©1998 Stephen Voss
One of the most quietly spoken of worlds of the ITA and the one mentioned with the most blushes by the male Delegates of the ITA governing body is that of Venetian Earth, home of the most ...um sociable women, (and people in the ITA). When Marketplace made contact with Venetian Earth in 1912, the ITA was only about 5 years old and no rules about rustic Earths had been created. The Venetian Earth had a technology of 1850 but a social moral system probably more progressive than any other world that was currently in the ITA. The other obvious thing is that this world was about 20 years ahead of marketplace in treating infectious diseases. The first thing Marketplace salesmen noticed is despite the lower tech levels, was that Venetian women had developed a superior cosmetics and fashion industry. The Venetian fashions scandalized ITA prime and for about 7 years Venetian fashions were banned on prime. The Second thing marketplacers noticed about Venetians is that there were a large number of single mothers among the upper classes. When asked about this, a Venetian told the marketplace researchers that these were "The Courtesans" that was in effect the power behind the government Republic of Venice, these women often were sent from Venice to marry into prominent houses all over Europe and those that did not marry were frequently busy and were quite wealthy. These women by the early 1900s effectively influenced their entire world. What was their secret. The researchers did some studying and found out that their point of divergence was sometime in the late 1500's . Since the late 1500s the courtesan has become more protected and more prized to the point of where the Courtesan crossed over from a high class escort to professional socialite,diplomat and advisor, (don't ever use the P word or W word about a courtesan its highly offensive and its a gross oversimplification). The Courtesans are the most educated and affluent women on Venetian Earth or perhaps in the entire ITA. The Venetian Earth is made up of many small republics in Europe. The largest government in Europe is France, Spain and England both of which are weak constitutional monarchies with elected parliaments. The Republic of Venice currently occupies what would be the Northern half of Italy. There is a United States but it is a confederation with no aspirations of being a world power. The courtesans are the most effective lobbyists in the entire ITA which is why many have been hired by other worlds as diplomats and hosts. It should be known since contact with the ITA , Venetian Earth courtesans have expanded to include some males as well as females and in fact there are "finishing schools" that teach courtesan skills to both those of Venetian earth and offworlders, (the best ones cost as much as Harvard and are as tough!) The program nowadays consists of Diplomacy, politics,art,science, current events,sports knowledge , manners, and grooming,and business as well as math, (basically everything in a college degree and then some) Venetian Earth is an ITA affiliate world ,and because of the lack of a unified government and the lack of a mandate it doesn't look like it will become a full member anytime soon. What happened was a prominent Venetian lady introduced herself as the representative for her world to the ITA and none of the governments on that world objected. What some might consider a cabal of women has actually produced 200 years of peace,prosperity, and intellectual enlightenment not to mention some great fashions and some beautiful women. The marketplace intrusion has only made them wealthier and more powerful now with their influence felt behind closed doors throughout the ITA. If you want to realize the interworld involvement of Venetian women realize that the United Courtesans of Venice own 15% of Confed Savings. You'll either love or hate at least one Venetian woman in your life. But you'll appreciate their qualities in any event! |
Venetian Earth (addendum)"The program nowadays consists of Diplomacy, politics..." What was failed to be mentioned was that Venetian Courtesans consider sex and social skills to be part of diplomacy,politics ,etc.That's what was meant by "and then some"! The prominent Courtesan houses of Venice:
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