Carlos spoke, still seated.
" The addition of another potential base for our patrols in Theta is of little interest given we already have two havens in the system. What's more, the base's potential to be a staging ground for Hunters is of little interest given the Zoner bases already fill that category.
To put it simply, the establishment would be of little use, or detriment of the nation. The only factor in this discussion that I would take heed of, is that Cryer operations are of detriment to the Outcasts, and therefore beneficial to us.
I say, let Cryer do as they please, but let us not waste any more of the Council's time on this issue."
Gentle chuckled. Gripping his whisky bottle he winked at Carlos. "Thats the spirit amigo" Gentle rested his head back on the chairback and closed his eyes against the light that assaulted his hungover brain.
Time had passed, and the Council re-convened. A new issue had risen on the agenda; a new familia had risen and where causing much trouble in Corsair space. Battles had been fought, blood had been shed, and mistakes had been made on both sides.
As elders gathered in the chamber to discuss the situation, Carlos placed a small silver device on the pedestal in the centre of the amphitheatre.
As the elders took their seats, he cleared his throat and addressed the council for the first time in many weeks.
"Friends, we are gathered today to adress the issue of the Reyes familia. Since their arrival, they have angered many elders with their disrespectful ways, and on at least one occasion, good corsairs..." he said motioning toward his familia behind him "...have lost their calm".
Afew members of the OPG sniggered.
"Faced with the prospect of exile from Corsair territory, however, the Reyes familia have agreed to make an effort towards reconciliation. To that end, they have so far agreed to terminate disrespectful conduct and to follow the rulings of this council.
I speak to you today, as one of the major players in the conflict, who's actions may have lead to the loss of ships and lives. For that, I am sorry.
However, hopefully all-out civil war can be prevented today.
The Reyes familia have pledged to cease their disrespectful and counter-productive actions and co-operate with the rest of the nation, if we hear and consider a proposal from their representative. "
Carlos gestured towards the sliver device, which opened and projected a hologram onto the air above. A 3D representation of the leader of the Reyes appeared in the middle of the chamber filled with the Elders of Crete, and addressed the Council.
(//It's long, I know, but I feel that everything that needs to be said has been said here.)
The wavering image projected from the silvery device's center was the holographic rendering of a lean, wiry, raven-haired clean-shaven Corsair; youthful, not yet long an adult, yet possessed of a certain wry awareness that lent him a slight air of belonging, even among the ancient, hallowed halls of the Corsair Council chamber. A slight grin lay about his lips as his image appeared among the Council, but vanished as the holographic Corsair straightened and began to gesture as he spoke.
Esteemed Elders - representatives of the Brotherhood, the Benitez familia, and the Omega Pirates' Guild - amigos - I come before you today with a proposal that some of you may find... controversial. Impudent, even. Yet I beg you to consider not only your personal opinions of us - my brothers and I are aware that we've stepped on some toes since we came into the limelight - but also what would be best for the Corsairs as a whole. No mere settling of scores is at stake here - the Council has, since ancient times, spoken for our nation, and I feel it is vitally important that we come to a verdict here that benefits us all.
Before all else, senors, I wish to apologize for our approach to dealing with your venerable factions. Perhaps we did not fire the first shot - a renegade Corsair is responsible for the actual conflict, and we regret not having recognized the threat and halted it in its tracks - but we were certainly the first aggressors. We called the honor of house Benitez into question, and for that, senors, we humbly beg your pardon. My brothers and I are young and inexperienced, Elders - we vocally criticized our hermanos, not realizing that, in doing so, we caused strife within the Corsairs as a whole. We had thought it just... innocent wordplay, not realizing how serious our words truly were.You must forgive us, senors - we were most outspoken, and we are now teaching ourselves to keep silent on such matters. We would greatly appreciate guidance and counsel in such matters, Elders - you are far more experienced in the matters of politics than we, and we submit to your wisdom and judgement. We were truly foolish, and we pledge not to disrespect the Council again.
Senors, as you all know well, blood has been shed amongst the OPG, Benitez, and Reyes. Much dispute was held over at which door fault for this conflict lies - in my opinion, Elders, all such argumentation is nonsense. Rather, we must ask ourselves - why was this conflict had?
