Zhane stood up and addressed the committee members
"It is true what Admiral Ravenor is saying, ever since we landed on Canaria with the intent of building facilities to hold our people, but also to construct a planetary shield system. Three generators, one on each pole of the planet and one close to our Temple. The Orbital defense platforms will be in operation within the month, as the Admiral stated. But we are low on resources, so if the other alliance members could begin shipping wares to Canaria the construction will proceed at a much faster rate."
Then he pushed a button on his wrist computer, showing a huge holographic display of a shield generator. And of a Orbital Defense platform
"The shield generations will have a secondary shielding above them and their facility, in order to make sure that if, fighters of atmospheric bombers get trough the shielding they are protected from attacks. And if the Gallic Royal fleet lands ground based units they'l have a regiment of 10 thousand of our mechanical brothers to deal with prior on gaining access to one of these generators.
The Orbital Defense platforms, as shown here, has three torpedo tube launchers and several smaller weapon slots as well, they are designed to destroy ships attempting to land on Canaria and to fend of bigger threats as well. We estimate that with resources we can manufacture 200 of these within a month, enough to make a solid defense network around the Planet.. "
Then he removes the holographic displays and looks at Victor
"I believe that you speak the truth Mr Cross, indeed a war with the Gallic Royal crown would mean.. Not necessarily a loss, but loss of people and equipment. But I still believe that we should prepare for war never the less, since in fact many Zoner installations are in the area where a war would be waged, we will have losses, perhaps not from only the Gallic Royal crown, but from others. Think of the wars that will start, the Kusari, Bretonia, they will be the first to go if the Gallic goes to war. Many would see the Freeports as refugee centers and when those are full they will act, not in hatred, but in anger and fear, they want to remain safe, and they will think that the Zoner installations can give that safety To them.. , it's only a matter of time that we are dragged into a war, most probably the Gallic.. Therefor, we should prepare as if we where going to war."
Zhane looked over each and everyone before taking a seat again.
Matok had been looking out the window as he listened to Victor Cross. A part of him couldn't believe what he was hearing. He then turned to Victor with his arms extended and slightly angry over his comments about Aurelia DeFrance.
"So she goes unpunished?" he asked. Putting his arms down, he added, "Last I knew, treason was punishable by death." He then got close to Victor, his voice getting louder as he spoke, "Isn't it funny that the King of Gallia holds all Sirians as guilty of treason for something that happened generations ago and have vowed to achieve payback in blood." He then pointed at Victor, "YOU are Sirian!" He then pointed at Zhane, "YOU are Sirian." He then pointed at Doc, Charles and Chester, "YOU, YOU and YOU are all Sirian." He then pointed at himself, "I am Sirian! Not by birth but I am...." He then went to a normal tone of voice, "I am not guilty of the crimes they speak nor will I pay for them."
He again addressed Victor, still upset by collected. "Ride it out you say," he commented as he turned away momentarily and took a drink before turning back. "Riding it out cost me a home." He then reached into his pocket, grabbed a picture and tossed it before Victor.
"That was Che'tal, my late wife," he explained in a voice mixed of rage and sorrow, "riding things out cost her life. She was raped and murdered to make a point as it was said. I did not get to extract justice on those who did it. I will not allow another injustice to go unpunished."
"You also say that you cannot beat them militarily," he continued, "Remember ancient Earth History and the American Revolution. Yes, I have studied it. Did America win buy fighting Army to Army against the British who at the time were the best Army in the world? No!" He grinned, "They won buy using guerilla warfare and hit-and-run style tactics. I suggest we start mastering the same."
Somewhat subdued, he took back his picture, put it in his pocket and again turned to the window.
"Enough of this talk of revenge and guerrilla war! Or have you forgotten what the D in the ZDF stands for? Good lord man, get a grip of yourself!"
"I am sorry about your wife, but this is not the answer. Vengeance against Aurelia, against Gallia, it will not bring her back. It can only cause more suffering, more destruction, and more death. You threaten to endanger the lives of our peoples across the universe! And I will stand against all threats to the Zoner way of life, from wherever they hail."
