded and I will be able to draw a calibration curve. My Results: Load=10. 3? Voltage (V) I would have repeated my results for this experiment if I had more time Analysing the results of the calibration experiment: Voltage (V) Time for 10J (s) Power in (watts) Power recorded (W) Joules in Joules recorded % Error Voltage squared 1. This is how I calculated the above values: Power in= V2/R R=10. 3? Power recorded=10J/Time taken Joules in=(Power in) (time taken for 10J) % Error=100(Joules recorded-Joules in)/Joules in Is the power recorded equal to? If the joule meter is accurate the power it records will be equal to . To test this I have plotted the power recorded against the voltage I recorded squared.

buy custom The Silent Epidemic in the United States essay

buy custom The Silent Epidemic in the United States essay Chlamydia is considered to be a sexually transmitted disease that is relatively common amongpeople. Thisdisease is causedby Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. Chlamydia infection is a term that is also used in reference to infections that have been caused by species that belong to Chlamydiaceae family of the very bacteria. Chlamydia trachomatis is a type of bacteria that affects only human beings. It is a major cause of infections in peoples genitalia as well as their eyes (Breguet, 26). A Chlamydia infection is considered to be very common among other sexually transmitted diseases (STD) globally. Chlamydia trachomatis are the bacteria, naturally found to live in human body cells. Thesebacteria are transmitted either when one engages in anal, oral as well as vaginal sex. Chlamydia can also be transmitted from a mother to her child during vaginal delivery of the baby. More than half of the women, infected with Chlamydia of the cervix are not aware that they have been infected with the bacteria, as in most cases they are no symptoms. For men, urethritis or the infection to the urethra is considered to be one of the symptoms for Chlamydia. It causes a white substance discharge from the penis. This can be both painful and not. There are some instances where the condition may spread for women tract in the upper genitalia, and thus cause pelvic inflammatory disease. Also there are severe cases of Chlamydia among men, when it causes epididymis. It is important for people to seek treatment as soon as possible; the infections have the potential to cause problems to a persons reproducti ve systems as well as other long and short term health challenges. According to Golanty, Chlamydia is one of the major causes of bindness (26). The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that in 1995 the condition was claimed to have contributed to about 15% of global illnesses, but this later dropped to about 3.6% in 2002.Chlamydia isa rapidly spreadingsexually transmitted disease. Over 2.8 million new infections are registered every yearin the United States. Around5% of the countryspopulation is belivedto be infected with these bacteria. About 10% of sexually active women arealso infected. Studies have demonstrated that Chlamydia infections are more common in the United States and have been discovered the most affected groups. One of the group is individuals who are 24 years or younger. Also people, who are living in the urban area of the United States have a higher likelihood of being infected with Chlamydia than others. African Americans are also at a higher risk of being infected with Chlamydia. Individuals who are from low economic as well as social class also join the risk group of Americans, who are more likely to be infected with Chlamydia. Chlamydia can be better diagnosed if individuals thoroughly observe their bodies, keep good record of medical history, and also have physical examination by a medical professional. The physical examinations may include samples from the cervical tissues and sending it to the laboratory for diagnosis. There are a lot of research methods that are being undertaken to ensure that the urine test in diagnosing Chlamydia will beintroduced.It will be instrumental in ensuring greater accessibility for more Americans. When an individuaal is diagnosed with Chlamydia, it is important that his sexual partners in the last sixty days are also screened. According to William Bowie, in order to treat Chlamydia, very effective antibiotics are administered (17). According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Diseases guidelines in 1998, when treating Chlamidya, people were encouraged to use 1 gram of azithromycin or 100 mg doxycycline oral two times a day for a total of seven days.. If a patient requires another treatment, he may be prescribed to administer 500 mg tube of erythromycin four times a day during a seven days course. Another alternative treatment is 800 mg tube of erythoromycin ethylsuccinate; it should be taken four times in a day throughout a week. Another effective oral synthetic antibiotic is ofloxacin 300 mg that should be taken twice a day during a week course. It is crucial that the medicines be prescribed to a patient by a qualified physician so as to be effective in the treatment of the disease. If Chlamydia is left untreated for a long time, it may cause infertility. A lot of women can suffer from pelvic inflammatory disease a long time after they suffered from Chlamydia. For pregnant women, it is essential that they are aware of their status as far as Chlamydia is concerned (Marr, 117). If they are unaware, then they are at risk of also infecting their children, when they are delivering. This may also be a cause for a pregnant woman to experience premature labor. Chlamydia will affect the new born babies through pneumonia as well as eye infections. It is therefore vital that pregnant women are screened for Chlamydia to reduce the risks. Prevention is very important. Some of these methods include using a condom when engaging in sexual intercourse, unless one is involved in a monogamous relationship. Also proper hygiene practices such as showering in preference of baths, not douching, dressing in innerwears that have a cotton crotch is important. It is vital for one to always visit a gynecological professional if they experience symptoms related to the condition. Buy custom The Silent Epidemic in the United States essay

The Medium And Its Impact On The Society Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Medium And Its Impact On The Society - Essay Example There are a lot of serious defenders and critics of McLuhan’s ideas, and, in my opinion, all of them are right to a greater or lesser extent, although, after my reading of McLuhan’s works and of some discussions around it, I should confess that I could agree with his aphorism: â€Å"The Medium Is the Message†. In this essay, I give several points to explain my opinion. First of all, I would not adjoin those people who understand the meaning of the McLuhan’s work too literally, focusing mostly on the conventional significance of term â€Å"medium† in relation to mass-media communications and the meaning of â€Å"message† only as information. Such understanding, in my opinion, leads to misapprehension or, at least, to a superficial comprehension of McLuhan’s ideas – it does not allow to go beyond simple conclusions that communication technologies are more important (in some miraculous way) than information or content, which technologies transmit, and hence information can be disregarded. In this sense I agree with McLuhan who expresses his harsh opinion as follows: I consider, that according to McLuhan, the â€Å"media† should be understood in more broad, complex meaning – as â€Å"extension of man†, as any phenomenon (social or technological) that can cause structural changes influencing man’s mode of existence. Fishman (2006) also emphasizes that McLuhan treats media as â€Å"extensions of an individuals capabilities and attributes †¦ [and] extension of the mind. These media create perceptual environments, and these environments influence what kind of facts are privileged as important, and what type of stimuli are ignored or overlooked† (p.2). McLuhan (2003) corroborates it: All human inventions, innovations, and ideas are media, according to McLuhan.