The answer lies with the condition of the nation as a whole. It is my opinion, and that of my brothers, that the status quo amongst the Corsairs needs changing. We are a great nation, Elders - the Corsairs are the most powerful force in Sirius. We, the Reyes familia, felt that not enough was being made of our inherent advantage - that we'd become defensive - that we'd become complacent. In our ignorance, we sought a scapegoat, and found it in house Benitez. Hermanos, we cannot express our regret enough. It was folly. However, good did come of this. An interesting question presented itself - could (even) more be made of the Corsairs? Could we grow even greater?
We, esteemed senors, thought yes. We still think so now. We felt that we as a whole had the potential to become even greater than we already were. So, Elders, we, the Reyes familia, set out to bring the Corsairs glory - and that is where we encountered the fatal flaw in our thinking. We, in our misguided attempt to better the Corsairs by railing against you, the Council, failed to recognize that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. How could bringing struggle, strife and conflict to the Corsairs possibly better our great nation? All our great Corsair familias - Benitez, the Brotherhood, and the fierce Omega Pirates' Guild - contribute to make us strong. Infighting could only weaken us as a whole - by fighting to improve the nation, we were, in fact, causing it harm.
My brothers and I owe much to the respected Elders of the Council for making us see clearly once more. I pledge to you, Elders, that the Reyes familia has abandoned its... divisive agenda, I believe Elder Carlos spoke of it as? (Incidentally, senor, we are much indebted to you - you have restored our honor to a great degree.) Divide and conquer, amigos, has a flipside - divided nations fall. No more will we struggle against our brothers - now that we've been cleared up and made a little wiser, we intend to devote our energies to bettering the Corsairs by working alongside them.
Now to the meat of our proposal. Brothers, the Reyes familia has undoubtedly caused problems. We have disrupted the peace. However, it cannot be denied that, in doing so, we have proved our worth - indeed, in my opinion, we proved our spirit in battle against the OPG, whose members are among the Corsairs' fiercest fighters, and I feel that the fights held were conducted with mutual goodwill. I respect you deeply, my OPG hermanos - you are valiant indeed. I cannot lie - I enjoy battle, senors. Conflict is in my blood. However, conflict ought to be focused outward, not inward - thank you, Elders, for making this apparent to us.
As I was saying, Elders - we feel that we, the Reyes familia, have much to offer the Corsairs. We have repeatedly proved our worth, we have a voice of our own, and we have the potential to shape future events alongside the established Council. Rather than giving us a slap on the hand for our sins and sending us away - I have a different proposal. It may appear controversial, even radical, to some of you - we are very young indeed - but, as many of my hermanos here ought to remember themselves, age has little to do with ability. Senor Gentle especially ought to know what I'm talking about.
Senors - grant the Reyes familia a seat on the Council. But one; we ask no more. We would not think to have the auspices to compare ourselves to such an established faction as the ancient Brotherhood - we are suitably humble and ask for but one seat to represent the Reyes clan as a whole, though we know well that even that much would be a tremendous honor. We could not threaten the established balance of power.
Elders of Benitez. We have wronged you, si, but we also know that you are honorable men that seek peace for the Corsairs. Join us in this venture, we ask of you - peace to our brethren, war to those that would seek to destroy us.
Elders of the Brotherhood. You are among the most venerable of Corsairs - you have an unblemished history of service. I ask you to grant us the honor of placing your support behind us - we are capable enough, you know this, but we will need much guidance in the days to come, and where better to look in that regard than to you?
Elders of the OPG. Your bravery is unsullied - you are unforgiving and merciless fighters, and we Reyes would gladly fall in with you. Let us wage war against the Outcasts and the filthy Houses together, rather than separately, si? There is much glory to be won.
Please, Elders, consider this well. The Corsairs as a whole would be better for this additional seat than without it - we are mightier together than apart. We have much to offer our nation - the wise leader takes advantage of every resource at his disposal. As always, we remain humble and submit to your judgement.
Laowai stood as his turn to speak arrived. He leaned over the table, the expression on his face stern his brows creased,
This young man Sergio Reyes Is indeed wise, to apologise to this council for their actions He glanced around the room.
In fact it is the first wise thing I have heard from any of them.