"Now, about our defence! We have a great many options. If, and only if, Gallia decides to take fight to us, I suggest we consolidate our position. There is more than one planet we could utilise, and a multitude of bases in the far reaches of space. We must, together, decide which we have the resources to adequately defend, and which we do not. The Zoner way is not in our Freeports, but in our people! If the hammer should come to strike, I say we evacuate our people from the warzone, and leave any invader a very nasty surprise behind us!"
The Admiral listened to the many suggestions and agreements regarding his plan. From the response that had been mustered so far, he finally dared to put into action what he had been wanting.
"Gentlemen, Gentlemen, remember we are all fellow Zoners here. Inter-squabbles will just cause unneeded divisions and fractions in a time when we need it the most.
Now, as Councillor Chane has noted, those defensive installations will be vital to our defense of Gran Canaria, yet as Commander Matok has pointed out, Baffin will be in the firing line just as well, and that system, if taken and deflied by the Gallics, would mean a huge loss to Zoners as a whole. Not just as a militaristic loss, strategic loss, but also a Moral loss for as much as you all know, its the center religious system of many Zoners."
He eyed over at Matok, took another sip of his drink, gulped it down and breathed in heavily.
"We are stretched thin, We will have to consolidate our forces to defend those installations and system deemed most important to us Zoners. Yet, with what we have so far, we can barely hold off little to nothing. There is a storm on the horizon, one that has been known for a very long time to us was coming. It is time that we take action to protect ourselves, and to what is needed to stand against an impending invader. We cannot just sit by, for those who do not fight in a conflict, only assist the aggressor.
Bluntly, we need resources. The ZDF needs men, weapons, and training. I understand that we are but an arm of this alliance, and that we gain our authority from those of you giving it to us, but we can barely do our job. I am formally requesting the committee, and the Alliance, some sort of appropriation motion to increase the size of the ZDF, its funding, and capabilities.
The assitance of every faction would be needed in this endeavor. OSI's commitment to the manufacturing of our ships is one, and the exclusive right are something that we would be fine with, but without pilots, those ships gather dust. Yet, without proper funding, those pilots are just as effective as a Xeno fresh out of the mines.
I'm willing to recruit upwards of 2 more fighter wings, and get them the training they need, but we desperately need the funds and the support of the Alliance. And, as always, the ZDF will remember its original purpose to Defend Zoners, and only commit offensive acts of war under the direction of the Alliance."
"In regards to the guerilla attacks, My question is, why should we do such actions when we can have others do it for us. Like I mention earlier, the combined Zoner trader fleet is rivaled by few in terms of the amount of materials it can move, and also the efficiency in which it does so. I say we supply those that have the gall, the willingness, and the manpower to fight such wars. Entities would be the Mollies, the Corsairs, the Outcasts, the IMG even. And, if necessary, why not support the houses that would most likely be affected the most, Kusari and Bretonia? They are spending too much time slugging each other into a pulp, they will need all the help they can get if, NO WHEN, Gallia comes rolling in."
I am [The_Angels]Mortis. If you need help regarding the rules, the game, or just need someone to talk to, feel free to contact me on skype or PM me.
Victor, clearly tense after Commander Matok's outburst, nervously grabbed two shots from the bar and drank them, "Commander, I meant no disrespect to you or your wife." Holding the picture of the Commander's wife and looking at it, "I can't know the feeling of lose you have over your wife, I haven't found someone I care for like you did for your wife. I have found a life that I care deeply for. Would I love to see Aurelia's head on a pike? Looking at Matok directly, "As much as you, my friend. I however cannot condone entering a war with an enemy that we cannot hope to prevail against. Especially when the loss of life, credits, and property would be over the actions of one women. One. You want us to endanger many lives to bring one to justice? I won't be part of that. I won't have the blood of other Zoners on my hands, just for the chance at having Aurelia's blood on my hands, too."
Handing the picture back to Matok and returning to his seat, "If the GRN forces us into a war that is one thing; I won't be manipulated by Aurelia into a war with her father's army. You don't think us going to war with Gallia is what Aurelia wants? Why she keeps pestering us? If we make war with Gallia we play directly into her hands. Not only do we stand to loose material objects, we loose what we are. We forfeit our way of life in the name of revenge. Is that worth one woman's head?"
Looking at the Admiral, "If the ZDF needs funds to find and train new pilots to defend the Zoner way of life, OSI will heed the call."