Right to Refuse Treatment Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Right to Refuse Treatment - Research Paper Example The right to refuse treatment is now well established for some kinds of patients, especially in cases of psychiatric treatment. Different states have adopted various procedures of addressing the right to refuse treatment and for the overriding of this refusal. Oregon's administrative procedure for override depends on an evaluation by an independent examining psychiatrist. Every state has laws governing the right to refuse medical treatment and advance directives about this right. It is essential for nurses to ensure that they are familiar with the legislations of their state. There is a complex relationship between the right to refuse treatment and the right to treatment. The Right to refuse treatment includes the right to refuse involuntary hospitalization. (Godard, Bloom, Williams, and Faulkner, 1998) More often than not, Nurses find themselves in the front line when the situation arises to deal with patients that refuse medication or treatment. Evidently, a voluntary patient has the right to refuse treatment and must not be treated against his or her consent, with the exception being in situations in which the patient becomes actively to others or to himself. The right to refuse treatment is closely related to the rights of the Mentally Disabled Persons, and every Nurse is required to be familiar with the guidelines laid down in the laws of the State in which they practice, so that they can administer medications properly to committed patients as well involuntary patients. Within the last 30 years, there has been a shift in opinion concerning patients’ right to make their own medical treatment decisions.

Changes in Prisons in Twentieth Century in Britain Essay Example for Free

Changes in Prisons in Twentieth Century in Britain Essay In 20th century a lot of important changes was made in Britain prison system. A lot of crucial moves in this matter were made, which made changes to the system, and create the current system in prisons. A lot of reports and changes plans were made in this crucial for the matter period. The beginning for this period was made in 1895 with Gladstone report, which was highly critical of the current penal policy. It criticised existing regimes for crushing self respect and starving all moral instinct. The report argued that reformation should coexist with deterrence and that rehabilitation should be given priority. Victorians focused upon repression and punishment. They used inflexible and punitive methods of control. Gladstone felt these should be replaced with more scientific methods of treatment. In addition, prison commissioners for the first time in 1898, defined the purpose of prison as the humanisation of the individual1. Sir Evelyn Ruggles-Brise insisted that each man convicted of crime is to be regarded as an individual, as a separate entity of morality, who by the application of influences, of discipline, labour, education, moral and religious, backed up on discharge by a well organised system of patronage is capable of reinstatement in civic life2. Weiner (1990) stated, It is now recognised that primitive measures alone are not corrective, and effective reformation of criminals can only be attained by making our prisons true schools and moral hospitals. Forsythe (1991) argues that new projects often fell short of the claims made for them. He says that in particular, the local and convict prisons clung tenaciously to the concepts of measured punishment, moral culpability, limited deterrence and uniformly administered discipline. It is a fact that the process of reform was often slow and not al all easy to perceive. From 1900 onwards a number of radical changes were made to the standard prison regime: 1) Unproductive labour was officially abandoned and replaced by prison industries and work considered useful, 2) The separate system was gradually eroded, allowing prisoners to work in association, 3) Education was increased and improved, 4) Internal discipline was maintained through a reward/punishment system related to the introduction of remission, 5) Specialists such as psychologists were appointed, 6) Prisoner categorisation was extended, 7) The Borstal system was introduced for juveniles, 8) A commitment to reformation became enshrined in the Prison Rule that stipulated that the purpose of imprisonment was to encourage prisoners to lead a good and useful life3, 9) During the 1930s the treadmill and arrows on convict uniforms were abolished. According to Garland (1985) the most radical reforms of this era took place outside of the prison system: 1) The introduction of the probation service, 2) Alternatives to custody emerged, 3) Construction of specialist institutions4. Garland views these major transformations as the beginnings of our current practice. Garland prefers to talk of developments in a whole realm of penality rather than prison reform5. Additionally, in 1908 Borstals6 were put on a statutory footing implemented by Herbert Gladstone. The name Borstal comes from the village in Kent where the first Borstal scheme got its first full-scale trial. Borstals took English public schools as their model and their sentences were indeterminate. Criminals aged between 16 21 could be sent to Borstal for between one and three years. The prison Commission could release on licence at any time after six months (or three months for girls) and could also recall for misbehaviour. Borstal faltered after 1945 really because success rates were measured by reconviction rates. 1982 the administration of Margaret Thatcher formally abolished the Borstal and replaced it with the Youth Custody Centre with determinate sentences of imprisonment. Paterson7 replaced military type training with delegated authority and encouragement of personal responsibility. Staffs wore civilian clothing and were encouraged to get to know the lads personally considered revolutionary in the 1920s. The Borstal notion of training prisoners through personal relations, trust and responsibility gradually had an impact on the prison system as a whole. Two borstal elements were transplanted into the adult system with long lasting effects: 1. 1936 the first minimum-security (open) prison was established at New Hall, near Wakefield. 