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As Doc was about to speak, the main door opened as his wife passed through in one of her finest kimonos pushing a cart. Behind her was Grady with another. Midori's had a large platter on top and an assortment of smaller ones and serving utensils. She placed the large platter in the middle of the table.
Grady's cart was a drink cart, asking all what they desired and serving as requested. Mahi fish was the main course, a signature of Midori's. Several other smaller dishes and hours de'ouvers were also brought out.
"Apologies for the late arrival," she said as she dished out meals. As she finished, she stood nearby to answer the call for food.
After everyone finished their meal, Mikrosh stood up.
First of all, I would like to thank Mr Holiday for he's hospitality, and I would also like to congratulate Mrs
Holiday for the food.
And now,
Gentlemen, if you allow me, I would like to rise some points concerning this meeting.
We've started to debate on certain topics and we somehow forgot the true meaning of this meeting. We've gathered here so we could get a chance to know each other and find a way for all of our groups to work together for a common goal.
He takes a small break and looks around to see the reaction of the other zoners.
I believe that we should leave all the new topics for a while, and focus on the new "council", if we can name it that way. We need to find a way to work together and wash the stains from our Zoner name. A name that our ancestors have built in quite some time.
So, I would like if everyone can come up with an idea on how we could form an alliance that will benefit us all.
But, first, we need to know each other, so, I will introduce myself and The Obsidians, my people.
He takes another short brake while he drinks a sip from he's red wine.
I am Mikrosh Ancestor, overseer of the Obsidian Zoetic. The Obsidians are a small group of independent people that reside in Omicron Zeta. Most of us are war veterans, from different wars. We have all banded together to fight another war, a war that serves mankind as a whole.
Some of our people, including me, where on Toledo, when the nomads attacked. We've seen the force and the brutality that the aliens poses.
With a small gesture he removes a tear from he's left cheek. He tried to mask the gesture and the tear.
I have lost my beloved wife that day. My wife, and a considerable part of my crew, my friends, all vanished in a matter of seconds.
That is the reason why we, the Obsidians have settled in such a hostile territory as Omicron Zeta. We want to be as close as possible to the aliens, so we can keep an eye on them and research any device that might give us a fighting chance against them.
We share the same Zoner ideals as our ancestor did. We, want to explore, we want to be free, we want to prosper. But, in order to achieve that we need to remove the threat first, there is no point to build a house and live with the fear that any day, it can be washed a shore by the ruthless nomads. And if you believe that, being in the middle of a house system, you are safe, you do nothing but fool yourselves.
He takes another break while searching some papers trough he's documents.
As some of you already know, we, The Obsidians are at war with the Core. We, have our reasons to keep this war. One of the reason would be the fact that we either choose to make peace with the Core and risk a war with the Order, since the Core will more likely use Murillo as a forward base to attack The Order, or we keep the war with the Core and stay in good relationship with the Order.
We prefer the Order, since they provide us protection and they allow us to gather nomad samples for our research, while the Core have stated that they will confiscate any nomad samples we'd have.
But there is another reason we want to keep this war running. And that reason, is stated on this papers.
I would like to apologize to all the zoners here that won't get one of this papers. It is nothing personal, just that I don't know you well enough to share this information with you, not yet. I hope that things will change after this conference though.
He then walks around and shares the documents between several zoners at the table. The papers reached only to TAZ, OSI and Phoneix representatives.
The document was nothing but a small piece of paper with something written on it.
First of all,
I would like to apologize for
using such an ancient way of communication.
But, it is one of the best way to keep information
out of the wrong hands.
As, some of you might not agree with our war with the Core, I want to inform you that at the
moment it is the only way for us to survive. And, isn't the zoner way all about surviving? As
I have already stated, due to our strategic position in Omicron Zeta we had to choose either
The Order, either the Core. We chose the ones that helped before. The Order help us research
the nomads, while the Core would have confiscated our samples to sell them for a few more
drinks. But the most important reason we still fight with the Core is the fact that they have "built"
a blockade in Zeta. They don't have enough power to take out our shields, but, the nomads have.
We are using the Core blockade as a line of defense against the nomads, since if the nomads want
to siege us, they have to pass the Core. So, if the nomads come, with the help of the Order and the
Core, we can fight them off easier.
This blockade however, is not only helpful, since it harms our trade routes. That is why I would like
to ask for some help with certain supplies. There is no need to amass forces to fight of the Core, we
don't want to spare more human lives in vain, but we could use some support with fetching supplies.
We won't ask you to bring supplies to Murilo, that would be foolish, but Star Fortress is safe, we can
move the supplies from there on our own, and that way we won't risk to drag others in this war.
We can provide nomad samples and technology in return.
