First Baffin Zoner Zummit at The Zenarch, Malaclypse Freeport

[Eduard]

Robert smiled. He was happy to know that his proposition worked out

"Tres magnifique, monsieur Lucky. It's good to know that we have an agreement. But for now, rejoice! From this moment onward, you are one of ours! " he exalted

The next moment, Robert was attracted by Mojo's announcement. This was the right moment to announce everything Robert thought.

" Well, monsieur, looks like the entry in the Confederation shall be done as well " He said to Lucky.

" Allow me to take care of this. If you desire, we will have a chat afterwards " He said, pointing to a row of empty seats which coincidentally, were next to Parkes, Doc and the others.

He then tilted his hat and saluted Lucky, then he started walking towards the podium, slowly, to hear the conversations on the way while thinking what to say.

He was surprised to hear about Aurelia deFrance and her actions. That would give him a challenge to get the trust of some Zoner individuals. He was hoping this won't ruin his plans.

He also overheard Thomas' speech. He didn't quite like the idea of a zoner defence force. Why would the zoners take up arms when they can hire any merc to do their dirty work? It would attract even more unwanted attention.

As he reached the podium, he made up his mind, he wanted the Commonwealth to join the CoF. That would give them influence, and a backbone in dealing with business. Moreover, a shoulder to cry on if situations go bleak.

He liked that and that was more than enough for him. Commonwealth's personal businesses and deals shall stay personal.

He looked around to spot dr. Mojo. When he finally saw him, he raised his hand straight upwards and, turning to the crowd, he said, hoping to get their attention:

" I believe I have something to say, if you all may "

The next moment he stepped on the podium.

Looking at the crowd, he draw a deep breath, a last moment to prepare his speech, and he said:

" Before I begin, allow me to present myself:
My name is Robert d'Autoine. Head Councilor of the Commonwealth. A Zoner Association in the Upper Taus. " He said

" If you haven't noticed, oui, I happen to be Gaul, but, contrary to popular belief, I don't have a habit of hiding under people's beds at night and bite their legs " He said with a smile, in an attempt to make a joke.

Before this subject regarding Gallia and the distrust towards the Confederation of Freeports erupts any further. I would like to announce, that, after careful deliberation, the Commonwealth has decided that it's in its best interests to join the Confederation along with its current properties. And for this matter, I request the members of the Confederation, to review the petition I sent them a few days ago once again. I believe we would all have a lot to gather from this petition, if accepted.

After his announcement, he thought for a second. Since his already here, why not express his mind toward the entire crowd like everyone did?

It has been mentioned the presence of a Zoner Freeport Defense Fleet. I must digress. Why would we need such a fleet, and why would we need to put ourselves on the line when we could hire mercenaries and other forces to do our bidding?

I personally believe that such a fleet, would bring more unwanted attention, especially if used.

Why ponder over the use of violence to defend ourselves when we can use persuasion and business to get others to defend us?

He then started to move towards the subject of Gallia. A risky decision, considering his origins and possible bias.

" I also personally believe that this concern over Gallia is a bit too dramatized. And, I dare say I feel a stain of insult growing inside me as I feel this concern doesn't stop at the Royal Navy but goes onward to the entirety of Gallia, non?

I didn't heard as much concern coming from the hostilities between Liberty and Rheinland, I guess we may not have as significant of a presence there as we have in the Taus. Or perhaps it's been for too long of a time to deserve any concern now. Still, there are also zoners in the omegas and that system which starts with a "P" . Penny- something something. Never mind. My language forbids me to pronounce some of your words it seems. Excuses-moi. "

He stopped for a moment to see if anyone was following him. Or maybe to count the amount of angry or disgusted faces he may have caused.

" Gallia is just another House with its own Government. It can't afford to go to hostilities just because it wanted to. The hostilities with Liberty and Bretonia are the aftermath of some historical divergences. You can say that Gallia's vendetta or the pursue of her revenge against being wronged is her Cassus Belli.

If it really were on the path of destruction and imperialism then Kusari wouldn't be here anymore, I reckon. And the Independent Miners Guild wouldn't have the first word in their name anymore. But as far as I know, they kept that independence, if you follow me. "

His tone changed rather serious, and he decided to end his topic with the following sentence:

" If I were you, I wouldn't worry about Gallia itself, but about the Nomad War repeating itself. Then, we would have really reasons of concern.

Otherwise, Gallia would leave us alone, like any other House up until now. Unless we bring the calamity on ourselves by our own hands. "

He then changed his tone back, warm and friendly. Decided to end the current subject and start a new one or continue an old one, he didn't want to tackle the Gallia subject any further. He felt it wasn't the best moment to do so:

"But that was just my view on this subject. If I offended anyone, excuses-moi. I do not deny the entire reason of being concerned as who knows what happens, but, let us not take it farther in comparison with other Houses.

Back to my other topic, like mentioned, I would like to petition the Commonwealth for joining the Confederation... "

He then started to look straight at Lucky as if he was awaiting for an approval

" ... And the Freeport 10 along with it, if there are no objections "

He made his mind to be heard. Half of it to be precise. He didn't want to specify the reasons for joining the Confederation or what the Commonwealth would seek to accomplish.

" That was all I had to say, I would be pleased to answer any of your questions if you may have. But for now, I shall step down from this podium " He said tilting his head towards the crowd and thanking them for the attention given.

He then stepped down from the Podium and went to take a seat on the row of seats he pointed to Lucky earlier, hoping to see if he was coming there as well

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King Eduard is the greatest