2. The housemaster was renamed assistant governor. The post war developments where about the Easier bail, Probation, Time to pay fines, a reduction in time to be served for a partial payment of fines, Reformatories for juveniles, Curtailment of imprisonment for debt and, More facilities for the insane and for habitual drunkards. In 1928 the then Home Secretary had described Dartmoor convict prison as the cesspool of English humanity I suppose there must be some residuum which no training or help will ever improve8. Furthermore in 1948 Paterson and his colleagues framed Criminal justice Act. This was a highly influential piece of legislation. Borstal had represented the opposite view and resurrected the possibility of reformatory prison. Borstals and Detention Centres began to lose favour: neither for deterrence or reform was the short sentence acceptable. This is one of the elements in the English prison-crowding crisis which became acute in the 1970s and 1980s and with which the country is still wrestling. Deterrence Youth prisons known as Detention Centres were intended to subject boys (and half-heartedly, girls) who were thought to be on the verge of a custodial career to a last chance short, sharp, shock. Separate institutions for pre trial prisoners were planned but never created: these would be custodial but non-penal institutions. Due to the war, there were no funds and little sympathy for unconvinced detainees. McConville states that thick skins and short purses ever since have ensured that English pre trial prisoners were treated worse than they were for virtually all of Victorias reign and much worse than their fellows who were convicted and sentenced. The 1960s and early 1970s are seen as the beginning of the crisis years with British prisons. At last we can refer to System of Concentration. Mountbatten referred to the obvious advantages of an island prison holding all prisoners who posed a threat. A new prison was to be built on the Isle of Wight. This was rejected and the dispersal system became the preferred way of housing inmates. Since early 1966 new measurements of security have been implemented in selected prisons. Between 1969 and 1979 the prison service went through a number of riots. 70s and 80s dogged with accusations of brutality and violence directed at prisoners from the prison staff. Serious disturbances and riots had occurred in maximum-security prisons, which had led to reprisals against prisoners. British riots occurred within the new dispersal system: Parkhurst 1969, Albany 1971 1972, Gartree 1972, Hull 1976, and Gartree 1978. Hull riot will go down in history, as it was the prison staff who were ultimately tried and convicted. Special control units were introduced after the Gartree riot of 1972 for troublemakers over and above the existing segregation units. 1970s represent the years when reform and treatment had dwindled away and the whole prison system ran on the notion that nothing works. By 1978 both the courts and the prisons were in danger of serious collapse. Industrial relations were poor with prison staff. May Committee 1979 reported as a response to the previous troubled decade. They explored the issues of what the aim of imprisonment was; they agreed that the rhetoric of treatment and training had had its day. Finally, King and Morgan proposed the term humane containment: 1. Minimum use of custody 2. Minimum use of security 3. Normalisation. The current organisation of the prison system is heavily influenced by past practice. This has shaped the system that we now have today. So, it is difficult to assess progress of 20th Century. Harsh and punitive experience of prison overrides any idea of progressive treatment. Biggest rises can be seen from 1974 onwards. It is a fact that this matter is very important and serious for the society and has to be developed according to the needs of the society according to its progress at times. BIBLIOGRAPHY: 1. Goffman, E. (1961) Asylums, Essays on the Social Situation of Mental Patients and Other Inmates. Harmondsworth 2. Jones, K. (1993) Asylums and After: A Revised History of the Mental Health Services from the Early Eighteenth Century to the 1990s. 3. Morris, N and Rothman, D.J (eds). (1995) The Oxford History of the Prison. Oxford University Press. 4. Porter, R. (2002) Madness: A Brief History. Oxford University Press. 1 Weiner, 1990. 2 Ruggles-Brise quoted in Garland 1985. 3 Prison Rule 6 in 1949 but Prison Rule 1 since 1964. 4 such as Borstal where principles of rehabilitation were initiated. 5 the prison was decentred, shifted from its position as the central and predominant sanction to become one institution among many in an extended grid of penal sanctions. Of course it continued to be of major importance, but it was now deployed in a different manner, for a narrower section of the criminal population and often as a back up sanction for other institutions, rather than a place of first resort. 6 The Borstal System. 7 Alexander Paterson. 8 Sir William Joynson-Hicks.

The Increased Racial Tension in the USA in the Years 1964-1970 :: Papers

The Increased Racial Tension in the USA in the Years 1964-1970 Slavery had been abolished in the USA in the 1860; blacks had continued to be treated as second-class citizens and to be denied their civil rights. Kennedy set up the civil rights act in 1964 that banned discrimination in public accommodations, in federally assisted programs and in employment. Also it gave federal government new power to enforce desegregation and prosecute voting right violations. In 1965 the voting rights act came along, this ended literacy tests for voting. It also allowed federal agents to monitor registration. These acts improved civil rights but many black Americans were still dissatisfied, they were still a class B citizen. Tension continued between the two races. After the Second World War, it was still clear that black Americans were still second class citizens. Truman tried to introduce some changes but he faced opposition from his own party and many of his ideas were dropped. In the early 50’s schools, only 16 states required their schools to be integrated. There were still problems with black Americans. The average income for a black family was half the amount of a white family’s. This was because blacks couldn’t get very good jobs e.g. fruit picking and car washing. Third of the black Americans were living below the poverty line. Black Americans still had unemployment, poor housing and poor schools. In 1963, Martin Luther King organised a campaign of marches and demonstrations that would ensure maximum media coverage. These demonstrations were broadcast across the USA and the world and many Americans were horrified at the brutality. During the campaign Martin Luther King was jailed, but the most important thing was that television viewers were able to see the outrageous treatment meted out to young demonstrations. Martin Luther King had a dream speech. For many blacks Americans the new laws were not being introduced fast enough. All the blacks wanted are to take what they thought was theirs by right and by force if worst comes to worst.