//Note:This Document can only be used by TAZ, OSI and Phoneix at the moment. It serves only as a RP
Then, Mikrosh continues facing all the other zoners.
Now gentlemen, if you have something to ask, about us, feel free. You could also present yourselves if you
will.
As for the meeting, I think we should talk about what kind of "council" we could all agree on, and discuss
matters of zoner security and how should we deal with the threats we face as well as we should deal with
new threats that we might face.
Oh, hurrah, tuck in. So belay that drink for a bit.
Well I would like to take a moment to applaud your efforts in furthering your goal of, what was it? Working towards a common goal. A common goal distributed by pamphlet to those found worthy, I suppose. So that's cool.
Which does serve as a rather poignant call for the case of the whole Zoner Council bit. A note on which I'll indulge in uncharacteristic brevity.
It's a horrifically poor idea which could only be brought to fruition in the fertile ground of the feeblest memories.
The last one was a miasma of cronyism and political maneuvering which fell apart at the first sign of real trouble as the presiding body attempted to fling the Zoner's war potential at the first problem it didn't feel like solving. The result was a bloody war in which we and any ally we suckered into joining our cause being pulped, Freeport Nine being kersploded and a deep rift being rent through the Zoners as a whole.
Pretty much because creating positions of political authority has this weird tendency of drawing in people who want to be in positions of political authority. Then when the buggers have it, they want to use it.
The current non system seems to be working a treat. The ports look to their own affairs and if things go tits up the TAZzers and the OSIers stand in a position to kick up dust that needs kicking. Something they've not failed in yet.
Councils tend to invent and invest in non issues to justify their own existence or to provide validity to insecure leaders. I say nay nay.
Rhyme allowed himself a cynical smirk.
Furthermore, on what grounds shall we determine whom amongst us shall be disenfranchised? Are the representatives of the Zoners anyone who sits on the highchair of a oxygen bubble sitting in space without an engine on one side? The numbered ports? Are we going to go with One through Fifteen but sit Sparta on its heels? By region? Is the vote of Ten going to weigh as heavy as that of Five when it comes to affairs concerning relations with the Corsairs?
Well I don't think we should make this council a political movement or somehow try to form a Zoners Leadership members...I don't see a point in that- We have tried that in Zoner Council few years back. It didn't work out although I believe the idea was good. I believe what we should aim for is something that name will be used for gathering us - the Zoners - to debate on matters which concern us all. We should have a place and a name of our meetings and it will definitly make us a little stronger and united in making decisions which most of us will follow. We shouldn't try to form the goverment which obviously would decline the Zoner way of life but we should be able to ... control is a wrong word ... to mantain zoner resources within Sirius. Freeport administrators can mantain their little diplomacy within their zone of influence - and they are doing great job - but what if someone comes to claims the station with force? We should have a council like this when we could contact and debate with the administrator on such matter and solution to it - it will be no use if some of us will act hostile while others will go with simple ignorance and others will try to solve issue via diplomacy. A common solution comming from the zoners groups in my opinion would make us look more convincing to people who simply see us now as another kind of freelancers...band of individuals flying around in their ships and not carrying about anything apart themselves. We should change the way people currently see us. The way we currently work make us look weak - we can't keep calm even now on this very meeting without pointing fingers and arguing with each other. Don't get me wrong - debate is welcome but we must remain cool - we need to come to compromise and try to solve issues working with each other rather then stating our decision and ignoring others.
The Zoner Council is a name that was used and brings back the memories. I believe we should forget about past and form a better future so my proposal for such meetings and debates as this one - the name that will be represent a meeting of Zoners - Zoners that care about each other and decide to work together for the sake of OUR people - No matter the diffrences and no matter the personal issue - the name that I would pick would be simple - The Zoner Forum. It will be a certain time and place where we would meet share our problems, solutions, ideas and decide how should we act to benefit the Zoner people. Of course following this new Forums decision would be up to every single one of us who will be here but still this will allow us to face the difficult times ahead together as one or at least trying to work as one.
As for the Obsidians and the situation in Zeta - I agree that we should support you in that sector although the fact that you claim to be at war with Core...worries me...isn't there a solution via diplomacy to that issue? Can't you simply deny docking rights for warships for both Order and Core so that the base you have won't be used in military way? That should solve the issue with Core who sees your instalation as an Order friendly one. I believe you cannot afford to have such a strong enemy within Omicrons. Using an enemy as a shield for Nomad atack is somehow clever but you must remember that Core forces aren't infinite and Nomad forces are. How long do you think Core will be able to be your shield? Don't you think that having both Order and Core helping you on the Nomad front would be better? Senior Ancestor , Phoenix also aims for fighting the Nomads and helping those who block their influence in the sector but we need to keep those who are fighting with squids with us and avoid being distructed with fighting with man-kind. I believe this matter should be solved with TAZ and OSI representatives who would meet with Core, since they have much more respect within Core, and they would try to calm the situation with hunters vid diplomacy - they must see that fighting between each other won't help any of Core , Order and Zoners to defeat the Nomad threat.
