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He looked at Sir William with a smirk. "Audemus jura nostra defendere. I speak Latin fluently but I am not here to have a war of words with you but, Praesentibus eo negotio prudenter audiunt."
"Those present will see the treaty as binding."
"Now, there are many here, perhaps others would like a word as well?"
For the moment, he gave a thank you to Alessa. Their relationship was something they were keeping quiet.
Having received a call, Paul Mendes stepped outside to answer it undisturbed, when he returned inside, Doc already started the summit.
Damn it, lost the beginning.
Approaching Von Cloud, he whispers.
Bring me up to speed please!
Quickly Von Cloud, resumes all that happened.
Moving from Von Cloud position to a place where he could be better seen and heard, he adresses crowd.
Greetings all, for those who don't know me, I'm Paul Mendes current CEO of Omicron Supply Industries.
First, let me thank Doc. Holliday for his continuous battle for peaceful understandings and for opening the door of his beautiful home.
Second i wish to thank his amazing daughter for cooking us this delicious and exquisite delicacies.
Now to the matter at hands, first you keep saying the treaty was sign by the Confederation of Freeports and it's null because the Confederation of Freeports was disbanded, well that's half incorrect, true the Confederation was disbanded but the treaty was signed by the Council of Zoners, and the Council of Zoners represented the different councils of each individual zoner groups, as such the treaty is still very valid, because many of those groups still exist, namely Omicron Supply Industries and Temporary Autonomous Zoners, in fact, if my memory serves me well, it was Doc. Holliday one of the representatives of the Council of Zoners.
So even by Bretonian Law the Treaty can't be voided using the argument that one of the parties ceased to exist. Nevertheless one of the parties can break the treaty.
I can understand Bretonia reasons. They are losing the war, Galic forces are at their doorstep and I'm sure they are running out of space to evacuate the millions residing at Planet New London, besides many other things. What i cannot understand is why didn't the Bretonian Government approached the inhabitants of Omega-49 and discussed it or even asked for help. I'm sure they wouldn't all refuse. I personally find it disrespectful that Omicron Supply Industries as the legal administrator of Omega-49, not received a single communication from Bretonian Government regarding this matter.
Even so I'm open to reach compromises that can benefit us all so I wish to propose something.
Bretonian Government doesn't pursue the nullification of the present treaty but instead recognizes it as valid, and we make amends to it.
Such as:
Allowing Bretonia Police Authority patrols in the corridor between Planet Gran Canaria and Poole Jumphole
Respect the neutrality of Planet Gran Canary and his inhabitants.
All the communities in Planet Gran Canary shall welcome any refugee without discrimination
The area around Port Jackson be increased to 1000km
Finally the Stirling should leave the system.
Finishing is allegations, Paul Mendes moves to the bar to get some water and snack something.
At this point Voncloud had continued to watch and listen, he had learned that these sorts of talks were best treated like making Tea. You let the kettle boil first before you try to make it, the same applied here, let people get heated and boil first before then making your point. Its a nonsense to try and talk before hand.
He walked through the crowd to a point where he could address those who mattered specifically the Bretonian Delegation, he removed one of his hands from his coat pocket adjusted his glasses then stroked down his cheeks and chin.
"Alright, For those who may not know, my name is Jerard Voncloud, i am the Security Director for Omicron Supply Industries but also the Security coordinator for Gran Canaria and Omega 49 at large. But what you will likely know me for, is being the leader of the now dissolved Confederation of Freeports and being the one who dissolved it."
He paces a moment ensuring his specs stay where they were, continuing to pace about as he speaks
"Now ill address you Mr Steiner? was it? You are one of the two Bretonian Reps ive seen here, though the only one to speak so far. Now, id like to point out a few things you have said before i go into my own points, firstly you told all of us present that your here at the "Behest of The Bretonian Intelligence service AND that you were a representative of the Bretonian Crown" Now i strike it odd that the Crown and the Intelligence service whose job is likely to be in the know of both Foreign and home affairs have sent someone who just admitted they " do not know the mind of the Bretonian Government". "Don't know the mind of the government you represent? makes you wonder why your here at all if you dont know the mind of the very people your here to speak for?"
Voncloud clears his throat a moment before he carries on, facing the delegation proper
"Lets move away from that for the moment and address what has become centre of attention, the treaty of Port Jackson"
He turns and looks at the Treaty up on the display provided by Doc then he turns back with an idiot smile
"Pretty isnt it?...now as you have stated Mr Steiner, the treaty was sighed by the Zoner Council, correct me if im wrong, but 'Zoner council' and 'Confederation of Freeports'...sound quite dissimilar don't you think. Ill tell you why that is, its because they arn't the same, same as how this Treaty and the Zoner council predate the Confederation of Freeports. YET Bretonia were quite happy to leave the treaty in tact and to honour what it stood for, regardless of the fact that the Zoner Council disbanded."
"What this is, is the act of a desperate nation, the potential for these to be the last days of Bretonia as we know it are apparent, your grasping at whatever you can and Gran Canaria, which is a well known safe haven is a natural choice, especially for refugees."