Zoe’s Tale PART III Chapter Twenty-Four

I entered the storage deck of the other Obin ship. â€Å"So this is the human who has an entire race to do her bidding,† said the Consu waiting there for me. It was the only place on the Obin ship where he would fit, I guessed. I smiled in spite of myself. â€Å"You laugh at me,† the Consu said. It spoke perfect English, and in a light, gentle voice, which was weird considering how much it looked like a large and savagely angry insect. â€Å"I'm sorry,† I said. â€Å"It's just that it's the second time in a day that someone's said that to me.† â€Å"Well,† the Consu said. It unfolded itself in a way that made me want to run screaming in the other direction, and from somewhere inside its body a creepily humanlike arm and hand beckoned to me. â€Å"Come and let me get a look at you.† I took one step forward and then had a very difficult time with the next step. â€Å"You asked for me, human,† the Consu said. I developed a spine and walked over to the Consu. It touched and prodded me with its smaller arms, while its giant slashing arms, the ones the Consu used to decapitate enemies in combat, hovered on either side of me, at just about head level. I managed not to completely lose it. â€Å"Yes, well,† the Consu said, and I heard something like disappointment in its voice. â€Å"There's nothing particularly special about you, is there? Physically. Is there something special about you mentally?† â€Å"No,† I said. â€Å"I'm just me.† â€Å"We're all just ourselves,† the Consu said, and folded itself back into its self, much to my relief. â€Å"That is axiomatic. What is it about you that makes hundreds of Obin allow themselves to die to get to me, is what I am asking.† I felt sick again. â€Å"You said that hundreds of Obin died to bring you to me?† â€Å"Oh, yes,† the Consu said. â€Å"Your pets surrounded my ship with their own and tried to board it. The ship killed everyone that tried. They remained persistent and finally I became curious. I allowed one to board the ship and it told me that you had demanded the Obin convince the Consu to help you. I wanted to see for myself what sort of creature could so casually demand this, and could cause the Obin to fulfill it at such a cost to themselves.† It looked at me again curiously. â€Å"You appear upset,† it said. â€Å"I'm thinking about the Obin who died,† I said. â€Å"They did what you asked of them,† the Consu said, with a bored tone. â€Å"You didn't have to kill so many of them,† I said. â€Å"Your pets didn't have to offer up so many to sacrifice,† said the Consu. â€Å"And yet they did. You seem stupid so I will explain this to you. Your pets, to the extent that they can think, did this intelligently. The Consu will not speak to the Obin for their own behalf. We answered their questions long ago and it does not interest us to speak further on the subject.† â€Å"But you spoke to the Obin,† I said. â€Å"I am dying,† the Consu said. â€Å"I am on† – and here the Consu made a noise that sounded like a tractor falling down a hill – â€Å"the death journey that Consu prepared to move forward are permitted if in this life they have proven worthy. Consu on this journey may do as they please, including speaking to proscribed creatures, and may if asked appropriately grant a final boon. Your pets have spied on the Consu for decades – we were aware of this but did nothing about it – and knew the route of the death journey and knew the ceremonial ships those on the journey travel in. Your pets understood this was the only way they could talk to us. And your pets knew what it would require to interest me or any Consu enough to hear them. You should have known this when you made your demand.† â€Å"I didn't,† I said. â€Å"Then you are foolish, human,† the Consu said. â€Å"If I were inclined to feel sorry for the Obin, I would do so because they had wasted their effort and diverted me from my journey on the behalf of someone so ignorant of the cost. But I do not feel sorry for them. They at least knew the cost, and willingly paid it. Now. You will either tell me how you demand I help you, or I will go and your pets' deaths will have truly been for nothing.† â€Å"I need help to save my colony,† I said, and forced myself to focus. â€Å"My friends and family are there and are under threat of attack. It is a small colony and not able to defend itself. The Colonial Union will not help us. The Obin are not allowed to help us. The Consu have technology that could help us. I ask for your help.† â€Å"You said ‘ask,'† the Consu said. â€Å"Your pets said ‘demand.'† â€Å"I demanded help from the Obin because I knew I could,† I said. â€Å"I am asking you.† â€Å"I do not care about your colony or you,† the Consu said. â€Å"You just said that as part of your death journey you can grant a boon,† I said. â€Å"This could be it.† â€Å"It may be that my boon was to the Obin, in speaking to you,† the Consu said. I blinked at this. â€Å"How would it be a boon to them just to speak to me if you won't at least think of helping me?† I said. â€Å"Then it would be you who wasted their sacrifice and effort.† â€Å"That is my choice,† the Consu said. â€Å"The Obin understood that in making the sacrifice the answer might be ‘no.' This is another thing they understand that you don't.† â€Å"I know there is a lot I don't understand here,† I said. â€Å"I can see that. I'm sorry. But I still need help for my family and friends.† â€Å"How many family and friends?† the Consu said. â€Å"My colony has twenty-five hundred people,† I said. â€Å"A similar number of Obin died in order to bring me here,† the Consu said. â€Å"I didn't know that would happen,† I said. â€Å"I wouldn't have asked for that.† â€Å"Is that so?† the Consu said. It shifted its bulk and drew in toward me. I didn't back away. â€Å"I don't believe you, human. You are foolish and you are ignorant, that much is clear. Yet I cannot believe that even you did not understand what you were asking the Obin for when you asked them to come to us for your sake. You demanded help from the Obin because you could. And because you could you did not ask the cost. But you had to have known the cost would be high.† I didn't know what to say to that. The Consu drew back and seemed to regard me, like it might an amusing insect. â€Å"Your capriciousness and callousness with the Obin interests me,† it said. â€Å"And so does the fact that the Obin are willing to give of themselves for your whims despite your lack of care for them.† I said something I knew I was going to regret, but I couldn't help myself. The Consu was doing a really excellent job of pushing my buttons. â€Å"That's a funny thing coming from someone from the race that gave the Obin intelligence but no consciousness,† I said. â€Å"As long as we're talking about capriciousness and callousness.† â€Å"Ah. Yes, that's right,† the Consu said. â€Å"The Obin told me this. You're the child of the human who made the machines that let the Obin play at consciousness.† â€Å"They don't play at it,† I said. â€Å"They have it.† â€Å"And it is a terrible thing that they do,† the Consu said. â€Å"Consciousness is a tragedy. It leads the whole race away from perfection, causes it to fritter its efforts on individual and wasteful effort. Our lives as Consu are spent learning to free our race from the tyranny of self, to move beyond ourselves and in doing so move our race forward. It is why we help you lesser races along, so you may also free yourselves in time.