My name is Richard Connors, President of the Colonial Republic - let me say, a very new Colonial Republic. Words that may not mean much. However, let me assure you, much has changed since your previous, and mishandled, dealing with our Republic.
I don't wish to waste your time, so I'll get right to it.
In reviewing the history, the IND offered a very beneficial trade agreement, to aid the Republic in a time of need. That trade agreement was signed by an elected Minister of Commerce, an official representative of the Colonial Government. In a years time, after profitable relations, the Colonial Government closes the doors of Tau 44 to the IND, and claims the trade deal was fraudulent. You received a message from, than President Kane, who attempted to explain the details of how an official member of the Government could not act within his office, and authorize a profitable venture for both parties. In the aftermath of a trial, reparations were paid, but an apology was not forthcoming, nor an understanding of what led both of us down that road.
My understanding is this.
I will make no excuses for past administrations. The Republic was very different in those days, so concerned as we were in our war with Malta. I will not defend their actions either. In situations like these, national unity makes ownership, even of past mistakes, necessary to preserve national pride. I represent a Parliament, each representing Colonial Citizens, that, while proud of what we could accomplish as we were, are not proud of our mistakes. They have to be addressed, and learned from. And the first step is to recognize that they are mistakes - not things to be defended for the sake of pride.
And now, I will be honest with you. As one man to another, not as a President of a nation, addressing prosperous tycoons of our age. In honesty...I am ashamed. I don't see that the IND came to the Republic out of philanthropy, but simply out of opportunity. However, you came to the Republic with intention to help us, when we needed it, and our repayment to you was, simply, betrayal. There is no other word for it. So yes, I am ashamed. I cannot conceive of how things were allowed to go sideways, like they did. But they did.
In recognition of what happened, and on behalf of the New Parliament, The Republic extends its deepest apology. From myself, as a man, still remembering the face of my father, and the suns of Crayter, what led us to commit such an affront to you is something that, while I can understand it - I mourn that we as a people were allowed to fall so far. It is my hope, that our new government, and our people willing, we can steer the Colonial Republic in a better direction, and remember who we once were, long ago - not what we had become.
As a personal gift to both of you, I have enclosed this transmission on data disc, along with two bottles of Wine. Alone, they may not look like much, but I want to explain to you a little history about them. On the planet of Antares, in our old home of the Crayter Sector, my grandfather was a Vintner. Antares was...a planet that is hard to describe if I want to keep my composure. The wine my grandfather made was, well, I would like to say it was the best, but in a sector of many planets and moons, It may just be pride in my family. When Crayter, and Antares, was destroyed, my grandfather was...already passed. My uncle choose to stay behind with the old man at his grave, when the end came, while my family - my father, mother, and sisters - boarded a ship and escaped. We came away with five bottles of the families wine. Then, and even later, my father thought it was such a silly thing to bring.
Out of the five, three are gone. Only two remain, and I give them to you.
My grandfather always believed that wine was liquid sunlight, a sort of music given form. These bottles traveled a long way - the wine itself is type of chardonnay, aged 52 years. In my dealings with Bretonia, and with Kusari, I've gifted spirits, from the planet Borneo, now lost to us because of the Gallic Invasion. However, these are not national items, but something very personal to myself. Whether or not we can come to terms with the past, I want you to keep them. Enjoy them.
Thank you for you time.
Richard Connors
President
- of the -
Colonial Republic
The Board of IND, as well as myself, and Mr. Winchester, are relived to receve your communications. The current state of affairs between IND and the Colonial Government has led to no small amount of consternation on our part. It was sad to us how such a mutually beneficial relationship could have soured so quick. With that in mind, your communication, on behalf of the new Colonial Leadership could not have been better news to myself and the rest of the board. We wholeheartedly accept the apology, as well as gifts given, in the spirit of renewed friendship that it is offered.
Now that's about all the flowery diplomatic language I can muster up, it's not my style but I thought it might be appropriate for the situation. But now on to meat and potatoes. More than anything, the lose of our relationship with the Colonial Government has eaten into the company's bottom line, not much mind you, but enough that Mr. Simon is breathing down my neck. We had invested quite a bit in transport infrastructure to handle our dealings with the Colonials, and while we were able to reassign most of the ships, there are a few that haven't found regular routes. We wish to fix this as soon as possible, and work out new contracts with the new Colonial Government to reopen the Colonial market to IND shipping. We want to put our ships where you are as quickly as possible, and restart the benefits for both of our organizations.
It actually is a pleasure to recieve this communication from you. As stated by my fellow VP, It is time to start anew. To that end, I am open and available to discuss ways we can benefit each other. As you know, We do come across many items of interest that I am sure you are in need of. This is one of the things we do best.
I do want to thank you for the wine, it was indeed music in a liquid form.
Sincerely,
Jonathon Winchester III
VP of Procurements
Independent Neuralnet Division
First, I'm happy that you enjoyed the wine. Wherever my grandfather is now, I know he's pleased as well. Even more so that it could be shared on the eve of a new relationship, beneficial for us both.
I don't wish to sound over-eager, but any attempt would undoubtedly fail. Our economy and our population are just now righting themselves after the Government shift. It has been hard months, but the future is looking brighter every day. However, because our diplomacy with Liberty has yet to bear fruit, there are items that our Republic needs, that we cannot procure ourselves. I think the IND could stand to make a great deal of profit, if it would be possible to supply these items.
Its very simple - we need Docking Gate Construction Parts for our Yuma Colonization.
Should these be impossible to procure, that is fine. Sabah Shipyard is in need of a great deal of items. Notably, Basic Alloy, Engine Components, H-Fuel, Optronics, Quantum Multiplexors, and Ship Hull Panels. Supply and upkeep of our military is severely limited in these trying times. These commodities will not only yield you fair profit, but will go a long way toward helping the Republic get back on its feet.
Thank you very much, Gentlemen, and you have my word, that this profitable trade relationship will not be undone as the last one was.
You have my oath on it.
Richard Connors
President
- of the -
Colonial Republic