Matok was furious as he stood with a balled fist in one hand and instinct causing him to reach for his dagh'tagh in his belt. Noticing it, Doc stopped him from an act of brutality but couldn't stop his bellowing reply as he glared at the Major.
"Old fool?" he bellowed, pointing a finger at him, "I am no fool you insolent p'tagh! You of all people here should know about what happens when people sit idly buy. Look at what Kusari has done to Bretonia. I will not venture into Gallia looking for a war but I will damn sure give them one if they so much as look at me funny!" He then stopped for a second and added, "...which I get a lot anyway!"
He then took a breath and turned to Victor, a bit more calm mannered, "I will not seek a war but I know these types, they will and when they do, I will spare them no mercy." He then glared back at the Major, "I guess I can save my tactics for later!"
He then turned to his admiral, "As I said earlier, watch the route from Edinburgh. There is little to stop any advance through it. I have personally charted from the Orkney minefield, through the Lewis System in Edinburgh. Besides a few overmatched Gaians, there is nothing to stop them. I would say much the same of Dublin.......for now. The Mollys are good but outnumbered. Maybe if they put aside difference with the Bretonian Crown, they can make a better defense. The way I see it, the Gallics will be on two of our doorsteps, Baffin and Omega 49. We have work to do."
He finished speaking. Rather than continue arguing with the Major, he took his drink and went outside for some air to simmer himself down.
Zhane stood up and addressed the committee members yet again
"I am one of the ones that agree with Commander Matok, he knows war, and he knows when it will erupt.. I think that he is correct, Edinburgh will be used.. Not only by us but by the enemy, which is or at least will be, Gallia.. I do not believe anything else..
I have already ordered a squadron of our Bomber drones to scout and defend that area, survey and scan at all times. It will at least provide some degree of defense against what ever comes trough..
About Baffin.. Well, the Enclave can commission another set of defense platforms to strengthen the defenses of Baffin.. But alas, our resources are thinned and at the verge of depletion. Therefor I will ask the rest of the alliance to provide our manufacturing ships on Canaria additional resources.. I hope everyone will help with this.."
He sits down again and drinks a little of his glass of water.
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Doc was already on his feet as he made a vain effort to settle his Klingon friend but to no avail. He had turned his head around where he stood to listen to Ambassador Zhane.
"Mr. Zhane, I'm not the military tactician that you and the Commander are but I do know this, if we spread ourselves to thin, it's as good as not being present at all. Honestly, I would rather the Enclave focus it's resources right in Omega 49. In doing so, forces here can be close by should anyone try waltzing into our home world. So for the sake of the homeworld, don't deploy to Baffin although the sentiment is appreciated."
He then addressed everyone, "I've finally gotten my people to realize the seriousness of the threat not far from us, the very idea that they can easily come into Baffin and even occupy it so they have begun building up some fighters. What we can all use there is some training. I know I could. Yes, even I built one up!"
"Another factor is the fact that the ZDF is based close by. If we get some people there, that will be the backup we need.
He sighs, "and as much as I'd rather not entertain the thought, I think the Outcasts will give them a hard time in the Taus as well. It's no secret how good they are in a fighter."
He again turns to Zhane, "So if you want to send a few men out for a training mission, we are game for it. I will waive the "no shooting" rule for a time and we can use an open part of the system."
"Out main forces are concentrated in Omega 49, do not worry, Canaria will not fall.. But as this moment we have no clear knowledge who is who that lands on Canaria..
In any case, we will make sure Canaria is 100% safe..
But yes, training is something we can provide, my Prime handles the Fighter and bomber squadrons, I will send him to Baffin to train your forces, or at least those willing.
Meanwhile the Exodus will remain as first base defense in omega 49, and our main forces to.. Only a few will be placed in Edinburgh for first line defense.
But the Enclave still needs resources.. I hope we can count on the rest of the Alliance on this.. "
Listening to the others speak Victor watches Matok walk outside on by himself. Motioning for an attendant not to follow the angry man he begins to speak, "Seems to be that defending ourselves is everyone's priority. I urge you to remember that the GRN attack Zoners on sight in Gallia because their law forbids our presence there. Same way Liberty will shoot Tomoe if she enters Liberty and is caught. If Gallia makes war upon all of us, then we must defend ourselves. It is our way. It seems we are all sticking to that belief."
