LH / CR / IMG - Ceasefire Negotiations, Barrier Gate, Coronado

[Niall Dunne]

Niall Dunne simply nodded in agreement with Professor Hunter's statements. So far she didn't have much to say anyways. She examined the many faces in the room, trying to quietly fish for reactions from the representatives and others as the talks continued. She hoped that the negotiations would go well.

"Yes, Miss O'Reily, your suggestions so far seem promising from my part of the table. Hopefully the others here agree."

[Johnathan Nox Carter]

Office Annex IV-B, Barrier Gate Station, Coronado

---

A thought of concern sprinted inside the minister's mind when the IMG representatives brought an unannounced... visitor... to the meeting, even if only for a greeting. Still, that thought dissipated rapidly as the official meeting commenced. After he took his seat from the beginning, Henry Corvin simply waited quietly, carefully listening to every speaker's commentaries and statements. His blue eyes would dart from person to person, in an attempt to take in information from body language as well.

As Miss Dunne ended her reply, Corvin stood up and spoke "Well then. First, allow me to thank you all for making this possible, and moreover for the carefully tailored statements that have been made so far."
He pauses for a second, then continues "Without further ado, I'll step in to explain the Republic's terms for the initiation of a cease-fire agreement."

"The Lane Hackers will receive permission to fly peacefully and unhindered through Coronado, as well as all systems within Crayterian jurisdiction, with fighter wings composed of a maximum of 3 ships. Any extra firepower will be allowed only upon prior request.
However, a 25 kilometer radius around Planet Yuma remains as restricted space.

The access of Lane Hacker Capital Vessels is also permitted, but only with partial escort from our Crayter Military forces. This is to ensure that said Capital Vessels are only passing through Crayterian space."
He catches his breath, then proceeds ...
"Transports vessels, be them for trade or smuggling, will be allowed without numeral restriction.
As such, some contraband goods will be allowed for transport, namely: Counterfeit Software, Black Market Munitions, Synthetic Marijuana, Nox, Cardamine - in any form - and Stabiline. Do note that Slaves, Human Organs and any form of Crayterian technology are still not permitted.

That being said, with regard to Cardamine, the Lane Hackers may transport it safely, but its actual selling in Coronado is strictly prohibited, with the exception of Barrier Gate Station."

He stops, takes his seat once more, and resumes with a short conclusion "As long as these terms are met, I would hope for an uninterrupted and lasting peace between the Republic and the Hackers."

[Wolfgang Weisen]

Wolfgang Weisen, the highest ranking Hacker after Nicole Hunter remained silent after the initial greetings. Due to his key position in the Logistics department of the Lane Hackers he knew better than almost anyone the needs, the profits and weaknesses of the Hacker smuggling fleet.

The whole process of these negotiations with their sterility and endless formalities was extremely boring to him as it reminded him of the life he escaped from, a life working for Interspace Commerce. Thus Wolfgang frequently gazed at Sarah O'Reily, another beautiful specimen from the IMG.

Yet he had to remain sharp and focused for he had secret instructions not by Nicole, but from another Professor...


"Mr Corvin, there is one major detail which we need you to clarify before the Professor Provocateur considers your terms."


The Deceiver-ranked Hacker said and paused for a moment so that the attention was turned back on him.


"As you are well-aware, the corporate lobbies of Liberty in their attempt to amass as many profits as possible, have created a system which produces unemployment, disenfranchised communities warped into a poverty spiral from which you cannot escape.

The Lane Hackers reach out to these communities and find those interested to work outside the House which brought them so much suffering. And we sometimes transport them to their new employers. These people, with no actual possessions show up as "Slaves" in your Ageira-made cargo scanners. In reality the Lane Hackers are fundamentally against slavery... so you understand Minister that we are unwilling to stop our humanitarian missions simply because of your... technical limitations.

Instead I propose to focus our efforts on stopping Nox. It is a dangerous substance with no positive effects."

---

"Our society is based on an economic bubble. Do you know what will happen when the bubble collapses?"

[Jack_Henderson]

Ms. O'Reily was silent for a while and distracted by a series of calls that she had to take, so she only managed to put her words in now. She was surprised that the Crayter Republic was willing to make concessions of this kind and she was hopeful that a compromise could be achieved somewhere after these encouraging words.

As expected, the 'slavery' aspect was critical and she knew it would come to a confrontation there. It was the same argument that she had with the Lane Hackers before, and she was hopeful that the idea that she had had in the last discussion might cut it here.

"Thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen, if I may introduce a potential solution for the important issue of human transportation through Coronado space..." she starts rhetorically.

"As Mr. Weisen already said: the Lane Hackers are against slavery in the abusive and inhumane form." and even though she finds it hard herself to talk about the issue in such neutral words, or even think for a moment of believing in the humanitarian mission that he described, she continues without showing it.

"... In a discussion about the topic that I had with the Republic and the Lane Hackers, I suggested that a solution can be found that would benefit the Crayter Republic and the Lane Hackers, as well."

