To: [LN] Command; CC: Liberty Law-Enforcement Entities; Regarding: LSF Activity

[AceofSpades]

Greetings Pilots, and esteemed Officers of the Liberty Navy.

I am reaching out to you with the greatest sense of regard for the security of all Pilots, whether they be Junker or elsewise. Relations between lawful entities and their local Junkers have always been dynamic, as the 'scrapping crowd' implies both legal and illegal activity. However all forms of Junkers- independent, Marauder, and Congressmen, all make ongoing efforts to be respectful and compliant to reasonable requests and necessary patrols.
..Yet due to the extremely complex nature of said relationship, distrust and suspicion remain prominent, and as expected there is a measure of respect required by both parties -Lawful and Junker- to continue legal cooperation..
This productive relationship, and that need for mutual respect, exists and grows today due to the increasing number of Pilots and situations that are resolved cordially. Such relationships however are fragile, and can easily be thrown out of peaceful balance by disruptive or aggressive forces-- and it is here that we reach our dilemna.

The war with Rheinland has brought increased patrols to the scrap fields of Texas along with unsecured jumpholes, such as the one to the Junker home-system of Puerto Rico. It is understood that increased patrols are necessary for the protection of Liberty's borders, and therefore we seek to be helpful (and compliant) when encountering Officers at work. The downside of this has been that some Officers, many returning from combat have with a shoot-to-kill attitude, are more aggressive and demeaning in their patrol stops-- meaning the continuation of civility, and cordial discourse, is much more difficult to keep. However that's life, and most Junkers still do fine going about their regular business.



Recently though there have been reports of a Pilot 'Tracer' harassing multiple Junker merchants in the area regardless of legality. One Junker was directly engaged, and in lieu of returning fire, retreated to Puerto Rico to make mention of said activity. Upon reports that this Pilot might in fact be an agent of the LSF, bound apparently to the law and actions befitting of an Officer, further investigation was called for. This completed reconnaissance has shown that this Officer is not responsible for any 'patrol route' or other kind of work in Texas, but instead remains in close orbit of the Puerto Rico jumphole, using its cloaking device and a claim of a "Classified Mission" to remain there and hold incoming ships. Now, a legal checkpoint at this area is not unheard of, nor to be disregarded, and is understandable. However this LSF Pilot has not only made clear --but confirmed himself-- that his purpose is the disruption of all Junker activity. While typically we would seek to resolve such a situation in a more hushed manner, with respect to all involved parties, the willingness of this Pilot to aggressively engage Junker targets without warrant has led to a need for immediate resolution.

We submit for you now our information regarding the most recent incident, as the protection of Junker Pilots is our greatest interest. All men are capable of remaining a reasonable demeanor when approached respectfully, and most Junkers are capable of even greater patience, but we fear that the aggressive nature of this Pilot- if left unchecked- will overcome even the most reasonable of Pilots and lead to bloodshed. We implore High Command to relocate or re-purpose this Officer, or allow the LSF to be diplomatically engaged without affecting Junker relations with the Liberty Navy.

Initial Encounter
Pilot disrupting passerby
Confirming stop, encouraging engagement
Anatagonizing, unbefitting of an Officer

Imposing and reposing fines
power trip

Incompetency and Harassment
Pilot enters Puerto Rico, unopposed by authorities
Holding responsible, and berating the only Pilot present with NO cruise disruptor

Regarding Specifically the Intentions of Pilot Tracer..
Pilot states 'Congress accountable for all Junker Pilots'
Confused regarding Flags and Tags
Pilot states his honest intention clealy
Tracer

I look forward to helping maintain the progression of Liberty and Junker relations.
As always with the best of intentions,
Aces

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[5:57:11 PM] InfernalTater (Lewis) [Formerly TLI-Inferno]:meanwhile, Aces 'I don't always miss my destinations, but when I do, I'm on the other side of house space.'

Seriously nerf Junkers.

Shoot to Thrill

[Sarawr!?]

