Some distance away from Freeport 1, a Bustard Liner flashed into existence as if appearing from nothing. The side of the vessel had "HV>Dreamscape" emblazoned on the side in white letters. Undocking from the vessel was a Spatial Explorer vessel. As soon as the small ship cleared the shadow of the Liner, the massive ship jumped away in another blinding flash, leaving only the small explorer remaining.
Piloting the vessel was Dr. Sailas Montgomery. Accompanying him was Dr. Brandon Wright, the second in command of SLRC as well as the head of Research and Development.
"What do you think, Brad? This going to be a headache or go smoothly? I have a feeling it'll be both." Sailas turned and scratched a spot between his shoulder blades as he piloted the ship. "This kind of stuff makes me itchy."
Brad frowned, not answering for quite awhile. So long in fact that enough time passed for them to both be entered and settled within the conference room before he spoke again. "Sean, spoke in hushed tones, of the power that the Confederation wielded in its past. So great and just was our cause that when Eleven fell under attack from the Core; pilots of all colors, creeds, and identities rallied to our banner. Ultimately, their assistance, coupled with the loss of access to Eleven and other Freeports within Sirius. Changed the Core's tune. And while our brethren still suffer, occasionally, at their hand. The Core's overall position within Delta has been thoroughly compromised, to that point that they have sullenly made agreements with Outcasts, Corsairs, and others to maintain their status. But Liberty is no rogue bounty hunting state. There is no supplies we could withhold, no technology more powerful, no society with more capital wealth. They are the pinnacle of what has, or will ever have existed." Brad glanced at Sailas' unhappy face. "I'm not saying Liberty has the best of everything. But we need to be mindful of our position to them. At one point I had thought the might of the Commonwealth would stand steady against Liberty's Navy, but no wall can withhold for long."
A data pad pinged, a forwarded message appears from the chosen man, Doc Holiday himself. It was Brads turn to look unhappy. He threw the message onto the monitor next to the conference table. A copied reply from the Liberty Government was displayed."No negotiations, at least that will shorten the discussion period. Can't offer concessions without compromises." Brad glanced at the clock hanging above the door. "I would have thought this being OSI's second crown jewel they would have beat us to the Conference room, I didn't think we arrived that early."
Bob and Kris stepped out of the administrator's office. Both men we're a bit "on edge" and anyone passing them in the corridor could sense something was off.
The truth was that Bob and Kris in fact just did had an argument, but it had all to do about Kris being upset for being the last one to be told there was a meeting on his station. Bob couldn't blame him but was a bit upset about the lack of flexibility from his part. As they approached the conference room Bob turned to Kris
Now Kris, let's not forget what we are here for. They need us and we damn sure need them. Let's make this work.
Kris nodded as he knew very well what was at stake. Besides, he had family on planet Erie so he was very much aware of the stakes. Kris led Bob by a footstep as the doors to the conference room opened.
Ah, I see we are not the first here. Kris mentioned as both he and Bob noticed their visitors were already there. Allow me to introduce Bartholomew Kelsomagus, CEO of OSI. My name is Kris Tofferson, Freeport One administrator. Now can I get you something to drink?
Two Anubis snub craft emerged out of nowhere next to Freeport 1 and swiftly docked at the station. Silhouette of two men slided though the launching pad and headed to the Freeport’s conference room.
As they opened the door, Christian announced “Good day everyone. Phoenix representatives here. To those who don’t know me yet, I’m Christian Burton, leader of the group." He turned slightly head to right to сompanion, a man slightly over 40, strong built, his face seemed to be always emotionless “and Alec Reed, chief of security”. They settled on the chairs and Christian said “Did we miss anything? Or we're just about to start?”
Brad gave a cherry wave and gestured to the table. "We've only just gotten settled, general platitudes and such." Brad also gestured to the wall where the reply from the Liberty Government was displayed "I also received an update from Doc Holliday, which will undoubtedly be the focus of todays meeting. Please everyone be seated. As we've each been monitoring the Erie crisis, and with the recent expansionest attitude in Omicron Nu. I believe a stronger response towards the House of Liberty is warranted. They have undoubtedly forgotten all our good will in these interveneing years, and seem to only react like a toddler at the end of play time."
As the new arrivals Christian and Alec, along with the others, sat down at the table Bob looked around. He noticed the look on the faces of the attendees. Was it anger? Perhaps. Yet it was more a weary look. He'd seen it it before not long ago, in the faces of those involved when both Freeport 1 and Freeport 10 were involved in a dispute.