† I bit my cheek at this bit. The Consu would sometimes come down to a human colony, wipe it and everyone in it off the face of their planet, and then wait for the Colonial Defense Forces to come and fight them. It was a game to the Consu, as far as any of us could see. To say that they were doing it for our benefit was perverse, to say the least. But I was here to ask for help, not debate morals. I had already been baited once. I didn't dare let it happen again. The Consu continued, oblivious to my personal struggles. â€Å"What you humans have done to the Obin makes a mockery of their potential,† it said. â€Å"We created the Obin to be the best among us all, the one race without consciousness, the one race free to pursue its destiny as a race from its first steps. The Obin were meant to be what we aspired to. To see them aspire to consciousness is to see a creature that can fly aspire to wallow in mud. Your father did the Obin no favors, human, in hobbling them with consciousness.† I stood there for a minute, amazed that this Consu would tell me, in seemingly casual conversation, things that the Obin had sacrificed half their number for so many years ago but were never allowed to hear. The Consu waited patiently for my response. â€Å"The Obin would disagree,† I said. â€Å"And so would I.† â€Å"Of course you would,† the Consu said. â€Å"Their love of their consciousness is what makes them willing to do the ridiculous for you. That and the fact that they choose to honor you for something that your father did, even though you had no hand in it. This blindness and honor is convenient to you. It is what you use to get them to do what you want. You don't prize their consciousness for what it gives them. You prize it for what it allows you to do to them.† â€Å"That's not true,† I said. â€Å"Indeed,† said the Consu, and I could hear the mocking tone in its voice. It shifted its weight again. â€Å"Very well, human. You have asked me to help you. Perhaps I will. I can provide you with a boon, one the Consu may not refuse. But this boon is not free. It comes with a cost attached.† â€Å"What cost?† I said. â€Å"I want to be entertained first,† the Consu said. â€Å"So I offer you this bargain. You have among you several hundred Obin. Select one hundred of them in any way you choose. I will ask the Consu to send one hundred of our own – convicts, sinners, and others who have strayed from the path and would be willing to attempt redemption. We will set them at each other, to the death. â€Å"In the end, one side will have a victory. If it is yours, then I will help you. If it is mine, I will not. And then, having been sufficiently amused, I will be on my way, to continue my death journey. I will call to the Consu now. Let us say that in eight of your hours we will start this entertainment. I trust that will be enough time for you to prepare your pets.† â€Å"We will have no problem finding a hundred volunteers among the Obin,† Dock said to me. It and I were in the conference room General Gau had lent me. Hickory and Dickory stood outside the door to make sure we weren't disturbed. â€Å"I will have the volunteers ready for you within the hour.† â€Å"Why didn't you tell me how the Obin planned to get the Consu to me?† I asked. â€Å"The Consu here told me that hundreds of Obin died to get him here. Why didn't you warn me that would happen?† â€Å"I did not know how we would choose to try to get the Consu's attention,† Dock said. â€Å"I sent along your requirement, along with my own assent. I was not a participant in making the choice.† â€Å"But you knew this could happen,† I said. â€Å"As a member of the Council I know that we have had the Consu under observation, and that there had been plans to find ways to talk to them again,† Dock said. â€Å"I knew this was one of them.† â€Å"Why didn't you tell me?† I said. â€Å"I told you that attempting to speak to the Consu would come at a high cost,† Dock said. â€Å"This was the cost. At the time, the cost did not seem too high for you.† â€Å"I didn't know that it would mean that hundreds of Obin would die,† I said. â€Å"Or that they would just keep throwing themselves into a Consu firing line until the Consu got curious enough to stop. If I had known I would have asked you to try something else.† â€Å"Given what you required us to do and the time in which we had to do it, there was nothing else,† Dock said. It came to me and opened up its hands, like it was trying to make me see something important. â€Å"Please understand, Zoe. We had been planning to petition a Consu on its death journey for a long time now, and for our own reasons. It was one of the reasons we were able to fulfill your requirement at all. Everything was already in place.† â€Å"But it was my order that killed them,† I said. â€Å"It is not your fault that the Consu required their deaths,† Dock said. â€Å"The Obin who were part of the mission had already known what was required to get the attention of the Consu. They were already committed to this task. Your request changed only the timing and the purpose of their mission. But those who participated did so willingly, and understood the reason for doing it. It was their choice.† â€Å"They still did it because I didn't think about what I was asking,† I said. â€Å"They did it because you required our help,† Dock said. â€Å"They would have thought it an honor to do this for you. Just as those who will fight for you now will consider it an honor.† I looked at my hands, ashamed to look at Dock. â€Å"You said that you had already been planning to petition a Consu on its death journey,† I said. â€Å"What were you going to ask?† â€Å"For understanding,† Dock said. â€Å"To know why the Consu kept consciousness away from us. To know why they chose to punish us with its lack.† I looked up at that. â€Å"I know the answer,† I said, and told Dock what the Consu had told me about consciousness and why they chose not to give it to the Obin. â€Å"I don't know if that was the answer you were looking for,† I said. â€Å"But that's what this Consu told me.† Dock didn't say anything. I looked more closely at it, and I could see it was trembling. â€Å"Hey,† I said, and got up from my chair. â€Å"I didn't mean to upset you.† â€Å"I am not upset,† Dock said. â€Å"I am happy. You have given us answers to questions we have been asking since as long as our race has existed. Answers the Consu would not have given us themselves. Answers many of us would have given our lives for.† â€Å"Many of you did give your lives for them,† I said. â€Å"No,† Dock said. â€Å"They gave their lives to help you. There was no expectation of any compensation for the sacrifice. They did it because you required it. You did not have to give us anything in return. But you have given us this.† â€Å"You're welcome,† I said. I was getting embarrassed. â€Å"It's not a big thing. The Consu just told me. I just thought you should know.† â€Å"Consider, Zoe, that this thing that you just thought we should know was something that others would have seen as something to hold over us,† Dock said. â€Å"That they would have sold to us, or denied to us. You gave it freely.† â€Å"After I told you that I required your help and sent hundreds of Obin out to die,† I said, and sat back down. â€Å"Don't make me out to be a hero, Dock. It's not the way I feel right now.† â€Å"I am sorry, Zoe,† Dock said. â€Å"But if you will not be a hero, at least know that you are not a villain. You are our friend.† â€Å"Thank you, Dock,† I said. â€Å"That helps a little.† Dock nodded. â€Å"Now I must go to find the hundred volunteers you seek,† it said, â€Å"and to tell the Council what you have shared with me. Do not worry, Zoe. We will not disappoint you.† â€Å"This is what I have for you on short notice,† General Gau said. He swept an arm through the space station's immense cargo bay. â€Å"This part of the station is just newly constructed. We haven't actually used it for cargo yet. I think it'll suit your purposes.