TRANSMISSION: Begin

ENCRYPTION: Moderate
PRIORITY: Standard
TARGET ID: "Aces"
SUBJECT: -----
SENDER ID: CAPT Rachel A. Baker.

-- --- ---- ---- ---- --- --

-- --- ---- ---- ---- --- --

It's not often that we receive formal complaints from...Junkers, of all people.

Nonetheless, I have forwarded this information to First Fleet High Command so that they may review it and formulate an official response for you, as I do not speak for them.

I must also point out however that neither the First Fleet or the Navy as a whole, can speak for the actions of the Security Forces, as their chain of command is separate from our own.

CAPT. Rachel A. Baker,
First Fleet, Out.

TRANSMISSION: End

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[LN] Recruitment | Rachel Baker Bio

[AceofSpades]

Hello there Captain Baker,

First of course, thank you for responding promptly to an aptly-described atypical communication from the Junkers. The Junkers and their representatives have a long-standing history with the Liberty Navy, and while that relationship could be described with a myriad of terms, 'civil' is one that remains predominately fitting. Almost all manner of diplomacy and negotiations have always been possible, and pursued, in a peaceful manner. However as Captain Baker noted,

I must also point out however that neither the First Fleet or the Navy as a whole, can speak for the actions of the Security Forces, as their chain of command is separate from our own.

we wish to make clear that the ongoing incongruity between Junkers and the LSF is very different from the relations we maintain with the [LN] and the Nation of Liberty as a whole.


Local Junkers fear that continued unwarranted aggression will make it difficult to carry on the policy cordial diplomacy, and more importantly Pilots are even concerned to practice self-defense--as not to imperil Junker relations with the Liberty nation as a whole. Because of this concern, responses to recent threats have been dealt with in a manner to ensure that relations with other Liberty Entities might not be threatened by stereotypes of "angry Junk men". For many Junkers, taking this position of intentful-inaction came with the expectation that further instigatory attacks would follow, and unfortunately for all parties involved these suspicions were violently realized. Yesterday the station of La Fortezala sat silently, per recent local policy, allowing capital-class Liberty warships to enter Puerto Rico and carry out a lethal attack on two local Junker transports. Among the myriad of reprehensible actions that are quickly becoming commonality in the area, this is the first significant military engagement within Puerto Rico in memorable history, and defensive protocols for the entire system have been issued.


It is disappointing to see affairs in such a state, and I look forward to an official response from High Command that might prove beneficial in ending these escalating issues.
--Aces

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[5:57:11 PM] InfernalTater (Lewis) [Formerly TLI-Inferno]:meanwhile, Aces 'I don't always miss my destinations, but when I do, I'm on the other side of house space.'

Seriously nerf Junkers.

Shoot to Thrill

[Teerin]

****INCOMING TRANSMISSION****

COMM ID: Fleet Admiral Rohj Teerin
TARGET ID: "Aces", Junker Congress, Junker Marauders; CC to LPI-
SUBJECT: RE: LSF Activity
ENCRYPTION: Medium
PRIORITY: Medium

Mister Aces,

You are correct, the actions of these Security Force agents are not quite in line with Liberty policy. I also agree that relations have been and should continue to be of a civil nature. Additionally, I have received other reports about one of the operatives in question, Tracer, who tends to have a very aggressive approach to most matters.

That said, I have recently been given other conflicting sitreps of this issue. Some LSF pilots have claimed that in one case - as apparently now there have been several - the Junkers opened fire first. Having dealt extensively with both sides in the past, I cannot say I am surprised. And furthermore there have been reports of smuggling against the embargo ...

I will have another word about this with the Director of the Security Force when I next meet with him. However, I first must remind you Junkers that the Laws of Liberty are not to be toyed with. Illegal ships, contraband goods, and the Rheinland embargo are clearly laid out.

