First Baffin Zoner Zummit at The Zenarch, Malaclypse Freeport

[Gypsie]

The doctor, who was still on the stage, sighed.

Mr. Parkes, your concerns are understandable. However, let me borrow Doc´s words and tell you that the Council of Zoners was rotten because Aurelia Silvan was no other than Aurelia de France. I don´t know how many of you here knew this story, but the person who lead that Council is a known traitor to the Zoner cause. She dragged us into deals that still harm us to the day, such as the Bethelhem Treaty, which was already mentioned.

He stopped talking for a second to let his words reach each pineal gland in the Amphitheatre.

We didn't start the hostilities, royalists did. How do you guess they think about us knowing that Mr. Parkes? The Council of Zoners was born rotten, as I was saying, and that is the reason for it's failure. The Confederation of Freeports, on the other hand, was born out of the need to be united against foreign parties' blackmailing and shady operations against us, the recent problems between Rheinland and OSI being the latest.

He then stared for an instant at Jerard Voncloud.

The Temporary Autonomous Zoners have depleted all means to achieve a diplomatic solution to the Gallic threat problem. Seeing how they didn't want to talk to us, we decided to start preparing for the worst. So yes, if it is what you wanted to hear, we are going to request the CoF help if the day comes when Valors jump through that wormhole which connects us to the Taus! And furthermore, there's no reason to hide that the weapon platforms of this station were built to be ready for that day, despite the official statement we made about them being an anti-pirate measure. There's no reason for us to tell you that lie, after all, you are our closest allies. Each and every Zoner in Sirius is held in a higher esteem than any of our other allies here in Baffin. I hope this is what you wanted to hear Mr. Parkes

---

Malaclypse Freeport

[thseeger]

Thomas got up and walked to the podium, and placed him self next to Dr.Mojo,
looking ad him whit a smile.

Hope you dont mind that i take the word for a few minutes my friend.

---

Ldr.Thomas Henrikson
Leading Doctor in ZHR|
Part of [COF]
Freeport 9 Administrator
Corfu Base Administrator
-----------------------------------
Michal Steel
Part of the [M]-Cauncil

[Gypsie]

Mojo smiled.

Take it from here lad.

He winked at Thomas and went back to sit on a bench.

---

Malaclypse Freeport

[Doc Holliday]

Looking straight towards the stage, Doc softly said to his right hand, "Amazing isn't it? How people forget lessons of the past." He then turned to John with a soft grin and followed him over to a table to get a drink and cake.
"Thus far I'm in total agreement," Doc softly said so that no one else could hear and of course, not to be rude. He nodded about John's powder keg comment.
He then leaned into John a bit, "Sounds like the Omicrons are what they always are, doubtful of us....speaking of powder kegs."
He then stood up, taking a bite of his cake.

---

[MFE]Med Force One | Tales of Recovery|Med Force Enterprises

[Mirran]

Kallisti to Zoners that have come to this Zummit, im sorry for beign late.

let me introduce myself I'm Alexis Vrosk, member of the Temporary Autonomous Zoners, at this moment doing commerce between Baffin and Freeport 9.

I would like to say something brothers, we are a peaceful community that only fight in self-defense or to protect a fellow Zoner, i think we shall try all the ways to be at least neutral with the Gallics, because i think, in all the members that are here present, some of you could be an explorer, a trader, or just a guy who will follow his Zoners friends into any system.

But how to explore into the Gallic system, not only because they are currently Hostile with us, its also because of his High military response in his systems to all hostile factions.

Now, if all have been done to try to make them Neutral/Allied, and they refuse to accept, for whatever reason they may had.

Here now, i suggest we group our finest warriors, and create a group dedicated to defend Zoners and any other who is hostile against the Gallics, and i know that we are a peaceful group that is in many systems, and we have a lot of members, but we cannot sit back, and see how our Zoners brothers are slaughtered for the Gallics, and they leave without any harm or we just preffer to outrun them instead of fight them.

Let me hear your opinions.

[Gypsie]

Dr. Mojo had to restrain himself from rolling on the floor laughing. Good Alexis had totally crashed his way into the meeting and rushed to speak his mind.

Wo wo wo wo wo little bud, let Thomas here speak, go sit next to Doc for a while, I sense that what this man has got to say is really really important, you will have time to hear what other think about your concerns later, please.

Smiling, the doctor pointed at where Doc and Mad John where.

---

Malaclypse Freeport

[thseeger]

Thomas smiled back.

Thank you.

He then turned to look ad the people listening.