Standing straight now he continued Proven their worth? Proven their worth by what, attacking Elders of this council? Pursuing their own agenda by means that can only be described as disloyal, reckless and yes; to use the mans own words Impudent?!
I do not debate the admirable fighting qualities of these men, I am sure that they are more than capable pilots, skilled fighters. But it is the duty of all corsairs to fight for their people, it is the duty of all corsairs to stand by their brothers and sisters, it is the duty of all corsairs to better the nation.
These men, waltz into this chamber, their heads full from a few victories, confident in their bravado and put their hand out and ask for a seat? A seat in this place, as if they somehow deserve a reward for doing that which is the duty of each and every corsair?
Folding his arms now he looked around the room at the assembled figures. and what would they expect hmmm? They want to improve the strength of the corsair nation by attacking it and then realize the error of their ways? Well! Congratulations! What a revelation that must be! Do these men seriously think that after their little self-important carry on which showed a complete lack of foresight and loyalty that they have somehow earned the right to sit in this chamber?
You all know where I stand, I have made the code I live by plain and public, many of you here In this room, have penned your name to it Pressing a control on the desk data-pad in front of him a file was sent to each of the assembled Elders.
If these Reyes are truly penitent, truly regretful of their actions, then so be it, I will make no bones about having them fly alongside us once more, but until such time as they have proven themselves he paused and gestured around the room proven themselves in the manner that everyone of you in this room has done countless times, until that time that they have truly shown that they seek to better our people as a whole and truly shown wisdom.
Turning off his pad he leaned forward again Then I vote no to their proposal
Custo' had silently watched the representative from the Reyes family with disgust until the holo-projector flickered and shut down. Respectfully he listened to Elder Laowai before silently he rising to his feet to view those around him - many of whom wearing similar expressions.
"Amigos, you know of what has happened, and why that groveling wretch of a Corsair was cornered and dragged before us. I'll admit that under different circumstances that speech may have won me over, but not today. Today I am filled with disgust.
"These pilots, no, scourges, attacked Corsairs and they destroyed Corsair ships. This in itself carries a harsh penalty - we are beset on all sides then these cancers choose to defile our nation from the inside? The ships that were destroyed could have been deployed against the Outcasts, Hessians or Hunters, no? So, additional ships will have to be deployed, and additional pilots sent out. These are pilots and ships that we cannot afford.
"The reason for this assault? You believed you did not have enough and strove to seek that which was not yours, and let me quote them from my notes here:
"We, the Reyes familia, felt that not enough was being made of our inherent advantage - that we'd become defensive - that we'd become complacent. In our ignorance, we sought a scapegoat, and found it in house Benitez."
They openly admit their greed, and how they would weaken the Corsair nation by attacking, verbally and physically, Benitez ships. That weakens the Corsair Nation through the destabilising of it's components, Si?
"The fact I find most abhorrent, other than the fact they insulted the blood that runs in my veins, is that they attacked, and shot down two Corsair Elders. Shooting down a pilot can be fatal, Si? Which leads me to conclude they deliberately attempted to murder two members of the Council.
"They then went on to engage our hermanos in the OPG. They have attacked and defiled two of the many pillars that hold up the Corsair Empire, then had the audacity to demand a seat on this very council! I demand we take action!"
Custo' paced around irritably for a moment before exhaling slowly continuing in a somewhat heavier tone.
"The Corsair people are not a tolerant race. We do not forgive easily - it is not of our nature or inclination. Nor are we a race that will tolorate being corroded from the inside. In the past traitors and deserters have been lynched, hung from the streets. I would like to think we are more civilised since those days. Now we have trials before we do such things, something those people would have to work extremely hard to avoid in my opinion.
"Senor Laowai's words are indeed wise, but I would suggest a far harsher penalty for these would be assasins and murderers. I would fully support the decision to Exile all the men of the Reyes familia. The woman and children have done nothing wrong and can live out their miserable lives with this stain of dishonour on their familia's name, something that perhaps, they could remove through a lifetime's service to the Corsair Empire?
Miguel had kept quiet so far, but not out of having nothing to say, he wanted to make sure he had a clear idea of his own preference.
