OSI Corporate Offices(InRP)

[Dourden4]

Duncan sat and listened to the obviously agitated Doc as he spoke his mind. Once Doc had finished, Duncan stood and began gazing out the large windows overlooking the countryside. After a moment he spoke.

" Yes, I am well aware of the current situation. And You are correct that the lack of an organized response has hampered any efforts we may have made. This conflict is a terrible thing, and the loss of innocent lives only makes it worse. In a move I had hoped would stem the losses, I have already ordered OSI Security forces into orbit and on interdiction missions against any who would bombard our Planet."

Duncan paused, his gaze passing over one of the many camps being used as shelter by untold numbers of people.

"As I stated in my own personal response to these declarations by the Corsairs and the Coalition, I consider this an attack on our right to be free. The problem, as you pointed out, is the lack of a central government. That system works exceedingly well most of the time. It is only times like these, when we realize that the power that body would give us is truly needed."

Duncan turns and walks to his desk. He places his hands upon the top, and leans heavily on it.

"OSI also opposed the formation of a large Zoner council, as experience had shown that they do not work. Local government, however is a different matter. We have seen that if kept on small scales, these sort of councils can and do work."

Duncan pauses for a breath.

"Perhaps you've heard of the Confederation of Southern Freeports? This is a rather successful smaller council that has been around for some time now. That organization proves that the smaller scale councils can work."

Duncan moves to his chair and sits, leaning back heavily.

"I'll be honest with you Doctor, the subject of Gran Canaria's leadership has been coming up amongst the boards discussions often lately. OSI holds many assets on the planet and in orbit. We stand at the point of having the needed weight to hold authority. The primary reason we have not, is that I intended to honor the old agreements between the large Zoner groups. No one of us should claim this wonderful place."

He sits forward, folding his hands before him once again.

" Like yourself, I do not claim to speak for other groups of Zoners, or any Zoner not of the OSI organization. But all that said, We cannot sit idlely by as war ravages our world. Especially when that war is not of our making. I have asked that both the Coalition and the Corsairs withdraw from the planet and its space, but I am afraid that my word alone does not hold the significant power needed to sway them."

Duncan sighs, and begins to rub lightly at his temples.

" Doctor, we must do something, with that statement I agree. The question is what? You have mentioned the possibility of a local Government, but who would lead? It is obvious that there is a great need for this government to be established, but besides Myself and you I do not know of any suitable to lead this new government."

" It is always hard to tell the intent of peoples that are at war with another. What is truth? What is lies? What is just propaganda? The political landscape is a rocky one at best, difficult to navigate through easily. But what if the Corsairs are making a grab for Gran Canaria? Would we go to war? Would we cast off the mantle of neutrality we have made to defend this world? The people of this world look to you Doctor. You are greatly respected, and your words hold much weight for the Zoner community. Tell me, What are you thinking is the best way to proceed?"

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