"If I agree that Corfu is more a depot than a station and that F5 has a quite low economic activity and therefore could be restricted to zoners only I have to disagree about Freeport 9. This freeport is indeed a major market place in the omicrons. For instance, a lot of trader bring food in Freeport 9 because we offer a good price for it and then this food is sold at a higher price to corsairs. It is true that the biodomes produces significant amount of food, but a lof of food is also imported. If Freeport 9 is restricted to zoners only. the first consequence will be a decrease in food availability for corsairs because you will hardly find zoners to bring food to Freeport 9 in order to satisfy the corsairs food demand. Considering the situation is already very tense with corsairs, I don't think it is a good idea to threat them by decreasing food availability.
Instead of closing Freeport 9, I think it would be better to announce that we will sanction those who use it to attack anybody. And to be fair we would need to implement that rule in all zoners stations, especially in Freeport 10 to prevent people using it to attack Outcasts. Also, note that this new policy will mostly unplease bounty hunters who use our freeports to post job offers.
And finally, think to the problem. The problem is that corsairs are being attacked quite often in omicron-gamma by various parties. Do you really think that preventing people to use our bases to raid gamma will change something?
Honnestly, I am beginning to thing we should add a term to the negotiations with corsairs. Something like: "if the number of raids against omicron-gamma has not decreased after the implementation of the new zoners policy, then it will be concluded that the zoners policy has no effect on the activity of corsairs ennemies. Therefore, the zoners policy will be canceled."
" Mr. Moebus, Yes the Corsiars and Omicron Gamma may be the catalyst this time, but the problem of people using our bases to attack their enemies is far older and far reaching than just Freeports 5 and 9. Unless I miss my guess, this meeting's purpose is to find a way to restore Zoner neutrality. Not just in the Omicrons, but all over Sirius. While the situation in Theta is our most pressing issue, we must also keep in mind the other locales we as Zoners reside in; lest our actions in Theta cause trouble in other places. I for one would rather not solve this mess, only to have another pop up elsewhere."
Taking a deep breath he continues.
" Secondly, how would you propose to catch and prove which visitors to the Freeports are basing for attacks on their enemies from those stations? Unfortunately, mere threats of sanctions are not enough any more. Nobody respects Zoner words enough any longer. We need hard actions. As it stands now, anyone with a grievance stands with the burden of proof upon their shoulders. And how do you prove where someone came from before you saw them? Freeports 5 and 9 are both exceptionally close to the Jumpholes leading to Omicron Gamma, and I dont see it as a far stretch of the imagination to assume that some of those people attacking would base from there. Seeing as we dont do anything about it and docking is open to anyone until they cause an issue, its the ideal platform."
Duncan stands and retrieves a drink for himself. Taking a sip he places his hands on the table.
" Look Mr. Moebus, I agree with you that full closure of Freeports 5 and 9 isnt a wise choice. However doing the same thing as we always have isnt going to work and isnt good enough. Its time to shake things up in the way Zoners handle their neighbors. For this reason..i have personally created a plan i would like to propose."
He takes another deep breath before continuing.
"Simply put, Reverse the dynamic of the Freeports. Instead of Allowing anyone and their uncle bob to dock, we close the docking fixtures to everyone not a Zoner and not Flying a freighter or transport. Special Permissions may be granted by a stations admin, but only after an interview or other meeting takes place to specify the exact reasons they wish to use our facilities. This way we can control who is on our bases and what they are doing from them."
He turns to look at Doc.
"A similar approach to what our respective organizations have used when granting tech requests. Its time that Zoners start taking a more active interest in what goes on in and around our stations. Its time that Sirius stop expecting something from Zoners for nothing in return."
Duncan sits back down, waiting for the rebuttal he is sure is coming.
Quote:" Mr. Moebus, Yes the Corsiars and Omicron Gamma may be the catalyst this time, but the problem of people using our bases to attack their enemies is far older and far reaching than just Freeports 5 and 9. Unless I miss my guess, this meeting's purpose is to find a way to restore Zoner neutrality. Not just in the Omicrons, but all over Sirius. While the situation in Theta is our most pressing issue, we must also keep in mind the other locales we as Zoners reside in; lest our actions in Theta cause trouble in other places. I for one would rather not solve this mess, only to have another pop up elsewhere."
hum.. I was not aware of that, but that s indeed a good idea.
Quote:" Secondly, how would you propose to catch and prove which visitors to the Freeports are basing for attacks on their enemies from those stations? Unfortunately, mere threats of sanctions are not enough any more. Nobody respects Zoner words enough any longer. We need hard actions. As it stands now, anyone with a grievance stands with the burden of proof upon their shoulders. And how do you prove where someone came from before you saw them? Freeports 5 and 9 are both exceptionally close to the Jumpholes leading to Omicron Gamma, and I dont see it as a far stretch of the imagination to assume that some of those people attacking would base from there. Seeing as we dont do anything about it and docking is open to anyone until they cause an issue, its the ideal platform."
As I was saying to Mr Holyday before you arrived, the omicroners already thought about that problem and worked on it. Our technicians have made a new tracking device that could be used to monitor 24h/24 the activity in freeports 5 and 9 and in corfu. People using our stations to raid gamma would be caught immediately.
Quote:" Look Mr. Moebus, I agree with you that full closure of Freeports 5 and 9 isnt a wise choice. However doing the same thing as we always have isnt going to work and isnt good enough. Its time to shake things up in the way Zoners handle their neighbors. For this reason..i have personally created a plan i would like to propose."
I agree, we have to do something.
Quote:"Simply put, Reverse the dynamic of the Freeports. Instead of Allowing anyone and their uncle bob to dock, we close the docking fixtures to everyone not a Zoner and not Flying a freighter or transport. Special Permissions may be granted by a stations admin, but only after an interview or other meeting takes place to specify the exact reasons they wish to use our facilities. This way we can control who is on our bases and what they are doing from them."
