[color=#FFFFFF]Priority:High Encryption:Full Destination: John Henry "Doc" Holliday
Source: NTF Executive Commander Greg Matthews
I confess I feel some responsibility for the events that took place. Had the Belisarius not been in Omega-3 that night, the Corsairs might not have had the urge to attack, and the whole thing might have been managed via diplomacy.
Given the mindset of the Bretonian "negotiators" and warship captains who showed up, and the mindset of the Corsair Empire in general, though, I rather doubt it. I'm pretty sure the Brets are desperate, and trying to reassert their authority over Omega-3, and the whole Tomoe thing is a flimsy pretext. And the 'Sairs have never been the most reasonable bunch. They've seemed distinctly bloodthirsty in recent weeks.
Comes down to it, though, you can do a hell of a lot more for your people, and for Sirius, by staying on. I doubt your offer of martyrdom would do any good right now anyway.
You mentioned Gallia and the need to prepare for their imminent attack. An excellent point -- which is why we need you to stay on. I can't think of anyone else better suited to put together an allied force to oppose the Royalists, when they do eventually show up.
I mean, okay. Ravenor is a decent man, and very competent in a military role, but I don't think he's charismatic or well-known enough to pull together a durable alliance in the political arena. Rentiera's been dead for a year now. Katz is skilled, but he'd be unacceptable to a lot of parties. Since Breen left, the Mollies have been too disorganized to have a real leadership figure. Me, at best I'd be a compromise candidate with no real power or credibility (assuming anyone entertained the idea without bursting into laughter).
I'll be honest. I don't know what problems are going to come up. The Bretonians might well storm Freeport 1 with SAS troops tomorrow; Gallia might invade Sirius the day after; the Corsairs might burn their last bridges and start a war with the Zoners after all.
But I swear on Bosch's ghost, and the dream of Neo-Terra itself, that as long as there is strength in my body I will help you bear this burden, if you make up your mind to do so.
Because you are a good man. Because I have debts to pay. And because the stakes are too damn high should we fail.
.::Incoming Transmission::. Message to : Tupacalypse, the Corsair Empire
Comm ID: Yev Lightwing, Shipmaster
Location: Freeport 15, Omicron 74
Tupacalypse of the Black Sails. So you are the one who has been setting our biodomes and food shipments on fire. Always good to have a face to go with that reputation.
The Black Sails. A shadow of the glory that was once the ruthless Omega Pirate Guild.
I had the privilage of meeting King Sparta in his hay days. Now there was a force to be reckoned with. His mere presence made me shake with fear. The Pirate King took what he wanted and killed who he wanted without so much as a quiver of his eyebrow. But what seperated him from the likes of you is the respect he gave to my people. He never fired a shot at those who had brought food provisions to his children. He had honor and wisdom.
The so called Anarchists have been destroying our transports and raiding our farmlands. Zoners everywhere are afraid to step into Gamma for fear that the food shipments they are carrying will be blown to kingdom come. And what do you do? Do you send us escorts like the fine members of the Benitez family? No. You assist these terrorists in further crippling our stations and convoys.
Esteemed people of the Corsair nation: the citizens of Freeports 9 and 15 have neither the firepower nor the resources to stand against these systamatic attacks. Heed the example of your Benitez bretheren and send escort ships to those attempting to deliver goods for Crete. When the "Ghost Ship" scum raided our stations they were met with a knife. These so called Corsairs, who have fired upon your own people, deserve no less.
Elder Globalo was once attacked outside of Gran Canaria by Queen Carina's Privateers. The Zoners followed up with an immediate counter-attack. When QCP's Andrew Stuart demanded that we expel all of the Corsairs out of Gran Canaria, we went to war. We did not back down. All we ask is that you support us in this time of need so that vital goods can once more flow through the Omicrons.
Incoming Transmission
CommID: Captain Alan Grehsam, Neo Terran Front
Source: Freeport 1
In these times of stress for the Zoners, giving yourself up is simply not an option. They NEED a leader. Don't give in to the malefactor's whims. Do you honestly think the Corsairs will honor your deal? They attacked Freeport 1 to KILL ZONERS. Taking your life will simply mean they have one less obstacle to marauding past the rest of your defenses. After all, you can't organize defense if you're dead. Don't trust Corsair mercy. Ever.
I've heard of you and Med Force One, Doctor Holiday, and can only salute and honour you. If you would like, it'd be an honour to escort you to Corsair space if them idiots try anything funny. You've been an infulence to all, Zoner or not.
[color=#FFFFFF]Priority:High Encryption:Full Destination: John Henry "Doc" Holliday
Source: NTF Commodore Robert Crompton
Like Captain Gresham said, the Corsairs are merciless killers. Your death will only lead to more Zoners following you to their graves. Freeport 7 repeats throughout southern Sirius.
You are the one who can help guide the Zoners through these times of trouble, and prove how strong the Zoner community is. Don't go to Crete; the Zoners of southern Sirius need you as their leader right now, moreso than any other time in the history of the Zoner movement. The Corsairs don't need to take the life that stands guard for so many others.
[ID: Unknown]
[Broadcast transmitting, target: MED FORCE 1]
[Source: Omega 47]
*chuckle, and then a sigh*
Ah Doc, you have always cared too much. What was it. 10 years ago I called you to roam with me?
It will take another 50 to sober up the litter that has spawned in Omegas. Why don't you meet me on Canaria and we'll take it from there - Slowly.
You do still remember how Mentira looks like, don't you? *laugh*