First Baffin Zoner Zummit at The Zenarch, Malaclypse Freeport

[Gypsie]

Dr. Mojo stood up and clapped Thomas' speech. He knew that none of them were saying anything new, not even him, but that was a good thing. It would show the rest that they did not have any double speech or hidden intentions. Thomas had done a good job. It was time to settle the matter of the CoF membership and [FPDF] creation, so he decided to try a different approach. He walked yet once again the steps to the stage, and grabbed the mic.

Dear brothers and sisters, we have already been really honest about what we are offering here, it is up to you now. Let me clarify though, so you can weigh the pros and cons that you might be seeing over this.

Fact: The Confederation of Freeports already exists, and it is the biggest conglomerate of Zoner groups and individual bases. Joining it would mean, on top of all the advantages already mentioned, that you would be among the majority, and not the minority. The decisions that the CoF takes will reach your own turf, even if you're based on the farthest of the Edge Worlds. It would be wiser to be there when the calls are made, and have a place where to speak your opinions, instead of just letting others decide for the rest.

He had already been studying who among those who didn't belong to the CoF yet, were more reluctant.

Commander Matok, I beg you re-consider your position towards this. The whole of TAZ supports the Confederation of Freeports, even Mr. Cole from Freeport XXI will be getting a seat among us. I feel that having you out of this Confederation would only broaden the gap between Baffin and Freeport 6, which, in my opinion, should not exist at all. I admire and respect your feeling of independance, but we rely on you, against the Gallic threat for instance, and you rely on us, against the same problem.

For instance, if you had shown interest in Malaclypse Freeport before, you would already know that the evacuation plan we have developed for Freeport XXI should the need of such operation rise, also includes Freeport 6. We did this out of pure good will, because we do care about you and your people. We would also have liked to have you around when we spoke to our neighbours regarding this same matter, but that gap I mentioned didn't allow for it to happen. IT is not too late, Commander Matok, and we'd love you to have you on our side.

Same goes to you Mr. Parkes, and to all Phoenixes, and everyone of you who have doubts yet. I propose you give a try to the Confederation, say six months, or even a year for Goddess sake, what harm does it mean to you?

He didn't imagine this meeting to go this way. He had never pictured that other Zoners would despise the idea so much, so he had to try harder, or else he would be in part responsible for the largest rupture that the Zoner community had ever seen. The need of unity had never been so big.

I am older than what you might ever imagine gents, and I have seen more blood and sorrow than all of you. Please, do not make the wrong decision.

He went back to his seat, wishing that they would all come to reason.

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Malaclypse Freeport