A Visitor to the Future - 63 - Representatives, Assemble
"So because they can't agree, they've asked for Arbitration? I don't suppose there's any chance of them sharing the site, as historically tied together as they are - that would be the easiest solution to me," I said.
"What appears to be the easiest solution to you does not particularly matter," said Silence, one hand reaching into his robes. "After all, you are not one of the affected parties, and will not understand the true nuances of their position. For example, did you know that Norannist cultural sites are typically turned into temples? That would mean Norannist symbols would be installed across the site - that would not be too appealing to the Rheolist visitors."
"I can understand that, yes."
Silence's hand came out from where he had been rummaging in his robes, holding what looked like an earphone. "Here, for you," he said, "Place it in your ear and it will translate Verrin for you, so you can listen in when I speak with the parties. I prefer earphones to translation drones - they are unobtrusive and don't distract from the talking process. Though you won't be able to ask questions currently. As I said, both parties speak Verrin."
I placed the single earphone into my left ear. It was a comfortable fit. "What do you think the parties should do to resolve the issue?" I asked.
"Like your previous opinion, it does not matter. The groups here are in conflict, not me. My only objective is a peaceful reconciliation for both sides. That reconciliation must be mutually agreed by both parties - it is only with that agreement that it will be considered acceptable. I am only here to facilitate that process - I can encourage dialogue, help them analyse which courses of action might be most beneficial, aid them in exploring different solutions, coach them in proper negotiation, but the one thing I must never do is pass judgement. For me to advocate for a particular solution would be a breach of my duties as an Arbiter - with the exclusion of the Default, of course."
"The Default?"
"Yes. The Default position is what will happen if neither of the sides can come to an agreement. It is a starting point for both parties, a defined consequence for if they are both unable to put their differences aside. To use an old analogy, in the carrot and stick approach the Default is the stick."
"And the Arbiter sets the Default?"
"Sometimes," nodded Silence, "In cases where the parties are significantly adverse to dialogue with each other. Though wherever we can, we prefer the parties to agree it before negotiation starts. That is actually a fundamental part of the process as a whole - the Default is less guarded than the desired outcome of either party, so it gives both sides something to collaborate upon in the early stages of negotiation. In this case, the Default was fairly simple to decide - neither the Rheolists or the Norannists will declare the University a site of interest."
"Wait, so neither of them get it if they can't agree?"
"Yes. I have found this Default position to be particularly effective in the past when dealing with items which cannot be divided or shared - I am quite happy that both parties settled upon it so quickly. It is also a useful Default where a certain level of animosity between both parties exists. How shall I phrase this? Ah - yes, if we can't have what we want, no-one can."
I stared off into the distance where I'd seen the group of people earlier. They now looked to have dispersed. That position did seem to be a decent incentive for working together - in comparison, any settlement that was even slightly better for both sides would be an improvement.
"Come," said Silence, "I am about to convene a discussion session. You may find this interesting. Please keep any comments you may have during the talk for after the session, thank you. If we are fortunate we may see some significant progress being made today."
Silence led me into one of the domed buildings, which did seem to just be one, massive room. There were three banks of tables which had eight to ten people around each. Silence pointed out the apparel of the groups in front of me. The Rheolists were not uniformed, wearing whatever they seemed to feel like - though I did notice that many of their members had tattoos. In comparison the Norannists were almost uniformed, wearing grey, long shirts which extended past the waist. There were further physical differences between the groups too - about half of the Norannist group looked to be of advanced age, whereas the Rheolists all seemed much younger. I was surprised when Silence began pointing out a third group too, who all looked fairly normal but were each wearing a small, round, green badge somewhere on their torso.
"The third group represents the University staff and locals," Silence explained, still in English, "You might expect that they would also have something to say about their place of work or area of residence being turned into a cultural site. They are being represented by an advocacy Org today - see the green badges?"
I looked up through the transparent ceiling at the sky beyond, feeling very much like I was inside a snow globe scene of some kind, a tiny figure among a cluster of different groups.
"Assembled representatives," came Silence's voice through the earphone, now having switched languages. The re-creation of his English tone and way of speaking was almost perfect, "Let us now come together and discuss our thoughts from the last few hours. I would like to hear your thoughts on yesterday's proposals. Joining us today is a spectator, new to the concept of arbitration. I thought that your case may be of interest - please pay them no mind."