He looks around the room motioning all who gathered
"Has it not occurred to you why all of these people, conquerors, cults, military's, even a bloody robot are here? They all understand and accept what Gran Canaria is, its the one place in all of Sirius that even comes close to being one actual safe spot for any and all to reside, consider who share the planet, sworn enemies live upon the surface and in relative harmony and do you know what the remaining constant has been? I can tell you what it hasn't been, that this space belongs to Bretonia?-"
He shakes his head shaking his finger
"-nonononono, its that this Planet is considered to be run by Zoners, that Omega 49 is overseen by Zoners and by extension stewarded by OSI something i myself have been on the forefront of many times. You may dispute this fact with us Zoners if you want, but do you want to try and dispute that with so many other people? all those who not only come to, but rely upon Gran Canaria for its status? Does Bretonia really have the resources to try and combat the more...lets say passionate residents of Omega 49?"
He takes a breath returning his hands to his pockets
"You say your here to negotiate, i have news for you, You, nor Bretonia are in any position to negotiate, you do not have the influence nor the power to negotiate. What you do have, is the ability to ask for help, sending in a battleship to 'negotiate' is like using a hammer to swat a fly, but what it has done, is draw attention to you, your people and the situation you are in. The issue we all have is the unwanted attention your ship could bring us.
He turns looking to the displayed treaty once more before facing everyone
"It doesnt matter who signed that treaty or when, its what the Treaty means that counts, sure its out of date, and those who signed have been and gone, but what it stands for is that Bretonia and the Zoner community respected one another, so show us that respect here and now, and we will show it to you in kind. I bring it to everyone here, Bretonia are not here to Annex the planet, Bretonia is proud, even now it has a stiff upper lip in the face of adversity doing its duty. What that Battleship is? to me? its a call for help, they are desperate, they are clawing for ways to protect its people, a position alot of us here i suspect have been in themselves
Voncloud looks to and walks up to Steiner
"let us forego the 'law' and 'Politics' talk, and go straight for the real point at hand, and what we, not just Zoners or Bretonia, but all those here, can do about it"
The man in front of him finished speaking, something that William was more or less grateful for, not that he didn't have good points, but rather because the talk of 'peace, harmony and respect' was, among other things, simply not true, at least in in Steiner's opinion. The man who called the dissolution for the Council of Zoners had little right, if any, to nitpick with technicalities. Still, if the man wanted honesty then he would get it, but Steiner would not degrade himself by giving a blunt answer, even though he believed it would be far more effective.
Mister Voncloud, it may have escaped your notice but I am not one for grandstanding. I am not overly diplomatic, I am not interested in politics, leadership or populism. I am a Lawyer, my business is the law and the execution of it to the letter. You dissolved the council of Zoners, you failed in inform the Bretonian Government, the treaty needs to be renegotiated. But we concede that we need to talk. So if you want an opening statement or a demand, I will give you one. All Corsairs will leave this planet and system without delay.
Voncloud was taken a-back by the reply, more that he didnt know if this man wanted to commit himself and his house to suicide or if his robe was hiding the biggest pair this galaxy had ever seen. However the answer he gave wasn't one for Von to reply to but he leans in closer with a hushed tone
"I dont know if your brave or stupid..but if you want the Corsairs to leave..take it up with them directly, good luck"
With that he turns and walks away knowing full well the summit was now inchs from breaking apart
"You are clearly the most insane guy in this room so far. I kind of find this cute and interesting. So tell me. How do you plan to make Corsairs leave?"
Ah, so here in lies the problem. We are not all friends, contrary to what mister Voncloud inferred, and we have some clear problems. I should very much like to know the Coalition's thoughts on the matter, perhaps the Core and Auxesia would also like to weigh in? I did find it odd that the Zoners assert that there are ways in which we can work this out, yet harbor those who have murdered and pillaged their way across Bretonia for many years and now have been seen siding with Gallia. So tell me, ladies and gentlemen, who here is actually willing to see the Corsair population stay, unharmed, unchecked and unchallenged? Surely some of you have an issue with this state of affairs. However, since we have moved away from the topic of law, at least for the time being, I shall stand aside and give the floor to someone else.
With that, William gave a curt bow and moved back into the far corner of the room, pulling out his pipe, which he intended to take outside and smoke if nothing overly interesting happened in the next short while.
When Grachov actually realised that someone was actually addressing the Coalition size, he decided to add something to the subject of the discussion.
"I cannot speak on behalf of our Premier, but I can certainly say, our people do not tolerate Cretan presence in this system, aswell as on this planet. And I believe, it is likewise. Although, there will be certain consequences if we decide to get rid of them. Such as - they might just decide to send their Armada. And Hessians just might refuse to help us in this case."
(10-13-2023, 12:51 AM)Haste Wrote: This is a feature as most Discovery players would not receive a response from women.
"I for one have no issue with them staying. I have more issue with the likes of you on this planet."
She starts walking circles around Steiner.
