Message from the Mandalore

[Dieter Schprokets]

Sir

I have been informed that your men have begun to take bounties on Zoners.

This is regrettable.

You likely do not know this, but the Temporary Autonomous Zoners are one of our major clients. We have worked alongside them and other Zoners on many occasions when and where Freeport security has been in jeopardy, especially providing bomber support when called upon. The relationship has been mutually beneficial. We have received needed equipment from their bases in Baffin, at modest fees.

Equipment, sir, that we usually use to destroy Corsairs and Kusari : enemies of your Crown, and mine.

By your logic, then, sir, Kusari, and the Corsairs, should place bounties on Zoner heads. But they do not.

Perhaps, if I might suggest an alternative to your interpretation of the Zoners as aiders and abettors of murderers and thieves, mayhap instead they are simply ones who desire "Peace and honest commerce with all, entangling alliances with none"?

I suggest to you that the proper role of the Privateers is the continued harrassment of Kusari trade, in support of the Bretonian war effort. A role in which you have had enormous success, a role which is your stated raison d'etre and your singular duty.

Instead, you waste time, and the limited resources of the Crown (You fly the Queen's ships, sir) killing and maiming the modern equivalent of the Ancient Swiss.

Moreover, you have placed yourself in conflict with our corporate objectives. Our friends and neighbours in Baffin, to say the least, are less than thrilled.

We are cancelling the Tau 23 Contract. Your money will be refunded.

We will not engage Privateers. Our common objectives in support of Bretonia ensure that.

But neither will we stand by and watch our friends and neighbours be killed.

How will that circle be squared?

I daresay that is up to you.

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