Message from the Mandalore

[Dieter Schprokets]

Sir

I have been informed that your men have begun to take bounties on Zoners.

This is regrettable.

You likely do not know this, but the Temporary Autonomous Zoners are one of our major clients. We have worked alongside them and other Zoners on many occasions when and where Freeport security has been in jeopardy, especially providing bomber support when called upon. The relationship has been mutually beneficial. We have received needed equipment from their bases in Baffin, at modest fees.

Equipment, sir, that we usually use to destroy Corsairs and Kusari : enemies of your Crown, and mine.

By your logic, then, sir, Kusari, and the Corsairs, should place bounties on Zoner heads. But they do not.

Perhaps, if I might suggest an alternative to your interpretation of the Zoners as aiders and abettors of murderers and thieves, mayhap instead they are simply ones who desire "Peace and honest commerce with all, entangling alliances with none"?

I suggest to you that the proper role of the Privateers is the continued harrassment of Kusari trade, in support of the Bretonian war effort. A role in which you have had enormous success, a role which is your stated raison d'etre and your singular duty.

Instead, you waste time, and the limited resources of the Crown (You fly the Queen's ships, sir) killing and maiming the modern equivalent of the Ancient Swiss.

Moreover, you have placed yourself in conflict with our corporate objectives. Our friends and neighbours in Baffin, to say the least, are less than thrilled.

We are cancelling the Tau 23 Contract. Your money will be refunded.

We will not engage Privateers. Our common objectives in support of Bretonia ensure that.

But neither will we stand by and watch our friends and neighbours be killed.

How will that circle be squared?

I daresay that is up to you.

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[bluntpencil2001]

I regret to see our relationship so ended.

We only took said bounties in self defence, as we refused to stop shooting Corsairs in Zoner territory. The TAZ proceeded to open fire in reprisal on our ships, which I had ordered to stand down.

I attempted to maintain a neutral position, but my men defended themselves as the Zoners attacked, defending the Corsair colonies on Gran Canaria.

We, needing money to fund various works, as you well know, took the money, of course.

You would do well to be careful around there, as the Corsairs appear to be expanding, the Zoners allowing this. Then again, there may be potential work in shooting them.

We would hope that the TAZ would expel the Corsairs from their planet, as it only causes trouble for ourselves, and I am sure that working for such a group would also offend your other employers, if I am so correctly informed.

I wouldn't want to see you becoming a mere satellite of one faction, roped into contracts with only one employer. It may look good now, but may limit prospects in the future.

Your friend as always,

Andy

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[Dieter Schprokets]

Sir

Our relationship is not ended. Just that specific agreement. We cannot risk having two clients in one fight. And that territory is liable to have Zoners nearby. Their bases abound there.

We have clear common enemies. Including the Corsairs. Your zeal for defending Bretonia from them has led to this state of affairs.

The Kusari, clearly, as well.

In the event you find yourselves in deadly combat with these clear and present enemies of Bretonia, we will, as always, assist.

I believe we owe you approximately 50 million credits, which amount was our mobilization fee to Tau 23.

Yours,

Mandalore William Bishop

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[bluntpencil2001]

Heard and understood.

We had not planned on paying you to harm Zoners. After all, like I said, becoming a mere satellite of another faction would not be good business sense.

It also wouldn't make sense, seeing as paying someone to do something we're getting paid for is a sure fire way to lose money.

Your pal,

Andy

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[Dieter Schprokets]

Sir

50 million credits have been used to purchase Bretonian Armed Forces War Bonds, as per your patriotic request.

Yours,

Mandalore William Bishop

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