"Hermanos, it's was not that long ago that, we.. the OPG, Benitez and Brotherhood were at each others throats. That was the bad old days, we have come a long way since then, putting aside long simmering differences and working together on behalf of the Corsair Nation as a whole. It really is a testament to how far we have come that it is the OPG standing first and without hesitation to defend the honor of the Benitez. Let us remember Hermanos, the pain of getting to where we are today. The arguments and dissension, nearly pulling the families apart."
"What bothers me most about this whole situation is that these.... children target that which took us so long to achieve. They targeted our unity. Whatever their reasoning, they have committed acts of treason, and flowery words and a quick about face do not absolve them of the consequences of these actions. We all most live with the actions we take, as we cannot go back in time."
"To give the Reyes a seat on this council would not only be forgiving their actions, but giving the example to future hot heads that this kind of behavior is not only forgiven, but rewarded. This behavior ought not be encouraged, it ought be condemned. These rash children have attempted, all be it ineffectively and in the end, to divide us. It is only their lack of success at this goal that brings them before us today."
"I think the real question is not how these people act in defeat. It is how would they have acted in success, what is they had managed to divide us, what would they have done then. I am quite certain we would not have them talking about the mistakes of their actions or appealing to the decisions of the Council. They do what they do today, not because of their "seeing the error of there ways' but instead come here because they have seen that their ways will be unsuccessful. All the pledges and promises are just a way to make the best of the situation they have gotten themselves into, it's is done for the benefit of the Reyes, not the benefit of the Nation as a whole."
"What we must decide hermanos, is whether add a Reyes to this council benefits the Nation or not, and as it stands right now, I can not see how their addition to the council meets that standard. Speaking for The Brotherhood, I must vote no on this proposal."
"That being said, since joining this council, Laowai has provided much inspiration to me personally about how to be a good Corsair, he has provided an example to all Corsairs that it is out of unity that we strengthen our Nation. While a seat on this Council is not the answer, exile for the Reyes is not the answer either. We must give these young ones a structure in which to learn the truths and honor of being Corsair. We as Elders try to provide this for all Corsairs, and I think more than the administration of the Nation, the example we provide is out most important responsibility as Elders, it is out example that the Nation follows, and the example I wish to provide is not one in which we deal with our problems by exiling the troublemakers, but by brining them into the fold."
"To that end I have my own proposal. I would like to extend the Reyes brothers, membership in the Brotherhood. Under my own strict supervision, I feel I can mold their impudent and over zealous youth, into a powerful force to put to use in defense of our goals, ideals, and Nation as a whole. The will be molded into guardians of the Corsair Nation, they will develop the selflessness to put the good of the Nation above their own egos. They will find that these ideas are inherent in all Corsairs, that they just need to be cultivated. I feel that while a risk, the Brotherhood may be just the structure they need to find the true Corsair that lies within."
"I will offer the Reyes a place in the Brotherhood, but only if that is judged acceptable by the Council. While I feel that it would be unwise to allow the Reyes into the Council, I think it would be equally unwise to Exile them. It is obvious the Reyes need direction and supervision, as they seem a bit hot headed on their own, and I see that left unattended their rash nature be doomed to repeat itself."
With that, Miguel walked over to the bar, picking up a bottle of brown liqueur, pouring himself a glass, and then tossing the bottle to Elder Gentle, as had become Miguel's custom while drinking in the chambers.
"Hermano Miguel, while I respect your idea, I do not believe it practical. You said so yourself, that they targeted our unity. Can you imagine the chaos those... Tumours could wreak wearing Brotherhood colours? Yes you are right they would be monitored, but you cannot have them tracked twenty-four hours a day, Si? What would happen if one of them attacked one of our Soldatos in the OPG or Benitez that was not aware of this deal? After all, the content of speech in these chambers is restricted, Si?
"There will always be periods where they would be unsupervised, and what then? Also, there is not just the threat of physical violence against our brethren, but the risk of sabotage in far more subtle ways too. For example, with Brotherhood security codes, untold havoc could be wreaked on Nav-systems, planetary defences or even our Capital Registry.
"I do not agree with your idea, but I have thought of a compromise. The solution which would please me most would be a complete exile, however, there is a second option.
"The Reyes could be assigned to the Brotherhood as you suggest, however, they must abandon their name as Reyes, leaving them as honourless Nameless, that all who meet them shall scorn.
