Graves waited. Once it was obvious that few others were prepared or felt no need to speak, he addressed the assembly.
"The Guild's determination to defend our property is reassuring.
"These 'Gaians' are well known - I understand they have a particular grudge against Planetform Incorporated on the grounds that Planetform's activities aren't wholesome and organic enough.
"We can hardly allow the Kusari government to dictate our affairs elsewhere, but managing to stay as far removed form this war should be our primary concern, if and only if it doesn't jeopardise our rather lucrative business elsewhere.
"In light of this, the commander of the Claxton has some explaining to do. The Council will retire to a closed seesion to discuss this. Guildmaster Stoat is to present an account of the Kusari involvement with criminal elements who threaten the regime in Bretonia.
He stood.
"Furthermore, the following directives are being issued:
1) Elements of the Moray wing as well as fighter and gunship reserves are to report to a temporary base on Planet Denver. They will reinforce hunter patrols in Liberty and will make themselves available to Deshima for support in emergencies. The jumphole network in Shikoku will provide an alternative route for supply ships to Deshima.
2) An exploratory reconnaisance mission will be led by Commander Stix aboard the Ragnarok. He is to move into the Sigmas and secure a passage to Kusari's other borders.
3) Veterans of the Guild Core will reinforce squads active in Liberty's borderworlds. We need combat leaders who don't lose their heads and can handle delaying actions against large fleets. Some experienced sentries of the Core will therefore find themselves handling advanced duties in the Omicrons.
4) Further reserve ships will be stationed on Rostock for guard duties.
5) Recruitment will focus on Kusari exiles, opponents of the current regime there, Kusari prisoners held on Deshima or anyone with half a wish to shoot the Emperor in the face. They say knowledge is power. Well, let's get as much as we can of both."