"You see. I gave you the benefit of the doubt and hoped that you would at least say something sensible, but this proved false. Now you stand all alone and start to cry out to other groups in a desparate attempt for backup. I find this pathetic. Bretonia should have sent someone more competent to represent them. Even that puppet queen, that you Bretonians stashed away somewhere, would do."
She stopped infront of Steiner.
"You are the aggresor, mister Steiner. The Corsairs seem to have more honor than the Bretonians at this moment.
Scylla Class Destroyer Saoirse, Gran Canaria Orbit.
Local Time: 14:24
The red-haired woman was staring at her reflection in the mirror in front of her.
Clad in what should normally is a man's outfit : a Kilt of her clan's colours, a sporran, an additional piece of tartan over the shoulder with a golden buckle and pin to fasten it; all over a simple and quite loose white shirt; heavy synth-leather boots; she was wondering :
Is dhis really worth it ?
She noticed her hand shaling while it rested on the corner of the sink. She took it and rubbed it with the other hand, anxiously.
Are ye scared, Blod' ? Ye've through so many battles, un' naow ye's shaking 'cause o' lil' wee meeting ?
Ain't jus' a gatherin', lass, un' ye know it. Doc 's estate will turn intae deh most wretched hive of scum and villainy o' deh know Sirius sector... Brets, 'Sars, un' who knows what else !
Un' Zone'... zone', doses weirdo's jus' give mae goosebumps. Jus' hope dhat oy won't have tae meet Skripto in person.
What 'bout deh meetin' itsel' ? Jus' pointless ? Oif deh Brets, want tae get in militarily, dey'll jus' roll deh war machoine.
Let oos see who will oppose'em.
She adjusted the sporran conciling a personal energy field device when a buzz came from her handbag. She picked the golden communicator from it, still vibrating held it straight in front of her and did click on one the buttons.
"Cap'tain O'Mahony 'ere, we're entering Gran Canaria atmosphere. Ma'am deh Councillor, please do proceed tae deh command deck. O'er.
Roger, cap'tain. Blodwyn strode through the metallic corridors of the destroyer until she reached the command deck.
Two Molly guards were standing in front of the airlock, clad in black Volgograd Heavy Armor, holding their usual human sized plexiglass shields with the blue light running around the edge of it, indicating that the energy field equipment wasn't activated yet.
The woman nodded at them as they let her in.
The deck was busy, crew members on their console, the captain shooting orders. From the deck could be seen the blue atmosphere they were entering and the greenish land below the warship. The crew went silent for a few moment as most of them didn't land on any planet for ages, probably since Cork...
[color=#40FF00]Tombstone Estate, Planet Gran Canaria, Omega 49 System.
Local Time: 14:52
Divided into two lines, the twenty molly marines, clad in the now usual outfit, looked up as the Destroyer took off the planet.
A light and cool breeze was caressing her face and naked knees. It has been some time to her too that she didn't land anywhere.
She breathed deeply, enyoing the fresh air for a few seconds, before the stress kicked in again. This wasn't like the air on any Molly station, this place wasn't her home, and it was full of enemies to the people of Dublin.
She totally ignored the sergeant who was still communicating with the deck of the destroyer, receiving the orders displayed in his earpiece under the heavy helmet.
At some point, the sergeant turned to the red-headed woman :
We're ready tae proceed, Ma'am !
Tombstone Estate, Planet Gran Canaria, Omega 49 System.
Local Time: 15:00
Two of the marines entered the room with her while the others stayed outside.
The woman nodded at the men escorting her, as they were asked to hand over their weapon to their hosts. As all of them were scanned, she took a quick glance at the assembly gathered in this place.
She knew were they'd stand...
When all the scanning process ended, Blodwyn nodded again at her escort, and proceed.
The showing off begun,as she walked tall , wiggling her hips conspicuously to make sure the tartan waved as she moved , striding through the middle of the room and ignoring all delegations, followed by the two marines in black and complete armor, shields on.
As she proceeded toward where SCRA and SCEC were standing, Blodwyn suddenly shook her head waving her hair around, only to give a brief gaze of defy and unmistakable contempt at the Bretonians presents.
Once arrived near the coalition delegation, she nodded politly, and stood by their side. Stand tall, and silent.
After some time, at least once someone adressed the assembly again, the red-headed woman asked in a whisper to his coalition neighbor : Did oy miss sumtin' ? Oy guess oy's late again. Did anywun be recordin' all o' dhis ?Un' oi yes, may oy uses doses tae know what happened ?
As she was asking, the woman started to search through her handbag for her communicator, pulled it out, put on an ear bud, and started a record of her own.
(03-31-2010, 11:48 PM)Sprolf Wrote: That is the crux of the matter.
If you aid us, and you aid them, you are the enemy.
If you do not aid them, you are worthless outside of extortion potential.
If you aid us, you will be treated with respect.
![[Image: 7Md2x4D.png]](https://i.imgur.com/7Md2x4D.png)
![[Image: steiner.png]](https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/364563857353605121/393563907341418496/steiner.png)