Last i spoke to you, i spoke as the representiv of Freeport 9, Corfu Base and ZHR.
I will now address you as a member of the Confederation of Freeports, and try to tell you about, what it is we do, and i will try to answer your questions as i best can.

He takes a deep breath before starting his speech again.

The Confederation of Freeports was established out of need,
as Dr.Mojo so rightly stated, it is as simple as that, the need to stand together,
and speak as one voice, against a House such as Gallia, the need to be heard the need to have some one ad your side when times get hard, some one who ask for nothing in return when helping, as Miss Kane so nicely said in her speech.

He Looks ad her whit a smile, then turn his focus back on the others.

The Confederation of Freeports is a council of Equals speaking whit one voice, but more important it is a council of Friendship, Respect, and Honesty.

He looks around to see what people faces show, before he continue´s.

Now what is it we do and what tools do we have, ad our disposal if need be.
well we have our Director of Foreign Offences James Church,
a good and Respected man, which handle all affairs when people break the laws
ad the our stations, he dose so whit billing them high amounts of Credits.

Thomas clears his throat, and continues.

but sadly, Houses and individual pilots, are getting more and more bold,
and tent to not pay there fines, and whit the rise of nomad attacks,
on some of our stations, and whit the gallia forces on the rise also,
we found it necessary to Make the Freeport Defends Force,
[FPDF] a zoner force to help and aid Zoner installations,
and zoner ships should the need rise for it.
The currently looking for the best choice to command that force,
aswell as more ships to add to it.

Thomas looks around and continues.

Also in this moment the ZHR| is building a Satellite Defends Station,
to host a Zoner Emergency Channel, and this will also be a tool for the
COF to use, the Satellite station will be able to run several,
secure communication Channels if need be.

He looks around on his fellow COF members.

Well i think that was all, i hope i did not forget to mention something,
please correct me if i did my fellow COF members.

I will try answer you questions now as best as i can.

---

Ldr.Thomas Henrikson
Leading Doctor in ZHR|
Part of [COF]
Freeport 9 Administrator
Corfu Base Administrator
-----------------------------------
Michal Steel
Part of the [M]-Cauncil

[Cmdr. Blaine Chara]

Matok groaned at the mention of "A council of equals with one voice." He groaned again at the mention of a Freeport Defense Force. He was hoping not to offend Ms. Kane, whom he was still sitting beside. Having heard Thomas speak, Matok took to his feet.

"A council of equals," he repeated. "If I remember right, the old Council of Zoners adopted a one voice, one vote policy. What a mess it became. It seemed every individual was interested in only his or her agenda. It is true that I seek to know more about the Confederation but I fear, for now, that my feeling to be history repeating itself."

"And a Freeport Zoner Defense Force," he continued. "As I said in my introduction, I was Commander of the old Tau division of the Zoner Defense Force. It accomplished little. Each Freeport has its individual problems, need and threats. It also was not well received by many a group. I still have reports about Corsairs and what they thought of it. I will continue to listen."

Matok then sat down, his hands on his lap, one of which took his mug of Blood Wine.

---

[n00bl3t]

Parkes sat down, and gave Lacroix a wink.

"They'll scramble about and blame a traitor for it's failures, but they're too pigheaded to realise the system in itself is flawed." He said, loudly enough for anyone close by to hear. Doc Holliday was close enough in range.

"So, they've released their war plan. How do you feel about it Mr Lacroix?" Parkes said, this time quietly, while finally getting around to pouring himself some wine out of the bottle Lacroix had offered some time ago.

---

Anything I say is not intended as offensive, and to try and deliberately misinterpret it as such would be an attempt at trolling via misrepresentation.

It's not a conspiracy, it's localised bias. They're not intelligent enough to form a conspiracy.

[Eduard]

Robert smiled. He was happy to know that his proposition worked out

"Tres magnifique, monsieur Lucky. It's good to know that we have an agreement. But for now, rejoice! From this moment onward, you are one of ours! " he exalted

The next moment, Robert was attracted by Mojo's announcement. This was the right moment to announce everything Robert thought.

" Well, monsieur, looks like the entry in the Confederation shall be done as well " He said to Lucky.

" Allow me to take care of this. If you desire, we will have a chat afterwards " He said, pointing to a row of empty seats which coincidentally, were next to Parkes, Doc and the others.

He then tilted his hat and saluted Lucky, then he started walking towards the podium, slowly, to hear the conversations on the way while thinking what to say.

He was surprised to hear about Aurelia deFrance and her actions. That would give him a challenge to get the trust of some Zoner individuals. He was hoping this won't ruin his plans.

