''Yes, going to war against the Corsairs is a necessity for a great majority of us.'' said Sebastien LaHoue, as he stood up. ''But, what about the majority of civilians that compose the Zoners? Yes, we do have our allies in this situation now, but this won't stop the Corsairs from ambushing civilian convoys and stations, no? Yes, I am a pessimistic in this situation. But I prefer calling myself a realistic. Those who can bear arms should bear them, but what of the others? What will happen to them? Hide them on Malta? I am aware that this issue has already been adressed before, but I have a civilian station to think about, so I am personally involved.'' LaHoue obviously was nervous as he stood up, feeling all the eyes locking on him.
''Yes, the acts of the Corsairs are that of cowards backed into a corner. But their acts cost us so far thousands of lives, and even more woundeds. The Corsairs' grip do not simply end in the Omicrons, they are everywhere, and they will strike everywhere. Small communities of Corsairs even live on Gran Canaria! Yes, at all means, do keep military forces inside the Omicrons. But think of those who do not bear arms. These are the main targets of the cowardly Corsairs. They have already forced a majority of Zoner affiliations to disband and hide until the end of the war. Of course, surrendering now wouldn't change anything, and won't bring back the victims. Again, I am simply asking you to consider very well your choices for the civilians among us. Thank you.'' He sits back down, sweat rolling down his face. He wasn't used to do such speeches anymore, and he hoping that he at least gave a good impression.
Set Ramirez payed little attention to the people arguing and discussing, strutting their ego around like a bunch of.. He sighed..
He listened to what Barilla said.
"The Outcast Navy is prepared to provide whatever support necessary to the Zoner population and associated military forces is necessary to repel the Corsair offensive into Zoner space. The security and, indeed, neutrality, of Omicron Theta is paramount to all of our enterprises within this part of Sirius. To that end we will take whatever measures are necessary to maintain the status quo and drive back the Corsairs."
He twirled a pen around two fingers, obviously very relaxed, when the Guildmaster spoke directly at him he chuckled
"Don't worry Guildmaster, I can assure you that I feel the same way"
He grinned and then said to the rest..
"The Syndicate will send strike craft to assist and base them in Eta, there is no way we'l be stationed in the war zone.. We fight with precision attacks, not blunt force. And from what I can see, the Corsairs will not expect much fighter or bomber opposition.. We won't be shooting at the others at the moment, don't worry.."
The Arch Bishop looked shifty-eyed about the room. The people had been driving him somewhat mad, and the emotionless Corporis and forms which stood behind him offered little in the way of sympathy. In fact, Ryodan knew that they agreed with the masses; a fact which unnerved him. He cleared his throat.
"Blood begets blood, brothers."
A streak of red appears on his palm and begins to eek crimson, the skin split asunder by the invisible hand of nanites. He looked at it thoughtfully.
"The Creator teaches us that one must make peace. Destruction is the way of the weak, for it is simpler to destroy than it is to spawn that which is new. Yet there is honor in decimation by the defense of a weaker party. If we must fight, it must be as this - meeting Corsair steel with walls built for the manifestation of this benediction.
Let fields of spindled steel keep them away. If they choose to brave it, it is their own choice to choose death. If they stay away, it is good, as there is peace. Let towers guard the sensitive avenues of our people. If the smoke of missiles and the focused light of the Creator might smite them for seeking sin, it is their choice.
The stone-diggers are an enemy of the Faith but they are not an enemy to our humanity. We will act in defense, but we will not actively assail them.
Hypocrisy is the seed by which one plants the flowers of his own funeral."