Of course it would work but I think it would be very bad for our business. Freeport are market places where people meet. It is an interface between lawful and unlawful worlds. Restricting the freeports to zoners only would prevent interaction between these two worlds. Actually, I don't know how this would affect the Sirius economy, but I am pretty sure it will reduce economic activity on freeports and therefore reduce our incomes because as intermediate traders we profit of this situation. Moreover, considering Zoners Whales are not allowed to dock in most of House systems we will probably face a supply issue for many commodities and thus it would reduce the production of goods on our freeports which would result in reducing our exports. For these reasons, I think the plan you propose is the last option we should consider.
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// I hope you don't mind I use the quotes in order to clarify the discussion.
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Doc thought carefully and weighed his words. He was having a difficult time of it since his temper was interfering with his thought processes.
"We have tried diplomacy before, time after time, in Omicron Theta and Omega 41," he began to explain, "each time it turns out to be "band-aid" diplomacy. For a time, things are settled only to have people start acting stupid again. Perhaps they feel that it's been awhile and we have forgotten? Well, it is obvious the Corsairs have not."
He then took a few steps to the edge of the table. Leaning on it, he eyed each of his guests, "No more band-aids. We perform surgery and fix it right this time. We've already seen that people can't behave out there. I stand firm in my belief that those bases need to be closed to all but Zoners or scuttled. If I wanted to deal with children, I'd open a day care."
He then stood up and leaned against the wall, letting himself cool off some.
Well, I've shared my thoughts with both of you and anyway, it's in your hands now since the Omicroners have lost their political weight, at least temporarily.
" Doc, I agree with the idea that drastic measures are required, though i dont agree with closing Zoner bases to everyone not a Zoner. To use you own euphanism, surgery may be required, but why remove a limb when a splint would heal the wound? Are we as Zoners to become recluses then? Are we to shun everyone because a few people are too ignorant to respect Zoner ways? For if that is to be the case, i fear things will get far harder for those of us that dwell in the wilds of space. We might as well reintegrate into the houses if we are to start restricting the freedoms we have in the outer reaches."
Duncan takes a breath
"Look, I understand your frustration. I can only hint at the situations and people you have had to deal with. You have my respect, but i feel that your emotions may be clouding your judgement on the matter. Take from it what you will, but i think you need to step back and look again with a cooler head. Tell me, what did you find so wrong with the idea i proposed? It is fundamentally similiar to what you want, while giving some allowance to facilitate continued trade. Close the Freeports to Non Zoner combat vessels. But allow trade ships, Freighters and transports, to continue docking. What threat do those ships pose to anyone?"
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Doc paused a moment, considering what Duncan had said. He nodded and spoke calmly.
"I do find myself getting emotionally disturbed and it's not just of late. I get tired of being bullied by the Corsairs and Bretonia despite the good efforts I've made to them in the past. I could go on as to what bothers me and what doesn't but that's not why we're here. To lighten my own load, I appointed Mr. Xavier Triton as TAZ Ambassador. He is now at Freeport 9 in negotiations. He knows what I expect yet I trust his judgement."
He then continued, "Do you know what my big concern is, Mr. Duncan? Let's say the Corsairs get what they want. Then what? What will they demand next? Gran Canaria? My fear is that they will take this as a victory and push on and if we submit again, we face yet another round of accusations of "harboring the enemy" from anyone who dislikes them. Bretonia, the Red Hessians, SCRA, the Mollies and the Outcasts to name a few. At what point do we stop?"
"I'll tell you this," he declared, "if they try taking my home from me, their will be hell to pay." As he said hell to pay, he pulled his robes aside revealing the two loaded pistols in his belt.
He then closed his robes and sat down smiling, "Let's just hope that Ambassador Triton gets some common sense to prevail."
Duncan eyed the two pistols as Doc made his point, s smirk creeping onto his face.
"Yes indeed, here's hoping Ambassador Triton and My own companies representative can make some progress at those negotiations."
He takes a drink from his glass, absently swirling the liquid around
" But thats the clincher, isnt it? At what point do we stop? When do we as Zoners draw the line? That is the problem, for Zoners vary so widely. Where one man may reach his limit and choose to fight, another may choose to look away."
Taking a breath, he rubs his temples slowly.
"Which leads into another question. As i see things, the only real solution is the unification of the Zoner peoples under one banner. But on the flip side of that same coin, we've tried and failed several times at this very thing. So how much of a government-esque ruling body is needed, and how much is too much? Even closing bases to Zoners only...that really would only be a band aid as well and would likely spark tensions with some of those factions you mentioned. So how best to proceed? Do we give in? or do we stand our ground and hope our networks of alliances and friends will see us through? And then how to deal with the inevitable demands in the name of fair exchange? How do we maintain our neutrality in a universe that has no respect for it?"
I agree with Doc, zoners should be very careful with what they give to corsairs. The negotiations must be a win win situation. This means corsairs must consent to give something to zoners in exchange of zoners cooperation. Corsairs removing their threat of attacking zoners in not wining something, it is surrendering. Corsairs must at least offer to stop pirating all zoners ships in sirius, not only taz osi and the new confederation.
It seems the negotiations with corsairs have been conducted elsewhere during our meeting on Gran Canaria. I thought we were going to discuss about these negotiations before it is conducted. Actually, i don t understand why we met.
Anyway, what is done is done. My people are waiting for me, so I will get back to omicron-74 now if you don't mind.
Also, since I initiated the negotiations with corsairs and due to geographic reasons I am probably the most concern by this negotiation, therefore I would appreciate if you transmit to me a copy of the zoners-corsairs agreement.
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