I understand that many of you wouldn't touch those with a metaphorical ten-foot pole, but we know Junkers work with others who would, and that's part of this ongoing problem. When we can, the Navy endeavors to fix this mess, but it needs to be worked on from all sides - so don't shelter them.

This message is turning out to be much longer than I had thought ... Look, I don't mean to lecture you here, plus my words to you will probably have no effect anyway. Withal, I recognize that the LSF may be a part of the problem here, and shall still discuss with them about easing off their overboard tactics.

Sincerely,

Fleet Admiral Teerin,
Liberty Navy First Fleet.

****TRANSMISSION TERMINATED****

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"You see what your knowledge tells you you're seeing. ... how, what you think the universe is, and how you react to that in everything you do, depends on what you know. And when that knowledge changes, for you, the universe changes. And that is as true for the whole of society as that is for the individual. We all are what we know, today. What we knew yesterday, was different; and so were we."
- James Burke, The Day the Universe Changed (1985)

[Jayce]

As the LSF is a Liberty Law Enforcement agency, I feel obligated to respond.

Local Junkers fear that continued unwarranted aggression will make it difficult to carry on the policy cordial diplomacy

Perhaps you should examine who is being aggressive. The Security Force has done nothing but remain outside your system, halting Outcasts and scanning Transports.

Despite our peaceful intentions, we were assaulted by Junkers, by the names of Black Dog and Argo. Funnily enough, one of the vessels that assaulted myself, the King's Bay, the Menwith Hill, and Agent Veto is piloted by the same individual who sent the original communique to the Naval High Command, and is a member of the Congress.

Now, before you attempt to incriminate someone who is outside Liberty Navy jurisdiction, maybe you should have your information straight. If you'd like, we will forward the pertinent evidence to the involved parties.

-Tracer

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[AceofSpades]

Greetings Pilot Tracer,

Firstly, Iet me complement you and your adept realization of 'callsigns'. While I'm certain that meeting two folks with similar information is quite unimaginable in the vastness of space, making the hasty conclusions that you have-- to reach a verdict befitting of your intentions-- speaks volumes of the level of "intelligence information" you expect to obtain as evidence as an Officer. In recent weeks, with hostilities mounting and having to spend much of my time coordinating local patrols, I have been estatic to see my Congress Callsign appreciated and emulated by these local patrols, and even more so have enjoyed noting the confusion it has brought you. To have not considered such a possibility, of such a prominent human behavior occuring, leaves me thinking that dealing with the ongoing threat by so-called 'intelligence officers' may be a waste of my time.

Yet, my desk continues to be filled by moronic paperwork, as I have to sift through report after report of problems in the area. I will note that the ships Argo and Black Dog reported to a local disturbance, only a few kilometers from the Puerto Rico jumphole, where a Junker Transport had been stopped for a scan. After being noted as fully legal, but not coming to a complete stop. The Pilot was fined ten million credits -and- engaged within sixty seconds by this "non-aggressive Officer", leaving little time to do anything but come to the Junker's defense.

Most importantly, regarding this..

Perhaps you should examine who is being aggressive. The Security Force has done nothing but remain outside your system, halting Outcasts and scanning Transports. Despite our peaceful intentions, we were assaulted by Junkers...

.. poorly concealed lie:
It has been clearly demonstrated that in no way have 'Security Forces' remained outside Puerto Rico, even BattleCruiser class ships have been sighted in-system. Atop of this egregious violation, the very thought that stationing LSF ships not at the jumpholes and borders to Rheinland--but directly at the Puerto Rico jumphole in order to delay and search every Junker vessel-- is not considered to be aggressive instigatory behavior? This is not only laughable, but if 'securing the border' was the true intention of these sorties, then the massively inefficient strategy and manner developed to pursue this goal is an insult to Liberty Armed Forces as whole. Not only are these patrols not properly stationed for the interdictions they claim to be attempting, but have on numerous accounts been documented letting high-risk targets escape in lieu of harrassing common Junkers.