"Let us turn now to another threat, one that we've always faced and all know to well. The Slomon K'Hara, the Nomads. My transport captains and security pilots tell me they see Nomads more frequently now days and in higher numbers than they can ever recall. I can only imagine they've begun rebuilding their civilization in the unknown Omicrons. I've also heard rumors that more and more infected humans are being reported. Hell, one rumor is that the Rhienland Military has a posted bounty on one of their own pilots who was found to be infected but escaped their grasp." Picking up his datapad Victor gets up and walks to the bar and reaches over it to grab a bottle. After opening it he set it down and fiddled with the datapad, "I've sent all of you a draft of a revision to the Zoner Alliance charter. The only other thing I can think we need to address the BAF/MR Armistice."
Quote:
Zoner Alliance Charter
Revision 2.0
Sections
1 - Structure
2 - System Ownership and Governorships
3 - Alliance Committee Structure and Responsibilites
4 - Membership
5 - Decision Making and Voting
Section 1 - Structure of the Zoner Alliance
1.1 Body Member of the Zoner Alliance: Group
* Each member - a group - makes its decisions for itself.
* Once a decision has been made the faction can decide whether to try encompassing equal bodies into the motion or project, or not.
* Scope of responsibility: Every issue which is not concerning general Zoner issues or including unclaimed Zoner spaces.
* Each faction is asked to implement a kind of democracy, visible or not, to prevent the development of totalitarian hierarchies.
* Members of any faction cannot have political rights or influence in more than one faction.
1.2 Zoner Alliance Body: Alliance Committee (AC)
* Allowed groups are either the officially registered Zoner factions, the ZUI, or unregistered Zoner groups operating as clans.
* Voting: Each body member has one seat. Each seat has one vote. The registered factions and the ZUI have the ability to cast a veto.
* Scope of responsibility: Global Zoner issues, policies, relations.
* Security Issues: The Alliance Committee will coordinate with each member the deployment of security and defense forces. Each member will be assigned to an area of responsibility, if available and possible.
Section 2 - System Ownership and Governorships
Base governorship may be granted to a group of individuals, numbering a minimum of five, if they have proven that they are willing and able to manage a station and have the approval of the Zoner Alliance. If decisions made by this group lead to the damaging of Zoner neutrality or relations with other organizations, this governorship may be revoked, returning control to the Zoner Alliance. Revoking a groups governorship requires a unamimous vote by the Alliance Committee. On issues of grand scale politically that have the possibility of impacting all Zoners, the Zoner Alliance has the authority to make decisions related to those issues alone. System ownership follows A.D.M.I.N. protocols and laws.
2.1 System Ownership;
Zoner Trade Consortium - The system of Omicron-74
Temporary Autonomous Zoners - The system of Baffin
2.2 Current Governorships;
Zoner Trade Consortium - Freeport 9 and Corfu
Temporary Autonomous Zoners - Freeport 6
Omicron Supply Industries - Freeport 14 and Ames Research Station
Virulian Enclave - Boa Vista Station and Porto Novo
Zoner Ore Extraction - ?
2.3 Restrictions;
Gran Canaria is governed by the Zoner Alliance in all situations, and governorships can not be granted to any groups or organizations.
Section 3 - Alliance Committee Structure and Responsibilities
3.1 Alliance Committee Structure
The Alliance Committee consists of one representative from each member body. If the selected representative cannot be present to vote for a member body, a proxy can be used.
Current Committee members;
Doc Hollidar, TAZ
Victor Cross, OSI
Charles Burns, ZTC
Chester Copperton, ZoE
Edward Zhane, VE
William Ironfoot, ZUI
Each member of the Committee has a single vote to cast on decisions made by the Committee.
3.2 Ship Purchase by Non-Zoners;
General Guidlines:
Any request for equipment, technology, and/or ship(s) will be denied if...
...your faction already has similar equipment, technology, or ship types.
Exception(s):
* You are on excellent diplomatic terms with the Zoner Alliance (Allied or long time friend).
* You want a Corvo Class Deep Space Exploration Cruiser for research.
...you plan to use the equipment, technology, and/or ship(s) to actively hunt and/or engage hostiles.
Examples:
* No bounty hunting allowed.