† I stared at the immensity of the space. â€Å"I think so,† I said. â€Å"Thank you, General.† â€Å"It's the least I could do,† General Gau said. â€Å"Considering how you've helped me just recently.† â€Å"Thank you for not holding the Consu invasion against me,† I said. â€Å"On the contrary, it's been a benefit,† Gau said. â€Å"It stopped the battle around the space station before it could get truly horrific. The traitor crews assumed I had called those ships for assistance. They surrendered before I could correct the impression. You helped me quash the rebellion before it could get started.† â€Å"You're welcome,† I said. â€Å"Thank you,† said Gau. â€Å"Now, of course, I would like them to go away. But it's my understanding that they're here to make sure we don't do anything foolish with our Consu guest while he's here. The ships are fighter drones, not even manned, but this is Consu technology. I don't imagine if they opened fire on us we'd stand much of a chance. So we have an enforced peace here at the moment. Since it works for me, not against me, I shouldn't complain.† â€Å"Have you found out any more about Nerbros Eser and what his plans are?† I asked. I didn't feel like thinking about the Consu anymore. â€Å"Yes,† Gau said. â€Å"Lernin has been quite forthcoming now that he's trying to avoid being executed for treason. It's been a wonderful motivator. He tells me that Eser plans to take Roanoke with a small force of soldiers. The idea there is to show that he can take with a hundred soldiers what I couldn't take with four hundred battle cruisers. But ‘take' is the wrong word for it, I'm afraid. Eser plans to destroy the colony and everyone in it.† â€Å"That was your plan too,† I reminded the general. He bobbed his head in what I assumed was an acknowledgment. â€Å"You know by now, I hope, that I would have much preferred not to have killed the colonists,† he said. â€Å"Eser does not intend to offer that option.† I skipped over that piece of data in my head. â€Å"When will he attack?† I asked. â€Å"Soon, I think,† Gau said. â€Å"Lernin doesn't think Eser has assembled his troops yet, but this failed assassination attempt is going to force him to move sooner than later.† â€Å"Great,† I said. â€Å"There's still time,† Gau said. â€Å"Don't give up hope yet, Zoe.† â€Å"I haven't,† I said. â€Å"But I've still got a lot on my mind.† â€Å"Have you found enough volunteers?† Gau asked. â€Å"We have,† I said, and my face tightened up as I said it. â€Å"What's wrong?† Gau said. â€Å"One of the volunteers,† I said, and stopped. I tried again. â€Å"One of the volunteers is an Obin named Dickory,† I said. â€Å"My friend and my bodyguard. When it volunteered I told it no. Demanded that it take back its offer. But it refused.† â€Å"Having it volunteer could be a powerful thing,† Gau said. â€Å"It probably encouraged others to step forward.† I nodded. â€Å"But Dickory is still my friend,† I said. â€Å"Still my family. Maybe it shouldn't make a difference but it does.† â€Å"Of course it makes a difference,† Gau said. â€Å"The reason you're here is to try to keep the people you love from being hurt.† â€Å"I'm asking people I don't know to sacrifice themselves for people I do,† I said. â€Å"That's why you're asking them to volunteer,† Gau said. â€Å"But it seems to me the reason they're volunteering is for you.† I nodded and looked out at the bay, and imagined the fight that was coming. â€Å"I have a proposition for you,† the Consu said to me. The two of us sat in the operations room of the cargo bay, ten meters above the floor of the bay. On the floor were two groups of beings. In the first group were the one hundred Obin who had volunteered to fight for me. In the other group were the one hundred Consu criminals, who would be forced to fight the Obin for a chance to regain their honor. The Consu looked scary big next to the Obin. The contest would be modified hand-to-hand combat: The Obin were allowed a combat knife, while the Consu, with their slashing arms, would fight bare-handed, if you called being able to wield two razor-sharp limbs attached to your own body â€Å"bare-handed.† I was getting very nervous about the Obin's chances. â€Å"A proposition,† the Consu repeated. I glanced over at the Consu, who in himself nearly filled the operations room. He'd been there when I had come up; I wasn't entirely sure how he'd gotten himself through the door. The two of us were there with Hickory and Dock and General Gau, who had taken it upon himself to act as the official arbiter for the contest. Dickory was on the floor. Getting ready to fight. â€Å"Are you interested in hearing it?† the Consu asked. â€Å"We're about to start,† I said. â€Å"It's about the contest,† the Consu said. â€Å"I have a way that you can get what you want without having the contest at all.† I closed my eyes. â€Å"Tell me,† I said. â€Å"I will help you keep your colony safe by providing you a piece of our technology,† the Consu said. â€Å"A machine that produces an energy field that robs projectiles of their momentum. A sapper field. It makes your bullets fall out of the air and sucks the power from missiles before they strike their targets. If you are clever your colony can use it to defeat those who attack it. This is what I am allowed and prepared to give to you.† â€Å"And what do you want in return?† I asked. â€Å"A simple demonstration,† the Consu said. It unfolded and pointed toward the Obin on the floor. â€Å"A demand from you was enough to cause hundreds of Obin to willingly sacrifice themselves for the mere purpose of getting my attention. This power you have interests me. I want to see it. Tell this one hundred to sacrifice themselves here and now, and I will give you what you need in order to save your colony.† â€Å"I can't do that,† I said. â€Å"It is not an issue of whether it is possible,† the Consu said. It leaned its bulk over and then addressed Dock. â€Å"Would the Obin here kill themselves if this human asked it?† â€Å"Without doubt,† Dock said. â€Å"They would not hesitate,† the Consu said. â€Å"No,† Dock said. The Consu turned back to me. â€Å"Then all you need to do is give the order.† â€Å"No,† I said. â€Å"Don't be stupid, human,† the Consu said. â€Å"You have been assured by me that I will assist you. You have been assured by this Obin that your pets here will gladly sacrifice themselves for your benefit, without delay or complaint. You will be assured of helping your family and friends survive imminent attack. And you have done it before. You thought nothing of sending hundred to their death to speak to me. It should not be a difficult decision now.† He waved again toward the floor. â€Å"Tell me honestly, human. Look at your pets, and then look at the Consu. Do you think your pets will be the ones left standing when this is over? Do you want to risk the safety of your friends and family on them? â€Å"I offer you an alternative. It carries no risk. It costs you nothing but your assent. Your pets will not object. They will be happy to do this for you. Simply say that you require this of them. That you demand it of them. And if it makes you feel any better, you can tell them to turn off their consciousness before they kill themselves. Then they will not fear their sacrifice. They will simply do it. They will do it for you. They will do it for what you are to them.† I considered what the Consu had said. I turned to Dock. â€Å"You have no doubt that those Obin would do this for me,† I said. â€Å"There is no doubt,† Dock said. â€Å"They are there to fight at your request, Zoe. They know they may die. They have already accepted that possibility, just as the Obin who sacrificed themselves to bring you this Consu knew what was required of them.