"I am talking about the plan that the IMG labelled Workforce & Population Provision Program - short WPPP. To sum it up: Yuma colonization needs workers. Many. Industrialization needs workforce. Masses. A planet needs inhabitants. We are talking millions of people that could find a new home. Yuma is a place that can support a living, that can become a home for those who could not make it in Liberty and that fill the transports of the Lane Hackers."

She looks from the Lane Hackers to the Crayter delegates and shrugs her shoulders: "Work together. Supply Yuma with these people. Build trust in each other that way. Set standards of transportation that guarantee humane transportation on this route. I see opportunities for development on all sides: Lane Hackers, Crayter Republic and Libertonian workers alike."

She knows that the Crayter delegates would be suspicious and that automated defenses would at least for the start would be problematic and keep Lane Hacker transports from docking directly with Yuma, so she continues: "For practical reasons, the IMG offers to accept the workforce and future population on the IMG station of Camp Lister, Pecos. From there, relocations to the different places and workshops can be organised jointly." she suggests and then leans back, looking for the reception of this plan that - at least in her eyes - might have the potential to defuse this point a little.

[Johnathan Nox Carter]

Office Annex IV-B, Barrier Gate Station, Coronado

---

While Mister Weisen was explaining the Hackers' "point of view" on the situation, the Crayterian Minister was torn. He knew of the Hackers' "humanitarian reasons" but had a desire to bring this whole situation to a comfortable resolution for the Republic. The war was taking its toll as it was already, so there was no need for further antagonising other ... groups.

Once miss O'Reily voiced her solution to the Hacker's conundrum, Corvin remained quiet for a moment, waiting to see any immediate reactions from his interlocutors. A few moments later, he spoke "Miss O'Reily, that is a grand idea.

In fact, I strongly stand by it. As such, I believe that the Lane Hackers could bring all the Libertonian citizens they aid to Barrier Gate or Pecos, for them to be then handled by IMG personnel and eventually be brought to Yuma. Still, this could only be a temporary solution. In time, we could find a proper way for the Hacker transports to arrive directly at Sabah or Yuma."

He felt a slight restraint in his throat as he continued, but managed to avoid any unseemly reaction "That being said, I should officially mention that if a cease-fire agreement is reached, not only will our Military stand down from engaging Hacker pilots, but Crayterian defenses and IFF recognition systems will be reconfigured to allow for safe passage."

---

[Nicole Hunter]

- I do believe we are slowly reaching a point of agreement. I have taken liberty of preparing a draft of a formal truce with some minor changes. Please have a look.

A holographic screen showing draft of a formal truce appeared over a table for everybody to study it.

Draft of truce agreement between The Lane Hackers and The Crayter Republic

One-time provisions:

1. The Lane Hackers will receive reimbursement in sum of 40 000 000 SC for lost bomber during an incident that occurred after opening of the negotiations.
   
2. Crayter Republic will benefit from relocation of 12 000 of settlers to Planet Pecos.

Permanent agreements:

1. Both parties will acknowledge zones covering 25km radius from each other bases as respective sovereign space.
   
2. Without prior agreements both parties will refrain from entering each others sovereign space and conform to all orders within it.
   
3. The Lane Hackers will acknowledge Taus, Coronado and Baffin as Crayter Republic's contested space.
   
4. The Crayter Republic will acknowledge Liberty, all its bordering systems, Leeds and Manchester as Lane Hackers' contested space.
   
5. While operating within each others contested space both parties will refrain from interference into active operations and act with deference to their host.
   
6. The Lane Hackers will refrain from human trafficking within Crayter's contested space and will actively participate in Yuma's settlers relocation program.
   
7. In order to avoid being compromised by a third party an ostensible hostility can be enacted via verbal means, simulated engagement or inaccurate fire. The other party must be informed about it on a secure channel beforehand.

- First of all, I am not in favor of redundant restrictions. The Lane Hackers very rarely operate with wings bigger than three ships and you can be sure that if you ever see our capital ships it will most likely be a prelude to an open aggression anyway. Instead of artificial limits I propose a clear definition of each others "territorial" claims and simple general rules of behavior within them.

Nicole Hunter made a pause and her tone suddenly became less formal.

- For example, Crayter vessels can fight the Gallics in Magellan as much as they want, but it is unacceptable if they interfere into our little war with Ageira. Let me know your thoughts on my proposal.

---

The Lane Hackers
"Making the corporate weenies cry, so our kids can live in a free and just galaxy."
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[TheShooter36]

Michael Richard thought about the terms Lane Hackers proposed, they mostly looked reasonable to him, however he wasnt the diplomat in this meeting. His point of views were different from Minister Corvin's. What could be reasonable for him could not be reasonable for rest of the Parliament. "Miss Hunter, from my eyes, your draft seems reasonable, however i am not a diplomat as you know. What is reasonable to me may not be reasonable to others," Turned to Corvin and asked "I would like to ask about your thoughts from a 'Civilian' point of view."

