Following the concerning transmissions issued by both Rheinland Military and Gas Miner Guild regarding tensions in Sigma systems between those two entities, the Admirals circle took the decision to send a high ranked member of the Admiralty to personally assess the situation in the area. Since Vice-Admiral Sakamoto is currently busy in Kyushu system, Rear-Admiral Ishikawa is on a short time leave and Rear-Admiral Shimoe is assigned is currently assigned to Yokosuka dotation project, I took upon myself to make the trip to Frankfurt system via Sigma 13. Captain Hayashimura was kind enough to provide an escort; her presence was more than welcome, given her experience with the Guild.
By reaching Sigma 13, we encountered the current Guildmaster of Gas Miner Guild, namely Yukari Kara. Subsequent talks were undertaken in the vicinity of Helgoland station.
[KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: That is the station which used to be operated by ALG, correct, Yukari-san?
GMG|Kara.Yukari: Hai. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: You appeared to be quite stressed, earlier.
GMG|Kara.Yukari: If two nations are about to attack you, this is quite possible. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: Two, you say?
GMG|Kara.Yukari: Hai, you included. That is because of the Rheinland Military's false interpretations. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: That is quite a bold interpretation, Yukari-san. The Republic of Kusari, to my knowledge, did not issue an ultimatum to Gas Miner Guild or displayed any hostility.
GMG|Kara.Yukari: Yet. What will you do, if Rheinland attacks us? Are you telling me they did not already ask for your help? That is what I would do in their situation after all. Not to mention that your high command demands things from the Guild to assure that your interference won't happen. Which makes me think that your militaristic preference lies with Rheinland. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: We value regular communication with our neighbors. We naturally have a diplomatic and strategic channel opened with House Rheinland. So do we with House Liberty and House Gallia. Such a grid does not exist with Gas Miner Guild for historical reasons.
GMG|Kara.Yukari: And in this case, Sigma thirteen is the trouble zone. Rheinland aims to conquer this system. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: I believe you are mistaken, Yukari-san. Naval Forces Admiralty did not demand anything to the GMG so far.
GMG|Kara.Yukari: So I will ask you the same as I asked one of the Itto Kaisa's yesterday. What will you do if Rheinland attacks? [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: The Admiralty did not reach a consensus regarding that question, Yukari-san. And it is partly the reason of my presence here, today.
GMG|Kara.Yukari: Good, that at least is something. So tell me your story of the events that have reached Kusari about this so far. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: From what I understood, you opened fire on a Rheinland Military ship, and declared your treaty with House Rheinland as void?
GMG|Kara.Yukari: Let's come to the treaty issue first. Hai, no treaty that has ever been made with Rheinland means anything to me. The one that Admiral Sterr used to justify his actions was seven years ago. Different administration, different rules. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: Well. That is not without precedent. Gas Miner Guild declared Aomori treaty as void during Kurile crisis.
GMG|Kara.Yukari: Admiral Sterr and a squadron of his soldiers came to Sigma thirteen and positioned themselves around our stations. I told them to leave. They declined. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: Which in essence means there is no treaty binding Gas Miner Guild and Kusari together as is.
GMG|Kara.Yukari: More things to do.
...
GMG|Kara.Yukari: Now where were we? [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: Mention of the Aomori treaty declared as void by your organization, I believe.
GMG|Kara.Yukari: What I declared as void was the treaty concerning Rheinland Military presence in Sigma thirteen. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: Is that wise, Yukari-san? Treaties with your neighbors are essential instruments to the stability of this sector.
GMG|Kara.Yukari: Not if they are being abused by the Rheinland Military to enforce their will upon us in our own system. The initial conflict were the Unioners. They attacked Helgoland and we needed to fight them off. That succeded but the station suffered some damages. Admiral Sterr said that from this point on, his ships will protect this sector. I told him that I don't want this, because it is not necessary and I don't want those people in my Sigmas. They ignored me. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: So did they in the past by the treaty's terms, correct? What changed, then.
GMG|Kara.Yukari: The difference is that I do not agree with it. I don't want any foreign military in here trying to unnecessarily protect our stations. Especially not them. The only people I don't bother are yours. Manner, honor, behavior, respect, things that the Naval Forces know and the Rheinlanders don't. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: Well. You seem to forget easily about the past.
GMG|Kara.Yukari: The past is past. What I remember is Rheinland trying to invade us during the Eighty Years War. And what I see now is a repetition. If Admiral Sterr would just have listened to me, this all wouldn't happen. But his hot headed ness and his ego make him believe that the Sigmas are his. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: Do you think there would be a chance you may be over reacting about this affair, Yukari-san?