† â€Å"And what about you,† I said to Hickory. â€Å"Your friend and partner is down there, Hickory. For ten years, at least, you've spent your life with Dickory. What do you say?† Hickory's trembling was so slight that I almost doubted that I saw it. â€Å"Dickory will do as you ask, Zoe,† Hickory said. â€Å"You should know this already.† It turned away after that. I looked at General Gau. â€Å"I have no advice to offer you,† he said. â€Å"But I am very interested to find out what you choose.† I closed my eyes and I thought of my family. Of John and Jane. Of Savitri, who traveled to a new world with us. I thought of Gretchen and Magdy and the future they could have together. I thought of Enzo and his family and everything that was taken from them. I thought of Roanoke, my home. And I knew what I had to do. I opened my eyes. â€Å"The choice is obvious,† the Consu said. I looked at the Consu and nodded. â€Å"I think you're right,† I said. â€Å"And I think I need to go down and tell them.† I walked to the door of the operations room. As I did, General Gau lightly took my arm. â€Å"Think about what you're doing, Zoe,† Gau said. â€Å"Your choice here matters.† I looked up at the general. â€Å"I know it does,† I said. â€Å"And it's my choice to make.† The general let go of my arm. â€Å"Do what you have to do,† he said. â€Å"Thank you,† I said. â€Å"I think I will.† I left the room and for the next minute tried very hard not to fall down the stairs as I walked down them. I'm happy to say I succeeded. But it was a close thing. I walked toward the group of Obin, who were milling about, some doing exercises, some talking quietly to another or to a small group. As I got closer I tried to locate Dickory and could not. There were too many Obin, and Dickory wasn't somewhere I could easily see him. Eventually the Obin noticed I was walking to them. They quieted and equally quietly formed ranks. I stood there in front of them for a few seconds, trying to see each of the Obin for itself, and not just one of a hundred. I opened my mouth to speak. Nothing would come. My mouth was so dry I could not make words. I closed my mouth, swallowed a couple of times, and tried again. â€Å"You know who I am,† I said. â€Å"I'm pretty sure about that. I only know one of you personally, and I'm sorry about that. I wish I could have known each of you, before you were asked†¦before I asked†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I stopped. I was saying stupid things. It wasn't what I wanted to do. Not now. â€Å"Look,† I said. â€Å"I'm going to tell you some things, and I can't promise it's going to make any kind of sense. But I need to say them to you before†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I gestured at the cargo bay. â€Å"Before all of this.† The Obin all looked at me, whether politely or patiently, I can't say. â€Å"You know why you're here,† I said. â€Å"You're here to fight those Consu over there because I want to try to protect my family and friends on Roanoke. You were told that if you could beat the Consu, I would get the help I needed. But something's changed.† I pointed up to the operations room. â€Å"There's a Consu up there,† I said, â€Å"who tells me that he'll give me what I need to save Roanoke without having to have you fight, and risk losing. All I have to do is tell you to take those knives you were going to use on those Consu, and use them on yourselves. All I have to do is to tell you to kill yourselves. Everyone tells me you'll do it, because of what I am to you. â€Å"And they're right. I'm pretty sure about that, too. I'm certain that if I asked all of you to kill yourselves, you would do it. Because I am your Zoe. Because you've seen me all your lives in the recordings that Hickory and Dickory have made. Because I'm standing here in front of you now, asking you to do it. â€Å"I know you would do this for me. You would.† I stopped for a minute, tried to focus. And then I faced something I'd spent a long time avoiding. My own past. I raised my head again and looked directly at the Obin. â€Å"When I was five, I lived on a space station. Covell. I lived there with my father. One day while he was away from the station for a few days on business, the station was attacked. First by the Rraey. They attacked, and they came in and they rounded up all the people who lived on the station, and they began to kill us. I remember†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I closed my eyes again. â€Å"I remember husbands being taken from their wives and then shot in the halls where everyone could hear,† I said. â€Å"I remember parents begging the Rraey to spare their children. I remember being pushed behind a stranger when the woman who was watching me, the mother of a friend, was taken away. She tried to push away her daughter, too, but she held on to her mother and they were both taken away. If the Rraey had continued much longer, eventually they would have found me and killed me too.† I opened my eyes. â€Å"But then the Obin attacked the station, to take it from the Rraey, who weren't prepared for another fight. And when they cleared the station of the Rraey, they took those of us humans who were left and put us in a common area. I remember being there, with no one looking after me. My father was gone. My friend and her mother were dead. I was alone. â€Å"The space station was a science station, so the Obin looked through the research and they found my father's work. His work on consciousness. And they wanted him to work for them. So they came back to us in the common area and they called out my father's name. But he wasn't on the station. They called his name again and I answered. I said I was his daughter and that he would come for me soon. â€Å"I remember the Obin talking among themselves then, and then telling me to come away. And I remember saying no, because I didn't want to leave the other humans. And I remember what one of the Obin said to me then. It said, ‘You must come with us. You have been chosen, and you will be safe.' â€Å"And I remembered everything that had just happened. And I think even at five years old some part of me knew what would happen to the rest of the people at Covell. And here was the Obin, telling me I would be safe. Because I had been chosen. And I remember taking the Obin's hand, being led away and looking back at the humans who were left. And then they were gone. I never saw them again. â€Å"But I lived,† I said. â€Å"Not because of who I was; I was just this little girl. But because of what I was: the daughter of the man who could give you consciousness. It was the first time that what I was mattered more than who I was. But it wasn't the last.† I looked up at the operations room, trying to see if those in there were listening to me, and wondering what they were thinking. Wondering what Hickory was thinking. And General Gau. I turned back to the Obin. â€Å"What I am still matters more than who I am,† I said. â€Å"It matters more right now. Right this minute. Because of what I am, hundreds of you died to bring just one Consu to see me. Because of what I am, if I ask you to take those knives and plunge them into your bodies, you will do it. Because of what I am. Because of what I have been to you.† I shook my head and looked down at the ground. â€Å"All my life I have accepted that what I am matters,† I said. â€Å"That I had to work with it. Make accommodations for it. Sometimes I thought I could manipulate it, although I just found out the price for that belief. Sometimes I would even fight against it. But never once did I think that I could leave what I was behind. Because I remembered what it got me. How it saved me. I never even thought of giving it up.