Unilateral Declaration of Holiday Ceasefire

[Dieter Schprokets]

On a broadcast channel in the Tau 31 and Dundee systems, the following message is heard, in heavily Bretonian-accented Kusari.

"Citizens and Soldiers of the Kusari Empire. The Parliament and Crown of Bretonia have a message for you."

"This war, like all wars, has had a heavy price for civilians and soldiers alike, on both sides of the conflict."

"While Bretonia shall ultimately prevail, we offer, for the duration of the upcoming Bretonian Holiday season, a temporary truce; a negation of large scale offensive operations."

"For the duration of the Holidays, until January 3, our calendar, the Bretonian Armed Forces shall make no large scale offensive operations into Tau 31. Naturally, the relief of Planet Harris is foremost on our mind, and we will continue to break the blockade with food and medical supplies, but surely that cannot be characterised as offensive."

"We ask, as a reciprocal gesture, that the Kusari Naval Forces not make offensive forays into Dundee, Edinburgh, or Leeds."

"We make this offer in recognition of our common humanity, and hope it will be reciprocated."

The signal faded, and many a Kusari were left in stunned silence. More than would admit, were grateful, for the promise of a decrease in the rate of production of widows and orphans.

---

[LoTeK_]

Despite the Council deliberation, our Emperor decided to abide this Truce.
In his infinite wisdom, he will grant our honored warriors and enemies some time to better focus the Ki.

Signed,

[bluntpencil2001]

Stuart smirked as he yelled at the twins, two burly marines that served as security on the Queen's Ransom.

"What do you mean the cargo bay is full!? We fenced half the goods yesterday!"

"Had more in storage, sah," they replied in unison.

Excellent. He was best pleased. Sure, the ship looked horribly beat up from all the recent action, with armour plates torn off, and half of the paintwork ruined by scorchmarks, but that didn't matter, because they had struck it rich!

Andrew turned to his first mate,

"Aight, Ally, we've been on extended ops, so I reckon it's okay for some shore leave over the holidays, like command says."

'He' nodded and saluted, then proceeded to spew curses at the others.

Stuart then climbed aboard one of many crates of rum, and addressed the rest of the privateer forces,

"Right, so, everyone, once we get home, there should be some poor bugger repainting all our ships as illustrious Bretonian Armed Forces Guard vessels, whilst we get liquored at the expense of those squinty buggers that we've been robbing for so long!

For the next few weeks, you're on holiday, you've earned it."

---

[Ophiuchi]

To: CEO, Samura Industries, Shinjuku
To: CEO, Kishiro Technologies, Shinegawa
cc: Sulu, Taicho, KNF High Command, Matsue
cc: Kenzo, Machu Bugyo, KSP, Osumi
Comm ID: Bo Sun Gen, Minister of Trade, New Tokyo

Konnichiwa, Honored leaders of Samura and Kishiro.

For the duration of this Holiday Ceasefire, the Emperor has decreed that all Samura and Kishiro vessels are to focus on the internal Needs of the Empire, and will confine themselves to revitalizing the economy within Kusari.

No trade involving "war materials" will be conducted outside of Kusari space for the duration of the Truce, especially deuterium convoys, regardless of point of origin.

The Trade Ministry appreciates your cooperation in this matter. May you prosper in the coming year.

Bo Sun Gen,
Minister of Trade,
for the Emperor

---

<span style="color:#339999">Reg Waverly * Moira &quot;Kentigearan&quot; Waverly * Fnordette Sophie Noir</span>



<span style="color:#66CCCC">Sophie's on the Square * Veranda Incognita</span>