GMG|Kara.Yukari: When I became Guildmistress, I have sworn to keep the Sigmas for us and us only. And I keep this promise. The Sigmas are our systems. Even if this one is between your houses. Claiming that it is in need of foreign protection without regarding the word of the Guildmistress is an invasion to me. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: Isn't it already troublesome enough to dispute this space to Corsairs and Outcasts?
GMG|Kara.Yukari: And there is the point I am trying to make. We have this under control. That's all about it. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: Your paramilitary is certainly powerful, but not almighty.
GMG|Kara.Yukari: I am aware. But the bigger threat is Rheinland. Rheinland is currently the only thing I am afraid of being here. Lousy Unioners, Corsairs or Outcasts, ha. If I have another Rheinland fleet in here, that is when the real threat is coming. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: Your concern is noted then, Yukari-san. But between you and me, from what I could gather, it does not seem House Rheinland is planning to claim this space.
GMG|Kara.Yukari: Are you sure? [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: I believe they simply take care of their interest.
GMG|Kara.Yukari: And disregard ours for that? In -our- space? We both want to defend Sigma thirteen. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: I remind you we have a defense treaty with House Rheinland. Allowing their forces to patrol Honshu system while our forces can patrol Frankfurt system.
GMG|Kara.Yukari: That would be easily done as long as Rheinland would ask for permission. Then a wing of my scouts recently disappeared as well. I only want one thing. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: Where did this happen?
GMG|Kara.Yukari: I don't know, they just disappeared. Not even a trace. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: You have no data about their patrol path?
GMG|Kara.Yukari: They seem to have lost it, but I assume Sigma twenty one. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: Hai. There is also that contention issue regarding planet Saigon.
GMG|Kara.Yukari: Another topic, but let's come back to Rheinland for once more. See, Rheinland would do good being kind before being active. Their intentions have never been to patrol Honshu. If that would have been the case, I wouldn't say anything. What they did was forcing their presence onto us in the system. If Admiral Sterr would only plan to reach Honshu, no problem, really. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: Though, Yukari-san, I have to remind you you shot one of them first. From what I could understand they were in their right to operate in the area by the treaty with Rheinland.
GMG|Kara.Yukari: It was a warning shot and I am aware that it was not a good idea. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: Unless GMG declared this treaty as void before this operation...?
GMG|Kara.Yukari: But their constant provocation towards us is simply annoying. But this issue should not even exist anymore. After all, I gave them permission to patrol here now for the sake of peace. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: As it stands, House Kusari has no interest in angering House Rheinland, nor Gas Miner Guild for that matter. We would rather serve as a neutral party able to move forward negotiations.
GMG|Kara.Yukari: Sadly, Rheinland became the aggressor here. I even got far enough to back down from disallowing them here. Who knows what happens next. *she shrugs* I have already announced that I try to prevent a war. But the way Rheinland possibly makes negotiations over us, that is unlikely to be prevented. *she sighs* This is all going into a very bad direction. I am not trying to say I am innocent here, though. But if there is something I cannot stand, it is disrespect in my own territory. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: Your concern is noted, Yukari-san.
GMG|Kara.Yukari: If it eases up the situation. Feel free to pass this system whenever you want. Both of you, Rheinland and Kusari militaries. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: Your good will is noted, but I do not believe it is the right time to state this.
GMG|Kara.Yukari: Isn't it happening already? The difference is that now I give permission for it. Sigma thirteen is a curse. Its position inconvenient. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: I'd encourage you to start negotiations with both houses to reforge new treaties that will stabilize the situation.
GMG|Kara.Yukari: You are probably right. I will attempt one more communication with Admiral Sterr. I will include you as well. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: I also advise you to maintain a coldheaded approach when dealing with foreign entities. No offense, but you seem to be prone to listen to your emotions. That opening fire on a Rheinland Military is an example of such a trait.
GMG|Kara.Yukari: Well, if it is only to cross Sigma thirteen to reach Honshu, I have no problem with that. But this would have to be the reason in the first place, which it was not. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: Aomori treaty also covered the status of Aomori and its immediate space, as well as planet Kurile.
GMG|Kara.Yukari: I will get to work about this now, I guess. The faster the better. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: By Aomori treaty, a 15k radius around Aomori station used to be considered as GMG space.
GMG|Kara.Yukari: Hai, indeed. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: Aomori treaty also guaranteed Samura Keiretsu's right on planet Kurile, as well as Sigma 17 jump-gate.
