To: Kusari Imperial Government ;; From: Shimamori

INCOMING MESSAGE

侯爵島森正仁

帝国へお便り申し上げます, (//"teikoku he otayori moushiagemasu" - To the esteemed Imperial Government,)

I extend my warmest greetings to the imperial government of Kusari. I am reaching out today to you with diplomatic insights that might be of interest to the KNF HQ and the esteemed imperial cabinet. The matter in question concerns the conduct of the Liberty Security Forces that can be deemed provocative.

Firstly, I would like to provide some background. A few weeks ago, I aboard my clan's flagship "Zuiryu" undertook a trip to deeper Omicrons. The journey in question was carried out in order to observe the Sigma cluster for triangulating the position of possibly valuable for colonisation or other development stellar objects. In the course of our small expedition, I visited Omicron Nu - the recently discovered system wherein we expected to observe the Sigma cluster from a new angle. The system in question is at the border of Liberty yet has not been officially claimed by the House of Liberty to extend the jurisdiction of the latter over Omicron Nu. While the presence of "Takeda"-class vessel could have alerted the local Libertarian forces it was perfectly within the interstellar legal framework. In fact, the encounter with the LSF forces on that occasion was most civil.

Encounter with LSF in Omicron Nu

Now, to the crux of this report. Today I and my clan's security officer were visiting Kepler system to check the situation on the borders of the Empire. We approached Ames Research station. We encountered an Auxo pilot and a freelancer, and later two LSF vessels appeared. Our presence within the system was justified: later on, a Blood Dragon cruiser emerged and was rapidly engaged and disabled by the LSF. The issue, however, is the behaviour of the LSF pilots. The conversation led to my mentioning our trip to Omicron Nu and the LSF agents implicitly hinted that any ship in Omicron Nu deemed as undesirable by the LSF will be dealt with regardless of the fact that Libertarian jurisdiction does not extend there. This was also supported by bragging about Libertarian military might and explicit verbal disregard to the interstellar law. While normally we could attribute it to the well known arrogant demeanour of the Libertarian forces, their lack of respect for the rule of law and covert threats is a troublesome sign of possible developments within the ranks of certain officers of the LSF. Perhaps, being a victorious side to the Gallic war and spared by the devastation of the domestic front, the Libertarians are emboldened to view the House of Kusari as weak. If such verbal behaviour is answered reciprocally, their provocation might succeed and be a reason for a skirmish later on used as an excuse to take hostile measures against the Empire.

Interaction in Kepler

I kindly implore the Cabinet to consider the information provided. Angering the giant would be a mistake and from now on the vessels under my command will stay clear of any space wherein tensions with the Libertarians might occur. However, the giant needs to be reminded that it is supposed to be a beacon of civilisation and order and not a backstreet thug with no regard for the laws and conduct. I sincerely hope this information will prove useful to the esteemed government.

In eternal service to His Majesty the Emperor,

敬具島森正仁 (//"Keigu Shimamori Masahito" - Best Regards, Shimamori Masahito)

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