The Junkers seek positive relations, and respect the need for the laws and practices of Liberty. As par, we have continued open communique and truly appreciate the Liberty Navy's willingness to respond on this topic so quickly.
However.. We cannot abide, nor continue to engage, such a willingly un-informed and unaware Pilot. Tracer's actions alone have directly led to aggression with, as his most recent (leaked) intel reports have listed, more than double-digit figures of Junkers within only days. To think that Junker behavior is what has recently changed for the worst--on such a massive scale--is a laughably absurd line of reasoning. What we have seen recently is the brutal effectiveness of instigatory and discriminatory patrols very clearly designed to intimidate Junkers and do nothing about the presence of Rheinlanders or Criminals. Due to this, normally calm and collected Pilots are now anxious and jumpy, making the practice of non-violence against aggressive behaviors even more difficult ensure, which then further destabilizes the ability of Junkers to act in a lawful manner. I will in no way seek accommodate or extend diplomacy to any Pilots of this destructive demeanor.

With great disdain,
Aces

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[5:57:11 PM] InfernalTater (Lewis) [Formerly TLI-Inferno]:meanwhile, Aces 'I don't always miss my destinations, but when I do, I'm on the other side of house space.'

Seriously nerf Junkers.

Shoot to Thrill

[Jayce]

I will in no way seek accommodate or extend diplomacy to any Pilots of this destructive demeanor.

Suit yourself.

The King's Bay entered Puerto Rico to retrieve an agent that was being assaulted. If that's something you're not fond of, you're just going to have to deal with it.

It's no secret the Junkers are heavily involved with the Cardamine trade, and with planet Houston having an exceedingly high demand for the drug, it doesn't take more than two brain cells to figure that you're going to be working that run. Now, we've got more than enough people watching the Embargo, so it's time to crack down on people spreading this poison through our House.

-Tracer

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[AceofSpades]

Well then.. *Aces relaxes comfortably in his seat, drinking slowly and overlooking a beautiful 'sunset' glowing around Planet Cannish*. Hmm, we can see that much like your recent forays into protected space, this is going nowhere fast. At least I can handle these repetitive, and frankly unimaginative allegations quickly and concisely before the whiskey kicks in. *Begins transmission*


Regarding this..

The King's Bay entered Puerto Rico to retrieve an agent that was being assaulted. If that's something you're not fond of, you're just going to have to deal with it.

We cannot be held accountable for the LSF forces 'needing' to scramble a Battlecruiser, announced, into restricted airspace simply because an incompetent Pilot willingly pursued a non-hostile target into such a zone. With no communications and his weapons hot, this Pilot was choosing to endanger his own life. The ostentatious behavior of deploying warships into Puerto Rico without proper communication or authorization is not excusable just because one of your Pilots cannot properly navigate and chooses to take suicidal risks over a "traffic ticket". And on that note..

It's no secret the Junkers are heavily involved with the Cardamine trade, and with planet Houston having an exceedingly high demand for the drug, it doesn't take more than two brain cells to figure that you're going to be working that run. Now, we've got more than enough people watching the Embargo, so it's time to crack down on people spreading this poison through our House.

It seems fitting to also note that this "assaulted Pilot" was in fact an LSF Officer in pursuit of a Junker--whom had been carrying a legal cargo of Premium Scrap-- whom had apparently 'not pleased the Officer' with a befitting report of where the scrap was headed. Besides the fact that this was yet another incident caused by overzealous Officers, the most important information of note here is that once again a Junker was stopped and harrased with legal cargo-- not one Congress ship that has been stopped by recent inspection has been carrying Cardamine. This means that not only are these accusations ones of opinion (and discrimination), but that if they were indeed true, then the inefficacy of these recent deployments to catch this "plethora of Junker smugglers" implies that the entirety of this LSF deployment currently active in the Texas sector is wildly incompetent.. and should perhaps be relieved for more training.