GMG|Kara.Yukari: Ah... well.. Samura... [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: And as I said, negociations would require to include this contention point that is the newly surveyed Sigma 21 system.
GMG|Kara.Yukari: Saigon, you mean? [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: That is the main issue in Sigma 21 indeed.
GMG|Kara.Yukari: Well... what is your stance on that? [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: Well. The Republic has shown quite some interest in the area, which would be suitable for settlement. So does your organization and House Rheinland, as far as I know.
GMG|Kara.Yukari: Well, I can tell you one thing. Rheinland will not have this planet. And I also don't really like the thought of anyone else apart from us doing so. It is our system after all. The only one who has a reasonable interest is Kusari, apart from us. Rheinland has nothing to say in this case, as harsh as it sounds. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: Indeed. Sigma 21 is directly connected to Honshu system.
GMG|Kara.Yukari: But it is in a Sigma system. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: Well. It's a newly surveyed one.
GMG|Kara.Yukari: Yet, it is a Sigma system. And you can tell who controls the Sigmas. I wouldn't claim a newly surveyed planet in Honshu now. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: I can understand you consider this as your territory. But you do not control the entirety of Sigmas, do you?
GMG|Kara.Yukari: It is your territory. Not the entirety, there are other things in the Sigmas than the Guild, of course. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: From the recovered Intel, this area is very dangerous. Mainly Aliens. You certainly heard about those.
GMG|Kara.Yukari: Hai, are we talking about the Sigmas as a whole or just this specific one now? [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: As a matter of fact, one of our survey battlegroup was ambushed by an infected party. No. I'm referring to Sigma 21.
GMG|Kara.Yukari: Hm. Maybe this has something to do with my group that disappeared. You think those were aliens? [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: Not specifically Aliens, Yukari-san. I'm doing you a favor by disclosing this to you, actually. They are people enslaved by Alien entities.
GMG|Kara.Yukari: The Wild, you mean then. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: This includes former members of the Naval Forces.
GMG|Kara.Yukari: Hm. That is a possibility... Can't explain how it wouldn't leave traces after all. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: Their activities has been quite high in the Sigmas actually. Not all the Kusari Naval Forces elements you detect belong to the Republic.
GMG|Kara.Yukari: Hard to tell, I've heard they're not to tell apart from regular pilots. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: Their IFF is typically outdated. We update ours daily.
GMG|Kara.Yukari: Hm. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: Another good hint is the usage of unconventional material.
GMG|Kara.Yukari: That sounds like something that requires attention. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: Indeed. That is actually a bigger menace than Rheinland Military if you ask me. They at least have some rules they follow.
GMG|Kara.Yukari: Not ours, though. *she laughs* If the situation with the Rheinland Military has calmed down, we can investigate that. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: Well. I'd encourage you to consider the situation calmly, and to issue apologies if that is requires. Those cost nothing.
GMG|Kara.Yukari: Hai, that will be done. I am more calm already, more than yesterday, at least. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: Excellent, Yukari-san. I will thus move to Frankfurt system to assess the situation there. I rarely leave New Tokyo and seeing the area and witnessing its activity myself will be certainly good for a good assessment.
GMG|Kara.Yukari: *She nods* Hai, arigato, Kaisho. [KNF]Ko.T.Mochizuki: You are most welcome. Moving in.
From what I could gather, GMG's current Guild-master seems to be prone to listen to her emotions and take quick judgment, which probably aren't the most wanted traits for a leader. Perhaps it is caused by some inexperience related with her age. I wouldn't know. I did my best to ease her so that we could have a reasonable conversation, which appeared to be constructive enough, as you can see.
It appears GMG is afraid of a new war with House Rheinland, especially if it can secure an agreement with House Kusari to not remain passive like it did during the 80 Years War. This indeed allowed GMG to retreat to Kusari space, where Rheinland navy could not follow them, so that they could recover from their losses and guarantee hit and run tactics with impunity.
My personal conviction is Rheinland Military simply did not appreciate to be fired upon, and that its Admiralty intends to force GMG to maintain the terms of the treaty signed with House Rheinland.
There is no need to actively pick a side in those tensions for now. GMG may feel compelled to start negotiations to forge a new treaty with the Republic, since Aomori treaty was declared as void following the Kurile crisis. This can only be good for the stability of the area. I have to note Yukari-san mentioned her hostility regarding any agreement related with planet Saigon, which is quite an important matter for some elements of the Republic, from what I could gather.
Diligent, for a better Kusari, Admiral Mochizuki Tatsuya,
Kusari Naval Forces.
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