.:j:. JUNKER CONGRESS MESSAGE DUMP

[Rudo]

COMM ID: Chief Arbiter Hannibal Bishop
LOCATION: Bridge of Congress Frigate Machiavelli, Texas System

Congressman Dent, and all other members of our esteemed society;

I feel it my duty to inform you that much of the information in our codex is somewhat out of date, having been left mostly untouched since 817 AS.

Mr. Crow and myself are working to update it, as much has taken place in recent months. Due to events unfolding in Gallia, many well-kept secrets among our high officials are being laid out in the open as well. Junkers from all colonies and corners of inhabited space will do well to keep posted on our progress for expansion of their knowledge, and their safety as well. Some of these secrets may bring about animosity from former trade partners.

We wished to avoid such intel spilling into the open, but there are times when events are simply beyond our control. I have been scouting and compiling data from among our finest pilots and enforcers, and will soon field a super-specialized strike team to neutralize would-be informants and prolific roadblocks, as a means of damage control.

Until then, Puerto Rico will be open for trade. All members of the Congress, and all Junkers are advised to police such access; let them buy and sell to us so long as they cooperate, and thus are not spies. Heavily armed sentries are in place aboard our stations guarding sensitive areas, and will terminate with extreme prejudice any non-authorized persons attempting to gain access. Outside parties attempting to gather intelligence from Puerto Rico will have a difficult time doing so. So long as we remain an open and willing trade partner, we can placate any suspicion with supplying for their greed and thus make ourselves too valuable an ally to commit such actions against.

This is not to say that one can't make a few credits working as a 'tour guide' through our system or driving out those who wish to use Puerto Rico without Junker permission, but barring access to all parties isn't the wisest course of action with what's ahead.

Long story short: Congressmen are advised to be valuable individuals to as many parties as they make contact with. Learn all you can, and tell as little as you can get away with. This is of paramount importance if what we anticipate will become public knowledge does reach outside ears.

- Bishop

---