Not to mention 'seizing the freeports' would require that the freeports seized (A) would not blow their farms rather than surrender them - unlikely and (B) can feed the entire corsair nation - unlikely. The Zoners not only grow food, they trade food, pharmaceuticals, light arms, industrial goods, basically everything the Corsairs don't make themselves, and in far greater quantities than can be pirated. In my eyes, THAT is the major hold the Zoners have on the Corsairs and Outcasts alike. Deal with us, or starve and see your industry grind to a halt.
[edit - spelling ffs]
[edit again:]
This 'merchant power' requires little coordination, as well. If a faction starts shooting Zoners, the other Zoners will simply go somewhere else as the word gets out, and arm themselves when in the ZOI of the offending faction. Not because of Zoner decree, but because each individual Zoner wishes to live.
John Johnson - Master of Synth.Foods-Convoy|049
Hans Adler - Synth Foods escort wing
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