To: Hans von Goeben

[Hans von Goeben]

*Incoming transmission*
*Source: Corvo-Type Explorer "Unsinkable 2"*
*Sender ID: Hans von Goeben*
*Location: Omicron Delta*
*Encryption: Reciprocated KNI code*
*Type: Text message*
*Topic: Reply to "The Incident"*

To Goryo.


Having received your message over a secured channel during the unplanned stay at the Starport on New Tokyo, I hereby send you my response to this here verdict from the relay of a freshly leased Corvo Explorer.


While I am fully aware of the fact that this is no business agreement or some mutual contract, but a list of full-blown demands in exchange for an alleviated punishment, I will not negogiate.


In turn, I will instead inform you of demands of my own. Should either side not come to an agreement, we both lose something. I will no longer be able to show myself in Kusari space, but would keep my general freedom. And you can easily make short work of me in case of an arrest, but would lose a prime opportunity for intel gathering.
With that in mind, allow me to explain my side of the story, since a fair hearing and trial by the /interstellar/ codex was not granted.


First off, while the unfortunate chain of events which resulted in this outcome does sound ridiculous indeed, the circumstance of immediate annihilation did not allow for details at the time of the arrest. While MedForce is indeed neutral towards practically all organisations and nations in Sirius, we are not allowed to enter certain areas without explicit permission, including Omicron Mu, as it is the base of operation of the Order. A sentiment which should very well have a familiar ring to you in this case, ironically. Hence the persuit of my vessel was ordered by the Captain of the Order Carrier after being detected. Though said Captain was the sole reason why I ended on their turf. He carelessly opened an artificial jumphole right next to Freeport Eleven while I was moored there. Its gravitational force pulled me in, shortly after the Carrier’s own jump. Fearing incarceration or worse, my first instinct was to hurry towards the nebula, close to where we re-entered space. Although losing my persuers there, it did not mean I was in the clear. Not knowing the locations of any exits, I went for the second best option and activated my own scanners, finding a gravitational anomaly mere clicks away. Since this most likely indicates a close-by natural wormhole, I took the chance and went through, hoping fort he best. Clearly seeing a giant, towering station right after the jump, I set course to it in hopes of refuge. Only to be greeted with gunfire and a lenient, yet inquisitive Captain. So, in summary, the accusation of planned military espionage is incorrect. Why would a doctor of all people do that, and what would I do with this information anyway?


Secondly, and most importantly. Do not mistake this reply as pure arrogance. I am well aware of the fact that my wrongdoing could’ve resulted in capital punishment there, and in an instant. Being grateful for the decision your Captain made, and what the Shogunate and you offered instead of the alternatives, there are two points I can not agree with, even with my life.
Under no circumstances will I undermine the unconditional confidentiality and integrity of MedForce, and my own profession as a physician. This is a matter of honor and The Oath! Relaying patient data, spying on my clients and backstabbing the hand who offered me employment in my darkest hours is off the table, period. For the very same reason, surveillance outside your zone of authority, namely Kusari, will not be accepted as well.


What I would agree on is to be your eyes and ears everywhere else you require, but not in the aforementioned cases. I would agree on being under watch while residing in Kusari space and the adjacent systems. Also, I would accept the consequences for another offense.
After all, as you stated yourself, all flight data and records were purged with the destruction of the previous vessel. Your precious system, whatever may be going on there, is as much of a mystery to me as when I first entered it. As your Captain testified, on our way back to New Tokyo, I also did not witness anything about the route back. And I already showed my willingness for cooperation by speaking about the situation on Eleven.


In the end, I am also open for new, or different demands, as long as those will not violate the terms I set in this here message. I do hope we will be able to sort things out, or both live with the consequences.


Best regards,
Hans von Goeben.

PS: Should there be a future for me in Kusari, I’d take the offer for the cloak tech permit within your borders. It is a vital part of technology in the more unsavory parts of Sirius, after all.

*End of message*
*Transmission terminated*

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Character Overview of Hans von Goeben. Also a place to comment freely.