"Both options are a terrible one for a true Corsair - to be exiled from their homeland and declared honourless dogs by the Council, or to abandon their name and familia - to choose one would place a huge and terrible burden on any Corsair's soul. I say we make them choose. Their honour or their lives?
Alexa rose from her seat in the far dark corner of the council chamber.
All the time she had been listening, watching... and smoking cigarette after cigarette.
"If you don't mind, I'd like to... what was that old Earth saying again?"
She paused and inhaled once more. Nicotine always helped her think.
"Ah, right. I'd like to add my two cents."
"That Sergio Whatevero there's been sayin' that them lads are apologizing.
I spit on that apology.
An apology doesn't put broken equipment together nor does it bring the dead back to the land of the living.
This apology is just an empty gesture, no more and no less. It may show good will, It may show wisdom as Elder Laowai said, but it does nothing else, and in the end, it's just words."
Another pause, this time to put the cigarette off.
"The man went on to say that he and his brothers were young, inexperienced.
That is not an excuse for his actions in any way. I've seen more than enough "young and inexperienced" Corsairs fight, fly and live honorably by my side. I've seen them grow. I've seen them prosper.
I've seen them... die.
But above all else, I have seen them obey our laws and live by our Creed.
Live by the ways taught to us from when we first see the light of day."
She walked over to the bar softly, mixed herself a "Black Outcast", took a sip and continued.
"Mhm. Then that man says that whoever's fault this "conflict" was is not relevant.
Why's it not relevant? One shoots the other who shoots back in self-defense, no? It's not as if we and his brethren decided to shoot eachother at the same time, si?"
"Eitherway, let's move on. Sergio continued, saying this "conflict" was had because of his, or the Reyes' familia's opinion being that the "status quo" needed changing. He said that not enough was being made of our "inherent" advantage. Hermanos, I find this to be trash."
"It took us a long time and hard work to come to the point we are at now. Not too long ago, I would've shot a member of the Benitez familia without as much as a second thought."
She looked towards Custo, a mischievious grin on her face...
...which turned into a wide smile a second after.
"But since not too long ago, and until I draw my final breath, I would give all things I own, my very honor... and my life to defend them without hesitation. Without question. Without remorse. As I have shown more than once in battle."
Looking around the chamber, she noticed all eyes being focused on her, and continued.
"And this man, this Sergio Reyes, with his words he steps on OUR ACHIEVEMENTS,
on OUR PROGRESS,
on OUR GREAT NATION!
ON US CORSAAAIRS!"
She almost worked herself into a rage, but decided to empty her glass instead in the last moment.
"He says that change is necessary. What is it we've done? What is it we's do?
We sittin' on our arses all day?"
Some of the Elders grinned.
"Moving on. The man says his familia'd want to bring the Corsairs glory.
Why's it the first thing I hear of the Reyes familia is not some tale of a great battle of them against the Outcasts, Hessians or even Nomads?
Why's it the first thing I hear of them is about them shooting our own?"
She paused. For dramatic effect, obviously.
"The man says that this bull**** he calls an "attempt to better the Corsairs" was the result of the Reyes familia's thoughts and their failure to realize that "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts".
What, they weren't taught what we in 'ere do? They weren't taught what it means to be a Corsair?
Hell, are they even Corsairs, or do they just pretend to be some?"
"They saw what happened during our earlier conflict. The one that almost caused a civil war.
How could they not know beforehand that "infighting could only weaken us as a whole"?
Didn't all Corsairs get to know that, regardless of where they were?
Didn't everyone see what all this caused?
Isn't it a part of the reason why we are here now together?"
She lit her next cigarette and grinned.
"Well I ain't a goddess and I don't know every Corsair in person, but I can't remember any not taking notice of our earlier conflict and what it brought along with it."
"Oh well, I think in the situation of the Reyes familia, the best thing to do is to apply for a seat in the council.
I can see their look for detail and their foresight being of great use to the Corsair nation.
Oh and how can I see their skills in picking out targets be of use in battle.
My, let me not forget that there's always useful military advice coming from true war veterans like the Reyes familia are!"
Sarcasm. She's always been a fan of it.
