*incoming transmission*
Comm ID: [TAZ]Doc Holliday
Location: Ambassador's Office, Shasta Orbital Skyhook, Baffin System
To: Warden Lalouch Roux
Location: Mazagran Depot, Champagne
Encryption: Very Heavy
Bonjour, Warden Roux,
Allow me to introduce myself. I am Doctor John Henry Holliday, Administrator of the Temporary Autonomous Zoners, owners of the Baffin system. We have peacefully lived in Baffin for a good many years.
You ask, Monseiur, what is a Zoner? We even ask that amongs ourselves quite often. In short, we are people who long ago left system controlled by governments, finding a home in places that other people would not, places where disputes were settled by the gun. We found a way to co-exists with most of those around us, each benefitting from the other in some way be it us providing a safe place to land in an othewise hostile environment just to get a good meal and maybe a good night's sleep when far from home.
Zoners, in some cases, are also people who just don't fit anywhere else because of what they may look like or what they may believe. Zoners are also people of former walks of life who sought independence elsewhere. We are former Naval people, transport pilots, criminals, freelancers and others, all wanting something else. Zoners have no template as to what one is but rather, each is different in some way but we all strive for one thing in common, a peaceful co-existence with those around us. While we won't go looking for a fight, we will hold our ground if needed.
The disputes of others are not our disputes. Simply put, you respect our way of life and we will respect yours.
We at TAZ are a religious lot. We worship the ancient goddess, Eris. We value individual freedom. Our system is open for all to visit, regardless of where one comes from or what side of the law they walk. While in Baffin, enemies will keep their guns silent. It's amazing, really, to watch two former people who would just assume kill each other playing a game of cards in the lounge as Shasta Orbital Skyhook....or at any Freeport for that matter. The only other thing we ask of visitors in Baffin is stay away from our Temple, the base known as Pueblo Bonita. Many dare violate this and many have found their way home in an escape pod.
The No Fire Zone that you asked of is a zone around each base that no gunfire is allowed. Zoner families live on Freeports, going about their lives so it's in place to protect them from accidental weapons fire. Each base is different as each has it's own Administrator. The closest Freeport to us is Freeport 6, run by an aging warrior, Commander Matok. All of Baffin is a no fire zone.
Now, for this part, I speak for my own people, the members of TAZ. How other groups approach this matter is up to them. TAZ has made visits into Gallia to explore the system but that has been some time. I'm sure you have heard of Aurelia DeFrance. In short, she has threatened the Zoner people and even attacked bases for Zoner incursions. As a safety measure, TAZ ships are to stay out of Gallia. We have had limited visits from Gallic trade ships but we have little knowledge of their affiliation. Acquiring Gallic goods is something we would like to persue but for the reasons mentioned, we do not.
Warden Roux, if you wish to visit Baffin and meet me at my Shasta office, I would be willing, if for no other reason but to get to know each other a bit. Also, if you are about in the Tau regions, I have a ship that is a medical hospital that will assist you if needed. [TAZ]Med.Force.Two can be found out there at times, commanded by Commander Sarah Coyle. It's big sister, Med.Force.One, is safeguarded elsewhere.
Warden Roux, you may continue reaching me at this channel as you wish.
Yours in Eris,
Dr. John Henry Holliday
TAZ Administrator