Freeport 5 and Benitez Family communications

[Alfonso_Benitez]

------------------------Incoming Transmission----------------------

Source : Alfonso Benitez, Myrtos Villa, Planet Crete, Omicron Gamma
Destination : Robert Pirx, Freeport 5, Omega
Content : Text

Senor Pirx,

I shall attempt to respond to your previous transmission in a three-fold manner:

First, the short term goals. Although there is no immediate need for supplies on Etna, it is expected that your offer to trade with Etna materializes itself in the foreseeable future. Nevertheless, I shall not put any undue pressure on you or your trade wing and instead, will offer a solution to your current predicament.

The enforcement of martial law on Omicron Theta is something that the Council of Corsair Elders deems necessary, and I for one am not going to doubt their judgement in any way whatsoever. But, since your convoys will have to travel through the system, I suggest that you take some steps to ensure the safety of both crew and cargo:

• It is advisable to conduct a long range scan of Theta from Freeport 5 before you set off on your journey. If you spot an unusually large congregation of ships, including but not limited to those of Corsair origin, I advise you to proceed with caution. Also scan for any Benitez pilots in the systems connected to your path.
  
• If you and your convoy decide to jump through to Theta, it is advisable to immediately issue a statement of intent on the system-wide communication channel, informing all pilots of your destination. Under the Laws of the Corsair Empire, all Corsair ships are encouraged to assist any neutral or friendly ships transporting useful material to Corsair bases and they should not have any objection whatsoever to the convoy passing. I shall try my best to spread this sentiment among all pilots and will also communicate this to the Elders of the Benitez familia to. However, 3 different cases may arise:
  
  1. Your entry is registered by pilots present in the system and they have no objection, in which case you should pass through unharmed.
     
  2. Your entry is acknowledged but unwelcome. You may proceed with caution. There is a possibility that a few pilots may attempt to pirate the convoy. At this point you may mention once again that you are delivering commodities to Etna. You may also radio any Benitez pilots over private channels for assistance. If the persecutors persist, I advise you either return to Freeport 5 (if they permit it), or hand over the sum required. If you collect evidence of this, I may be able to take up the issue with the concerned pilots and try to get your credits reimbursed.
     
  3. Your entry is deemed as hostile, and Corsair pilots issue impromptu death warrants. In this case, recharge your jump systems as quickly as possible and return to Freeport 5.
     

And now, in response to your situation:

The Corsairs are very much aware of the current status of the Zoners. The dissolution of the Zoner Alliance has led to a void in the diplomatic process. The Alliance, in my opinion, was never meant to last. The Zoners are limited, by virtue of space and time, to isolated groups living on Freeports, a handful of other bases and a the lone Planet Gran Canaria. Cooperation and communication was well within the realm of what is possible, but a large scale political movement was something I was skeptical about, and rightly so. Some individuals, such as yourself, are now attempting to fill in those gaps - an admirable sentiment indeed. More people like you, Robert, and some semblance of sanity may return to the Edge Worlds.

Another outcome is that, now, the inhabitants of the Freeports are forming nuclear, close-knit communities. When one such community perceives another community harboring a certain perception of things which does not match with their own, they protest. They protest, they point insidious fingers and they label you as traitors. It will take courage to do what you think is right, and stick by your morals in this hour of desperation, but I am certain that you are a man of honor.

Finally, what the future may hold in store for the two sides:

Originally, the primary reason why Corsairs would frequent Freeport 9 was to get cargo-loads of food rations. At the time, Crete was mostly barren and there were very few means of sustenance. Today, centuries later, we are on the verge of completing the construction of a few bio-domes, which will undoubtedly alleviate the pressure to import food into the Empire. So yes, in a way, our "need" for the Zoners has been somewhat diluted.

But at the same time, the mere presence of Zoners in Omicron Theta was never a concern for the Empire. Indeed, there was always a possibility to co-exist in the adjacent systems. However, the ill-considered actions of a few Corsairs, compounded by the inaction of the victims and the overzealousness of certain Zoners led to a situation where conflict was inevitable. The Zoners may have their pride to defend, but inviting the Corsairs' most bitter enemies to make themselves home in our backward and aid and abet the destruction of Corsair ships, murder of Corsair pilots and attack of Corsair bases was not something that the Empire was going to take lying down.

Indeed, this remains the situation. Any attempts to co-operate are welcome, but we will be respond with ruthlessness at the slightest attempt to collude with our enemies. You should remember that these "alliances" that you may form with our foes is driven, not by a sudden sympathy towards your cause, but more out of an opportunitistic outlook on their part. They sense a chance to be part of an offensive and jump at the opportunity. But bear in mind that little stops the very same people from training your sights on you.

I hope for the very best and hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,

Alfonso Benitez
Base Commander, Etna Base

-----------------------Transmission Terminated---------------------

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Soldato, Benitez Familia, Corsairs