* No deliberately putting your ship into a situation where you are forced to defend yourself, such as entering an area that you know is frequently visited by people that want you dead.
Exceptions:
* You plan to use it against Zoner hostiles (Nomads, Wilde, etc.)
If your request adheres to the above guidelines, please fill out the following form:
Quote:Your name: Adam Sandler
Affliations: Happy Madison Productions
Exact transponder ID: HMP|Adam.Sandler
You registerd ID: Freelancer ID
Exact equipment requested: Conference Gunboat & 4 Zoner gunboat turrets
Reason for request: Happy Madison Productions needs an vessel able to escort our company yacht while at the same time able to store the majority of our production equipment.
Your intended use of our equipment: Escorting and transporting of goods
You understand that our equipment is not to be used in an offensive way nor shall it be used against any Zoner? Yes / No
You understand that if you break any of our usage conditions we will reclaim the equipment? Yes / No
Any comments you have:
I turned 40 in September, thank you ... my goal is to make it through the next hour without having to get up and pee.
3.3 Declaring Hostiles;
The Alliance Committee is responsible for declaring individuals hostile to the Zoners and using A.D.M.I.N. given FR5 protocols.
Section 4 - Membership
4.1 Membership;
New groups can apply for membership and then must be approved by a majority vote by the Alliance Committee. New Independents must be accepted by the ZUI for membership. Zoner clans must have at least 6 members to be considered, with less than 6 members they apply to the ZUI and work within that member body until such a time as they have the required members count.
Alliance members can be dismissed from the ZA by the complementary remainder of AC representatives voting unanimously. Individual Zoners can be removed by the ZUI itself or by a majority votes in the Alliance Committee.
4.2 Membership Responsibility;
All members have chosen to become part of the ZA. Each individual of each member is required to participate and assist their representative by voting, in a manner that will put their best interests forward. Each representative is charged with the responsibility of voting, in the manner that best suite the interests of his or her group. The Alliance Committee is in charge of forwarding the ideal and morals of the ZA and Zoners as a whole.
4.3 Nonmembers;
Nonmembers are not held to any treaty, deal or policy that is put forth by the ZA. Nonmembers are also not going to receive any protection if they violate any treaties or agreements or break any policies put forth by the ZA. Nor will they receive any protections by the ZA security forces if they are found breaking ZA policies, treaties or trade agreements.
Section 5 - Decision Making and Voting
5.1 Each faction group is charged with determining how they will choose and direct their representative. The representatives will then come together and lay forth the concerns or points brought to them by their group. Discussions will be limited to 48 hours and Alliance Committee deliberations will be limited to 48hours, followed by a vote. If a specific discussion cannot be met within the time limit, the Alliance Committee can approve an extension on the time for deliberations so the matter can be resolved properly.
5.2 Treaties
The Alliance Committee will appoint one person to be the negotiator for each treaty. The negotiator does not have to be a member of the Alliance Committee. Once the negotiator is chosen, they will be the only one allowed to conduct the talks. The Alliance Committee can remove a negotiator by a majority vote, or assign additional envoys to assist. Members agree not to break into or interrupt any talks being performed by the negotiator.
5.3 Foreign Contacts
If any non-Zoner faction contacts the ZA the according member must inform the Alliance Committee about this contact when common Zoner issues, policies, or treaties are concerned. An Alliance Committee representative or an assigned envoy will step into contact the outside faction / agency then regarding their request, and present it to the ZA with any recommendations afterward allowing the members to enter their processes of decision making.
5.4 Policies
Any member can bring up ideas for new policies. All new policies will be discussed and if the Alliance Committee feels they merit a vote, one will be opened.
5.5 Voting will be handled in the open for all members to see. Once cast votes are final. The Alliance Committee will then collect all votes and to publish each in public in one post including a final statement addressing possible consequences.
5.6 Proxies
In the case of absences of representatives during a vote, the Alliance Committee can urge the according group to select a temporary representative for that vote.
5.7 Veto power
Registered factions and the ZUI have the ability to veto any decision passed by the Alliance Committee. If an item is vetoed it will be brought back to deliberation to see if an agreement can be reached. Once deliberations are done a second vote on a resolution will be called.
With that he walked out onto the balcony with Matok.
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