Source: James Dacker, \CS\ Blackwatch designate
Location: Redacted
Dest: John Henry Holiday, Temporary Autonomous Zoners
CC: Zoner Council, OSI, (]c[), ZAS, All other Zoner affiliated structures, Jedi master Yoda, Miss Elizabeth Tate
Subject: Imposition of Kusari operation tariffs
Mister Holiday, esteemed members of the Zoner council. Other assorted protein...
For some time now, we have respected your so called 'neutrality', as we have had no real reason to do otherwise, save your trade with the Kusari Empire...
However, at the same time, preserving your neutrality did little for us at the same time. And now, we have come to reach a decision. The Zoners' trade with Kusari is only strengthening their economy, thereby making you enemy combatants.
However, before we deploy our commerce raiders to stonewall your efforts, we will try the diplomatic route, which you do so seem to enjoy, as you have proven somewhat agreeable in the past...
Airwatch forces will not interfere with Zoner operations inside Kusari IF either:
1: Each Zoner faction (or unaffiliated individual) pays a tariff proportional to the value of their cargo (no less then 25%) to us, or a regular sum.
2: The Zoners supply us with whatever resources, technology, ships, commodities, or war materiel we require.
Cargo is to be transferred to Consortium logistics ships at the time and place of our choosing.
Any Zoners, faction or individual, who fail to abide by this will be treated as enemy logistics or combatants, irrelevant of shipclass, cargo, or disposition.
***
The name of the game here is 'give us what you give them' or you will give neither. If you wish to be neutral, you will have to work at it harder.
The offer stands as stated. Unless you offer a VERY convincing argument, we will make no concessions.