I almost forgot ... Mrs Holliday the meal was fantastic... I must get the recipe.
Mr Maximus, I would love to see that happen, Order, Zoners and Core fighting together against the nomads... But unfortunately, that won't happen. At least not until the Core looses enough ships against the nomads. The Core believe they are some kind of Gods, they believe they have unlimited power. They don't believe that the nomads are a threat. If they won't hit their head to a wall, they believe there is no wall in front of them. If you study this transmission, you will find out that I tried to make the Core work with the Order. But they are to stubborn, they want to eradicate the Order. And I think you agree with me that we need the Order in the Nomad war. The current state of the blockade is the closest thing to an "alliance" between Order, Zoners and Core. The Core blocked Zeta, if the nomads attack, The Order and us, OZ will come out and assist the Core. Unfortunately, this is the only way we can fight together at the moment.
He takes a small break.
I don't want to see the Core eradicated, but honestly, if the Core won't act as our line of defense, we would loose either Order pilots or OZ pilots against the nomads, this way, we might loose Core... And, I believe you know which one I prefer...
If we somehow manage to make the Core work with the Order, it would be more than great for mankind, we would have a strong fighting chance against the jellies. But, unfortunately, I don't think that is ever possible.
I fear that the current state is the only "pact" we can get.
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A disgruntled look crossed Doc's face. "It would appear that I have lost my ambassador," he sighed, an empty seat now at the table where Xavier Triton once sat. A message of resignation was on his own datapad from him.
"I guess now I represent what is left of TAZ," he said in disgust, "although I'll still try to be the moderator more than anything."
He then collected his thoughts and opinions based on what he had heard. He remembered the good and bad of both the Council of Zoners and the Zoner Alliance. He remembered how all were judged for the actions of one yet how rampant the use of their technology had become and how those it was used against wanted accountability.
"The old Council had it's good points and bad," Doc reminisced, "we had control of our technology, we knew who was using it and had security over the places that sold it. We even worked well together in the beginning but then their were the Corsairs who saw it as a miserable failure. The Privateers and the Smokeones who held accountable all Zoners for the actions of a few. We saw our diplomacy split when the Corsairs locked down Omicron Theta. While things are calm for now, who says they'll stay that way? If someone sneezes funny the Corsairs get upset."
"I mentioned the Privateers," he continued, "while the war between Bretonia and Kusari is over, might they come up with another reason to harass us? With Bretonia fighting the Gallic Royals, they may seek to take supplies for their cause even though most of us don't trade with the Royals or even venture into Gallia."
"Now, I'd love to see our technology more regulated," he explained, "but a new council may only result in old results but with different groups. After all, we are spread all over Sirius and each of us has their own set of problems to face."
He then looked to the representative of Freeport 1, "I will say this, I do think that the Confederation has done a pretty good job at this point."
"When I voiced my desire for the presence of a council of sorts, I was not looking for a formal body designed to govern anything. I was not looking for another Council of Zoners or Zoner Alliance. No, what we are doing here and now is what I desired. Merely a meeting of sorts."
"I know that OSI's board would not participate nor support another Council or Alliance, nor would I."
Teresa nodded. "The Confederation has done well; it's working, and that's what we need. Something that works." She motions to Elyssa. "Freeport 11 now entered the Confederation. I think that means we're doing something right." She smiles.
"As for a Council of sorts...I do believe, we should meet and discuss important issues more. Communication is important, is it not?"
Exacly what I said before - The meetings like this one should be arranged more often when the need comes - when the situation will be concerning all or at least most of us - when we will need to decide together how to act or IF to act in situations that future may provide us.
The old council , as Senior Holliday said , has it's good and bad sides and as I personaly see Confederation somehow following the council path I know that now it's doing the right thing and their actions are followed by safety of the Zoners.
I agree we should make this meetings our tradition in upcomming years - so the Zoner community starts to work with each other and at the same time - we avoid the structure like the old council. We are independent - we are free - but over all We all are Zoners. Let that be our goal that the Zoners will not be devided or at least we will keep the communication within our and other groups. We should not make a goverment or anything similar , nor we would make a nation but we cannot deny that we are Zoners and supporting each other is our responsibility...especialy that we live in sectors dangerous and hazardous and help from fellow Zoners is mandatory for survival.