"Hm, the last words of Sergio I forgot, I think I just plain fail at paying attention to flowery bull****."
"To get to the point, you know me well hermanos.
Was it up to me, I'd personally cut their hearts out and have their livers fed to stray dogs all in front of their parents, lovers, friends... everyone."
The look on her face turned cold. Emotionless.
"But luckily there's y'all to prevent me from doing so."
"Elder Sephardi..."
She turned towards him.
"...your proposal is not a bad one, but it alone strikes me as not good enough.
As Elder Custo implied, the risk of having the Reyes familia becoming a cancerous manifestation inside of our nation is simply too big.
I understand your concerns, but having these men there in our midst might be unacceptable for some."
"I myself would not be able to trust these men, even if they were to fly under the banner of The Brotherhood.
When disregarding my personal views, I think that Elder Custo's compromise provides a fair solution."
Another cigarette's fiery life ended.
"However, no matter how it goes, if these men commit one more such act as they did, I will make sure that their lifes will come to a slow and painful end."
Her voice turned quiet for a minute...
"Y'know, I really wish we could just gut 'em and be done with it, but I've thought so once in the past already, and my thoughts were proven to be wrong then."
...then she spoke normally again.
"It might be that they could regain their honor in due time were they to end up in The Brotherhood.
It might even be that were they to be exiled, they could be once, after showing our nation that they indeed are true Corsairs, allowed back home again.
But, it might also be that they end up facing the buisness end of my plasma pistol."
An honest grin.
"I can't take a peek into the future hermanos, but overall I agree with Custo, so that's my two cents.
Now I'm in need of some fresh air, excuse me, I shall be back in a few minutes."
- - -
Alexa walked out of the Council.
As soon as the doors slid close, she started coughing heavily and almost fell over.
-"Are you alright, Elder Cordova?"
The security guard was quick to catch her, and showed a concerned look.
~"It's nothing. Don't worry Alvaro. I'm just feeling a little dizzy. You can let me go."
-"Are you sure o..."
~"Don't worry. Just get back to your post before Sephardi notices. I'll catch some fresh air, that'll help."
She said it with a smile, and Alvaro walked off.
When he was back on his post, she looked down to face the floor.
Some red spots were visible on it.
Then she looked at her palm, and noticed it was covered in blood.
Jose watched as Alexa left the Council chamber. The doors slid silently closed behind her, and in the silence that followed he stood to speak.
Fellow Councillors. I have listened to the Reyes honeyed words amongst which is apparently an apology.
They have come before us to request that we treat them as equals, and that they sit here in this chamber. They have spoken of honour, and of the greater good of the Corsair nation.
They have said these things despite not a short while ago firing on two Council Elders. How can they possibly claim to understand the meaning of the word honour and say that they are honourable when they have just committed such a dishonourable deed.
They have stated that they are no longer following a divisive agenda. Did they not realise that the Corsair nations strength is the sum of its many parts and that to divide us is to weaken us? To claim that they now understand this, having not achieved their aim, suggests that they are saying only that which they think we would want to hear! Jose thumped his hand onto the table to emphasize this point.
They claim to have proven their worth. All that they have proven is that their claim of being true Corsairs is worthless. They will have to do considerably better than speak such sweet words to convince me of their value.
"There is a very old saying that runs to the effect that actions speak louder than words. To date their actions have spoken so loudly that their words make no noise."
I vote no to their proposal.
Jose looked around the chamber and turned in the direction of the bar, seeking the figure of Miguel.
Whilst I would not wish to interfere in the recruitment policies of the TBH, I would urge extreme caution in implementing their proposal to take them into the TBH.
To date the Reyes have shown themselves to not be the honourable Corsairs that they claim to be, and I would not like to see the reputation of The Brotherhood damaged by any actions that they might commit in The Brotherhoods name.
However, if they were to accept the proposal outlined by Elder Custo it may well teach them some humility, which is what they demanded from 2 of this Councils Elders. I do not see that it in any way reduces the risk of the possibility of them causing trouble tough.
Jose sat down, and reached for the beer that was on the table in front of him. He took a long, deep swig from the bottle and noticed how the condensation had formed a small puddle on the table top.
He wiped it away with his hand and relaxed into his chair.
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