† I pointed up at the operations room. â€Å"There is a Consu in that operations room who wants me to kill you all, just to show him that I can. He wants me to do it to make a point to me, too – that when it comes down to it, I'm willing to sacrifice all of you to get what I want. Because when it comes down to it, you don't matter. You're just something I can use, a means to an end, a tool for another purpose. He wants me to kill you to rub my face in the fact I don't care. â€Å"And he's right.† I looked into the faces of the Obin. â€Å"I don't know any of you, except for one,† I said. â€Å"I won't remember what any of you look like in a few days, no matter what happens here. On the other hand all the people I love and care for I can see as soon as I close my eyes. Their faces are so clear to me. Like they are here with me. Because they are. I carry them inside me. Like you carry those you care for inside of you. â€Å"The Consu is right that it would be easy to ask you to sacrifice yourselves for me. To tell you to do it so I can save my family and my friends. He's right because I know you would do it without a second thought. You would be happy to do it because it would make me happy – because what I am matters to you. He knows that knowing this will make me feel less guilty for asking you. â€Å"And he's right again. He's right about me. I admit it. And I'm sorry.† I stopped again, and took another moment to pull myself together. I wiped my face. This was going to be the hard part. â€Å"The Consu is right,† I said. â€Å"But he doesn't know the one thing about me that matters right now. And that it is that I am tired of being what I am. I am tired of having been chosen. I don't want to be the one you sacrifice yourself for, because of whose daughter I am or because you accept that I can make demands of you. I don't want that from you. And I don't want you to die for me. â€Å"So forget it. Forget all of this. I release you of your obligation to me. Of any obligation to me. Thank you for volunteering, but you shouldn't have to fight for me. I shouldn't have asked. â€Å"You have already done so much for me. You have brought me here so I could deliver a message to General Gau. He's told me about the plans against Roanoke. It should be enough for us to defend ourselves. I can't ask you for anything else. I certainly can't ask you to fight these Consu and possibly die. I want you to live instead. â€Å"I am done being what I am. From now on I'm just who I am. And who I am is Zoe. Just Zoe. Someone who has no claim on you. Who doesn't require or demand anything from you. And who wants you to be able to make your own choices, not have them made for you. Especially not by me. â€Å"And that's all I have to say.† The Obin stood in front of me, silently, and after a minute I realized that I didn't really know why I was expecting a response. And then for a crazy moment I wondered if they actually even understood me. Hickory and Dickory spoke my language, and I just assumed all the other Obin would, too. That was a pretty arrogant assumption, I realized. So I sort of nodded and turned to go, back up to the operations room, where God only knew what I was going to say to that Consu. And then I heard singing. A single voice, from somewhere in the middle of the pack of Obin. It took up the first words of â€Å"Delhi Morning.† And though that was the part I always sang, I had no trouble recognizing the voice. It was Dickory. I turned and faced the Obin just as a second voice took up the counterpoint, and then another voice came in, and another and another, and soon all one hundred of the Obin were singing, creating a version of the song that was so unlike any I had heard before, so magnificent, that all I could do was stand there and soak in it, let it wash around me, and let it move through me. It was one of those moments that you just can't describe. So I won't try anymore. But I can say I was impressed. These Obin would have known of â€Å"Delhi Morning† for only a few weeks. For them to not only know the song but to perform it flawlessly was nothing short of amazing. I had to get these guys for the next hootenanny. When it was done, all I could do was put my hands to my face and say â€Å"Thank you† to the Obin. And then Dickory came through the ranks to stand in front of me. â€Å"Hey, you,† I said to Dickory. â€Å"Zoe Boutin-Perry,† said Dickory. â€Å"I am Dickory.† I almost said, I know that, but Dickory kept speaking. â€Å"I have known you since you were a child,† it said. â€Å"I have watched you grow and learn and experience life, and through you have learned to experience life myself. I have always known what you are. I tell you truthfully that it is who you are that has mattered to me, and always has. â€Å"It is to you, Zoe Boutin-Perry, that I offer to fight for your family and for Roanoke. I do this not because you have demanded it or required it but because I care for you, and always have. You would honor me if you would accept my assistance.† Dickory bowed, which was a very interesting thing on an Obin. Here was irony: This was the most I had heard Dickory say, ever, and I couldn't think of anything to say in return. So I just said, â€Å"Thank you, Dickory. I accept.† Dickory bowed again and returned to ranks. Another Obin stepped forward and stood before me. â€Å"I am Strike,† it said. â€Å"We have not met before. I have watched you grow through all that Hickory and Dickory have shared with all Obin. I too have always known what you are. What I have learned from you, however, comes from who you are. It is an honor to have met you. It will be an honor to fight for you, your family, and for Roanoke. I offer my assistance to you, Zoe Boutin-Perry, freely and without reservation.† Strike bowed. â€Å"Thank you, Strike,† I said. â€Å"I accept.† And then I impulsively hugged Strike. It actually squeaked in surprise. We unhugged, Strike bowed again, and then returned to ranks just as another Obin came forward. And another. And another. It took a long time to hear each greeting and offer of assistance, and to accept each offer. I can honestly say there was never time better spent. When it was done I stood in front of one hundred Obin again – this time, each a friend. And I bowed my head to them and wished them well, and told them I would see them after. Then I headed back toward the operations room. General Gau was at the bottom of the stairs, waiting for me. â€Å"I have a position for you on my staff, Zoe, if you ever want it,† he said. I laughed. â€Å"I just want to go home, General. Thank you all the same.† â€Å"Some other time, then,† Gau said. â€Å"Now I'm going to preside over this contest. I will be impartial when I'm observing it. But you should know that inside I'm rooting for the Obin. And that's something I never thought I would say.† â€Å"I do appreciate it,† I said, and headed up the stairs. Hickory met me at the door. â€Å"You did what I hoped you would do,† Hickory said. â€Å"I regret not volunteering myself.† â€Å"I don't,† I said, and hugged Hickory. Dock bowed to me; I nodded back. And then I approached the Consu. â€Å"You have my answer,† I said. â€Å"So I have,† the Consu said. â€Å"And it surprises me, human.† â€Å"Good,† I said. â€Å"And the name is Zoe. Zoe Boutin-Perry.† â€Å"Indeed,† the Consu said. He sounded amused at my cheekiness. â€Å"I will remember the name. And have others remember it as well. Although if your Obin do not win this contest, I do not imagine we will have to remember your name for long.† â€Å"You'll remember it for a long time,† I said. â€Å"Because my friends down there are about to clean your clock.† And they did. It wasn't even close.