Montoya's eyes on the viewscreen trailed Ben out of the room, as did the rest of the council's eyes.
Despite their different beliefs, Juan could not help but feel sorry for the aged man, and he did see the logic in his arguements. Defence and not attack was the best option. Guiding each Corsair was, perhaps, the best option. It was clear that the OPG would do what Gentle willed, and it was attitudes like that which made the Elder chambers stand for nothing. If the authority of the Corsair council was ignored, then what hope was there?
"Hermano Gentle, your transports should travel with an OPG escort to show our wayward hermanos that your trading vessels mean no harm. Even though they carry supplies and food, we Corsairs have always been suspicious of outsiders. I mean no harm to you or the OTC, but what good reason apart from your words do they have to let you land, especially if you do not carry the Corsair ID and IFF?"
"Moving on to the AW, however, it is my position that we, as a council, contact the Zoner council and display our collective message in full force, with the signatures of all three of our organisations. This is what I propose the message to contain:
1. A request stating that we wish the Zoner council not to recognise the AW as Zoners and to take away their vote on that council.
2. A notification that all AW forces will be eliminated wherever they lie.
3. A notification that the Corsairs will increase their presence in Omicron Theta, hence meaning that the Zoners may need to increase production of certain goods, such as food, engine components, consumer goods and light arms for our purchase. The point needs to be made that this can only be a good thing for the Zoners, as business will increase as the Corsairs gain access to Omicron Theta, which was previously restricted by the AW.
We wish to be at peace with the Zoners. Due to the recent agression and subsequent declaration of hostility by the AW, this cannot happen. They need to be eliminated before we continue to foster a good relationship with the Zoners.
I myself recognise the AW as a mercenary organisation aligned with the Outcasts, taking up residence in Zoner space, whereas I recognise the TAZ, the bulk of the Zoner establishment, as Zoners true to their creed.
Unless there is significant opposition to this, or changes, I suggest this is sent off as fast as possible. Also, I suggest you and your men bribe the Zoners into fixing your reputation with their establishment, if you havent done so already.
As the AW have been ejected from ownership of the Zoner guard system, I see no reason why we shouldn't visit that from time to time. But this is more to do with, if the AW decide to use it as a fall back point, expecting their "brothers" to shoot us.
