Transmission D'un Signal Inconnu Detecte - Possible Situation de Premiere Rencontre

[tazuras]

***Incoming Transmission***

Source:Citoyen-Roi, Languedoc
Destination:Dounby Station

Greetings Mr. Hargreaves,

My name is Philippe Renaud and I am a member of the Council, the faction who controls Reunion station. I must admit I am rather confused and wonder if I should be concerned about your health. Have you suffered any hard blows to the head recently?

You see, I am confused because as soon as the Council ships emerged from the minefield they contacted your warships and told you who we were. I know this because it is readily available news on Java station. Before I joined the Council, I captained a transport, usually working independently for the IMG. When the news first came to Java I knew it was an historic occasion so I was sure to copy it to my ships computer. Here is a full copy for your reference:

Java Station -- 817 A.S. -- The remote system of Orkney which is part of Bretonian space, although it is not considered part of Bretonian territory, has become a site of events that will change the history of the Sirius sector forever.

On day 320 817 A.S., 1704 Manhattan time, a massive explosion was sighted by local Independent Miners Guild patrol in an old mine field. First it was thought that the explosion was an accident. Later, however, several consequent explosions followed. The explosions cleared a wide pass within the mine field that lead to a previously unknown jump hole. From the jump hole, a large fleet of unknown ships came through the passage between the mines and ventured into the clear area of Orkney. IMG first considered them to be unknown aliens and brought warships from Dounby Station in case their intentions were hostile. However, very soon IMG ships were contacted by the newcomers who identified themselves to be representatives of the lost French House, bearing the Latin name of Gallia.

Gallia has been aware of existence of Sirius Houses for centuries but, however, chose a path of intentional isolation. The fleet of ships that breached the mine field belonged to a group named the Council, a political and military opposition of the Gallic central government. It took many years of fighting for the Council to suppress the powerful defenses of the Gallic Navy and reach the mine field. Now, isolation is a thing of the past, and Languedoc system to which the jump hole from Orkney leads can be freely visited by any ships from any Sirius Houses. Systems beyond Languedoc are still under control of the Gallic Navy, and the Council warns everyone willing to explore the distant Gallic systems that forces loyal to the Gallic government have most likely received an order to attack any unknown ships on sight.

Shortly after breaching the mine perimeter, the Council began to construct a space station not far from the mine field using hull components brought from Languedoc. The station was named Reunion, not only after an island in the Indian ocean that belonged to France until the year 2088 A.D., but also as a reminder of what happened on 320 817, day that will be remembered in history as the Day of Reunion.

In fact, the Council even bought docking ports and solar panels from the IMG to build Reunion Station. I hope this is a simple matter of miscommunication within the IMG and that you have in fact not suffered any injury that may have hampered your mental faculties.

I realize we have not yet sent over a diplomatic envoy to formally establish relations between our two groups, but we have been rather pre-occupied with the diplomatic relations of those factions that have already ventured within Gallic space. I have been assured by the Council leadership that this will be remedied soon. Until then we are very willing to hear your thoughts concerning the first diplomatic meeting between the IMG and the Council, location, participants, issues, etc.. Until then I wish you good health and profitable labor.

Sincerely,
Philippe Renaud

***End Transmission***

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