---

[Johnathan Nox Carter]

Office Annex IV-B, Barrier Gate Station, Coronado

---

As he perused miss Hunter's draft, Corvin felt a slight relief, seeing that things could for once be settled easily. Some mistypes were present, but dealing with semantics was really not an issue in this situation, so he nodded silently. Some of her comments were quite valid (such as the redundancy of numeral restrictions), but prior discussion between Corvin and the military staff ended with him having to propose those terms, even if only for the sake of some proper coordination.

As Richard ended his statements, the wording felt out of place. Nevertheless, the Minister had to reply, so he straightened his posture and spoke in a semi-formal tone.
"Admirably tailored words, miss Hunter, although i couldn't expect less from one of your... reputation. In any case, yes, I agree with these terms as well... so my only suggestion would be to amend the title of the document, so as to consider it final."

He paused momentarily, then continued firmly "That being said, I would suggest we 'shake on it', as some would say it, and consider the matter closed. As for the one-time provisions you mentioned..." - he took out a PDA - "I was expecting some credits to come into play, so I'm ready to complete a transfer now, as a gesture of good will, if you'll provide the required account information. The settlers for Pecos - we'll expect the IMG to confirm delivery within the week. I hope that's agreeable."

[Wolfgang Weisen]

Wolfgang narrowed his eyes in disbelief. How could Professor Hunter has agreed to such pultry terms? He instictively swallowed after recalling the secret task he was given. He didn't want to fail yet he was quickly running out of options.

He took out his pad and started typing quickly a message to Nicole Hunter. It was in vain, he thought, but it was still his best shot at the moment.


"Professor, with all due respect, are you sure about the human trafficking clause? The slave trade is one of our main sources of profit in the Smuggling Division and losing the Coronado corridor would hugely impact these profits as we will lose lots of contracts to the Rogues and Junkers who will now have a tactical advantage.

Also.. about the relocation plan. Our slaves are captured combatants and civilians, it won't take even the Colonials - simpletons as they are - more than a few days to discover they're not simply 'unfortunate souls'. Then the captured combatants will be recycled back to Liberty Navy and the BHG..."


The Deceiver typed and pressed the 'Send' button.

---

"Our society is based on an economic bubble. Do you know what will happen when the bubble collapses?"

[Nicole Hunter]

Exactly 200 milliseconds after Weisen pressed the send button a response arrived, which was very odd considering the holographic projection of Nicole Hunter was sitting still and smiling. The priority message was very short and signed with the Professorship encryption key usually used for assignment briefings,

Sign the truce on behalf of the Lane Hackers. This is a direct order.

Instantly after Weisen finished reading the short message another one with lower priority arrived. This had a form of a letter which betrayed the sender by the length, formality and ornate style characteristic for the Professor Hunter. The fact that she was able to compile such written response in less than a second made Mr Weisen uneasy and sweating, despite the conference room had excellent air conditioning.

Dear Mr Weisen,

Your concern for the welfare of The Lane Hackers is commendable and truly appreciated. It is, however, very disappointing to see a disciple of such a magnificent manipulator as Professor Yoshida to learn so little about arcane of diplomacy and psychology of negotiations. Out of my good heart I will naturally try to CORRECT THESE FLAWS within you, Mr Weisen.

First of all, let me correct your material error. Human cargo composes less than 5% of our total smuggled goods. Our smuggling division is and always will be primarily focused on exports of Counterfeit Software and imports of Cardamine. It is in our interest to maximize gains from selling our own product instead of giving Liberty Rogues free credits, especially considering the state in which they currently are.

Furthermore, let me guide you out of your misperception of what happened here. I think I can only blame a Rheinlander mentality and short memory here. Rheinlander mentality for taking legal text literally and short memory for forgetting what you personally have already agreed with Ms O'Reily before. I would think it should be obvious that while all of our transports with human cargo will be heading to Pecos, only a part of them will successfully navigate through a complex system of jumpholes and arrive at the destination.

Finally, our dear diplomats from Crayter Republic are fully aware of it. We have made no concessions to the Republic, aside from signing a mutually beneficial ceasefire in a way that will allow our Crayter colleagues to maintain a face before their government and voters. I wonder if I should give you an assignment in Kusari, to let you learn more about their mentsu concept.

I must said I am quite disappointed in you, Mr Weisen. Your track record of assignments was suggesting a person with excellent memory, perception and understanding of diplomatic delicacies. Your lack of understanding and faith in the Professorship wisdom does not suit your psychological profile. It does raise a genuine question though - maybe it was something else than lack of competence.

Please tell me, Mr Weisen, shall I question your loyalty or just blame your temporary underperformance?

Yours faithfully,
Professor Provocateur
Nicole Hunter

The private message ended.

---

The Lane Hackers
"Making the corporate weenies cry, so our kids can live in a free and just galaxy."
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