He also overheard Thomas' speech. He didn't quite like the idea of a zoner defence force. Why would the zoners take up arms when they can hire any merc to do their dirty work? It would attract even more unwanted attention.

As he reached the podium, he made up his mind, he wanted the Commonwealth to join the CoF. That would give them influence, and a backbone in dealing with business. Moreover, a shoulder to cry on if situations go bleak.

He liked that and that was more than enough for him. Commonwealth's personal businesses and deals shall stay personal.

He looked around to spot dr. Mojo. When he finally saw him, he raised his hand straight upwards and, turning to the crowd, he said, hoping to get their attention:

" I believe I have something to say, if you all may "

The next moment he stepped on the podium.

Looking at the crowd, he draw a deep breath, a last moment to prepare his speech, and he said:

" Before I begin, allow me to present myself:
My name is Robert d'Autoine. Head Councilor of the Commonwealth. A Zoner Association in the Upper Taus. " He said

" If you haven't noticed, oui, I happen to be Gaul, but, contrary to popular belief, I don't have a habit of hiding under people's beds at night and bite their legs " He said with a smile, in an attempt to make a joke.

Before this subject regarding Gallia and the distrust towards the Confederation of Freeports erupts any further. I would like to announce, that, after careful deliberation, the Commonwealth has decided that it's in its best interests to join the Confederation along with its current properties. And for this matter, I request the members of the Confederation, to review the petition I sent them a few days ago once again. I believe we would all have a lot to gather from this petition, if accepted.

After his announcement, he thought for a second. Since his already here, why not express his mind toward the entire crowd like everyone did?

It has been mentioned the presence of a Zoner Freeport Defense Fleet. I must digress. Why would we need such a fleet, and why would we need to put ourselves on the line when we could hire mercenaries and other forces to do our bidding?

I personally believe that such a fleet, would bring more unwanted attention, especially if used.

Why ponder over the use of violence to defend ourselves when we can use persuasion and business to get others to defend us?

He then started to move towards the subject of Gallia. A risky decision, considering his origins and possible bias.

" I also personally believe that this concern over Gallia is a bit too dramatized. And, I dare say I feel a stain of insult growing inside me as I feel this concern doesn't stop at the Royal Navy but goes onward to the entirety of Gallia, non?

I didn't heard as much concern coming from the hostilities between Liberty and Rheinland, I guess we may not have as significant of a presence there as we have in the Taus. Or perhaps it's been for too long of a time to deserve any concern now. Still, there are also zoners in the omegas and that system which starts with a "P" . Penny- something something. Never mind. My language forbids me to pronounce some of your words it seems. Excuses-moi. "

He stopped for a moment to see if anyone was following him. Or maybe to count the amount of angry or disgusted faces he may have caused.

" Gallia is just another House with its own Government. It can't afford to go to hostilities just because it wanted to. The hostilities with Liberty and Bretonia are the aftermath of some historical divergences. You can say that Gallia's vendetta or the pursue of her revenge against being wronged is her Cassus Belli.

If it really were on the path of destruction and imperialism then Kusari wouldn't be here anymore, I reckon. And the Independent Miners Guild wouldn't have the first word in their name anymore. But as far as I know, they kept that independence, if you follow me. "

His tone changed rather serious, and he decided to end his topic with the following sentence:

" If I were you, I wouldn't worry about Gallia itself, but about the Nomad War repeating itself. Then, we would have really reasons of concern.

Otherwise, Gallia would leave us alone, like any other House up until now. Unless we bring the calamity on ourselves by our own hands. "

He then changed his tone back, warm and friendly. Decided to end the current subject and start a new one or continue an old one, he didn't want to tackle the Gallia subject any further. He felt it wasn't the best moment to do so:

"But that was just my view on this subject. If I offended anyone, excuses-moi. I do not deny the entire reason of being concerned as who knows what happens, but, let us not take it farther in comparison with other Houses.

Back to my other topic, like mentioned, I would like to petition the Commonwealth for joining the Confederation... "

He then started to look straight at Lucky as if he was awaiting for an approval

" ... And the Freeport 10 along with it, if there are no objections "

He made his mind to be heard. Half of it to be precise. He didn't want to specify the reasons for joining the Confederation or what the Commonwealth would seek to accomplish.

" That was all I had to say, I would be pleased to answer any of your questions if you may have. But for now, I shall step down from this podium " He said tilting his head towards the crowd and thanking them for the attention given.

He then stepped down from the Podium and went to take a seat on the row of seats he pointed to Lucky earlier, hoping to see if he was coming there as well

---

King Eduard is the greatest