Competency complaints set aside, these smuggling allegations --made predominately by LSF Officers-- are much like the actions of the rash LSF Pilot who found himself 'stranded' in Puerto Rico in that they have basis only in fear and accusation. Yet somehow, heavy-handed ongoing Military actions continue that would normally be excusable only with the complete and damning evidence. Summarily..:
To treat Junkers who have exhausted every possible diplomatic recourse, including denial of engaging the offending party

I will in no way seek accommodate or extend diplomacy to any Pilots of this destructive demeanor.

with continued aggression that is akin to the policies of open warfare

Suit yourself. If that's something you're not fond of, you're just going to have to deal with it.

speaks volumes regarding the underlying intentions and goals of Tracer and the Pilots at his command.



In conclusion, I again implore that the Nation of Liberty reconsider current permissions and allowances granted to LSF operatives in the Texas system and surrounding area. Deployment of these Pilots has produced no substantial information and has done little besides be a massively destabilizing influence upon the region.
--Aces

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[5:57:11 PM] InfernalTater (Lewis) [Formerly TLI-Inferno]:meanwhile, Aces 'I don't always miss my destinations, but when I do, I'm on the other side of house space.'

Seriously nerf Junkers.

Shoot to Thrill

[Jayce]

speaks volumes regarding the underlying intentions and goals of Tracer and the Pilots at his command.

Hi, this is Tracer.

willingly pursued a non-hostile target into such a zone

Your non-hostile target was shooting at my agent.

I don't think the words you use mean what you think they mean.

-Tracer

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[AceofSpades]

Heh, this will be the last transmission intended for Pilot "Tracer" in this communique, further attempts at response will be jammed. An open line of communication will remain available to the Liberty Navy and specifically Captain Baker.

Tracer, ye have filled a communique to the Liberty Navy with needless critiquing of the specific use of few english-terms within long-winded documents. These distractions have only made it more apparent you wish to remain completely unaware (and in no way resolve) the problems stated, and to make matters worse your rebuttals have ye come off as a hostile broken record. You and your pilots have been initiating hostilities, call it whatever ye like. I can only imagine how darkly tainted --ahem *tinted*-- the lenses from which you observe your actions are, as your aggressive behaviours might even be regarded as unfitting in times of war. I referred to you and "Pilots in your command", because besides your individual work, your wingman "Veto" who frequently in your company has also made strides to instigate hostilities with Junker Pilots as well. The recent attempts to brand "self-defense" as "Junker aggression" are simply laughable, almost like watching a news broadcasting agency attempt to piece together a story backwards in order to influence public opinion..


In recent days even, we have even been finding -disturbingly- that there are numerous unregistered Junker Pilot amongst restricted airpspace, some of whom seem to be operating in the interest of Pilots other than their 'Junker brethern'. Yesterday a transmission was intercepted from a local Junker Pilot.. who had been relaying coordinates of activities within Puerto Rico to outside sources beyond the system's limits. While the destination of this communique was not traceable, it is foolish not to consider that a proper trace might have led us to... Tracer. As not alot of other Pilots, besides Junkers, are so keenly interested in the activities of such. Such clandestine espionage work would be considered very illegal, extremely instigatory, and clearly not the activities of "regular drug patrols".

I have no more need for further discussion with you, Pilot. If we do happen to obtain hard evidence supporting allegations that you have been attempting to undermine local Junkers, or 'place' them yourselves among our ranks in order to observe and report our activities; keeping in mind that all of this covert activity will have be done on top of the current vendetta you have already incited against the Junkers as a whole... then I will personally see that you are removed from your position as an Officer of the Law. Until then, know that any other hostilities you continue to manufacture will continue to be regarded as attempted terrorism, and reported as such until the situation is resolved.

Stay the hell off my lawn,
Aces

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[5:57:11 PM] InfernalTater (Lewis) [Formerly TLI-Inferno]:meanwhile, Aces 'I don't always miss my destinations, but when I do, I'm on the other side of house space.'

Seriously nerf Junkers.

Shoot to Thrill