Gentlemen, first of all it saddens me that we are once again being called to have a meeting to defend our stable and peaceful way of life.
He let his words sink in and got a stern look from some before he continued...
Now some of us, perhaps even some here, have criticised OSI, or me, for not showing enough... well, let's say it like it is... Balls. Suffice to say that my approach has always been non-confrontational and set on finding a middle ground. With the request from Liberty to appoint a special representative only to delay a response after we have done so and then blatantly say there will be no negotiating makes it clear we do need to respond more strongly.
And with that he turned to Brad as he also directed his view to the other attendees.
What do you have in mind sport? Let's discuss our options as I damn sure don't intend to go back to Theta without actually making a sincere and honest effort to give the toddler some time in a timeout zone... or so to speak...
The last thing I want to do is hurt you, but it's still on the list...
Sailas sat quietly observing all of those sitting at the table. He would allow Brandon to speak for SLRC. After all, it was he that suggested we convene this meeting of the minds. He wasn't about to step on his friends toes.
Phoenix had come in behind Brandon and himself. He hadn't had any face to face meetings with Phoenix, nor had he been out their way in recent memory. However, they appeared invested in the talks.
Sailas turned his attention to the OSI representative as they spoke. Sailas had briefly met "Bob" during his tour of Ikarus a few weeks prior. He seemed like a good natured individual. It was clear he was a lifelong Zoner with how he carried himself and spoke. Practiced mediation and negotiation skills no doubt further sharpened by being the CEO of a large Zoner logistics company.
As he motioned for Brandon to speak, he turned his attention to what his fellow would say.
"It is the belief of the Consortium that a unified, proportional response is warranted. There are a number of resources available, from public denouncement, to denial of docking rights, even funding a bounty board." Brad paused for a moment and also put up another communication next to the Liberty one. "There is also the small matter of the rather lackluster, yet growing Zoner Resistance Movement, who will undoubtedly be effected by any decisions made here today. With all this in mind I beleve we need to draw Liberty’s attention, while also preparing for the worst. As such we believe a denial of landing rights to not only Bethlehem but all Freeports is required. On many occasions I have happened upon the Navy on an expeditionary cruise, or worse yet, the LSF on a harassment campaign or so-call intelligence gathering. Making such trips more difficult will only benefit us in the short term by denying a potential enemy an avanue of ease of access to the Edge Worlds. But also provide a response to Liberty’s refusal to even pretend to negotiate. Separately, I believe we need to fund, covertly, this fledgling resistance movement, lest other, well funded shadowy groups step in and fully wrest control of the situation." Brad paused, "I am of course avoiding the delicate issue that would arise should Liberty choose to counter our denial with their own restrictions, or....worse"
When Brad finished his sentence Bob looked at Kris and got a small 'nod of approval' regarding what was just said.
Brad, I like what you say and yes, delicate issues will arise regardless of what we decide here today...
He looked at both comms messaged displayed on the screen before picking up his sentence...
...it seems that no matter what, us Zoners will always be in a 'damned if we do, damned if we don't' kinda situation. Especially when governments are involved.
Now I like the idea of denying docking rights to certain Liberty operatives yet I would not go as far as to deny docking rights to Liberty corporations altogether. Government, law-enforcement and military yes, private corporations not just yet...
He took a sip of his drink before he continued:
Also, it should be Bethlehem and Freeports only for now. Eventually we can go as far as denying docking rights to all Zoner installations by all Libertonians yet that sanction seems a bit too strong for this moment. And, gentlemen, don't get me wrong, we need a strong response yet should not overplay our hand at the very beginning. Especially when you factor in the possible issues which will certainly arise when we set things in motion.
Only one biggie comes to mind while I'm saying this...
As Liberty is in control of the docking ring at Erie. How are we going to get to and from the planet when Liberty decides to deny US docking rights? A humanitarian crisis could be a likely outcome where we as Zoners may be forced to submit in order to save the people on the planet. Despite the fact that there are many Libertonians living there, we've already seen that the government treats all those living on the planet as Zoners.
I suggest we discus the pro's and cons of whatever we may decide to do, but also, let's prepare the people on the planet and our stations before we go public with our decisions.
The last thing I want to do is hurt you, but it's still on the list...
![[Image: psMG0VQ.gif]](https://imgur.com/psMG0VQ.gif)
