FROM: Zoner, Robert Pirx, Freeport 5
TO: Corsairs, Benitez Family
Hola Senores
Although times are tough and the reluctance between Corsairs and Zoners has been deepened, I write to you with a proposal to break the ice and establish trade relations between us.
I can offer delivery of goods which are difficult to obtain for your merchants.
As you probably know, we try to maintain a good relationship with our neighbors from Leon Base.
All who wish to do fair business with us, or need our services are welcome guests in our Freeport.
Unlike some other stations, our Freeport is Free Port. We see our future in peaceful coexistence with our neighbors, we believe that freedom and peace isn't a right, but a privilege which must be earned.
Please consider the proposal and let me know whether it makes sense.
Source : Alfonso Benitez, Etna Base, Omicron Eta
Destination : Robert Pirx, Freeport 5, Omega-41
Content : Text
Buenos dias, senor
It is, indeed, very heartening to hear from you at this crucial juncture in Zoner-Corsair relations. A series of unfortunate events and misunderstandings has snowballed into what is seen as a war between the two - who once peacefully coexisted in adjacent star systems. I am happy to see that at least some Zoners are trying to restore the status quo - something that was upset by the actions of a few, but with repercussions spreading throughout most of the Omicrons.
Nevertheless, let us not dwell in the past, and instead, look to the future. I would be most happy to work out a trade deal with you and the rest of the trading wing on Freeport 5. I am currently Base Commander at Etna Base, Omicron Eta. I am aware of the fact that Etna Base is not in close proximity of your base compared to, say, Leon. Also, it would require you to traverse through Omicron Theta - something that might not be looked kindly upon by the inhabitants of Freeport 9.
However, I hope that you will weigh all the pros and cons before coming to a conclusion about whether or not you see Etna as a viable trade destination. It would be seen as a good gesture and a sign of thawing relationships. I hope to hear from you soon.
Thank you for your kind reply. I am glad that you see a chance for cooperation. In the current situation a trip through the Omicron systems is not safe for many reasons, but we are experienced in this. Therefore, I welcome the invitation to trade with Etna Base.
In the near future my ships will be there with supplies. Regularity of this will depend on the situation, but Etna will be a constant point on the route of our vessels. I hope that our cooperation will be fruitful not only financially but also politically.
Thank you again and please let me know if you need something special.
Source : Alfonso Benitez, Etna Base, Omicron Eta
Destination : Robert Pirx, Freeport 5, Omega-41
Content : Text
Hola Senor Prix,
I welcome your decision to begin trade with Etna in the foreseeable future. It is my dearest hope that this is seen as a step towards the reconciliation between the two parties. I assure you that your ships will receive any assistance that they may require in Corsair space as it is the duty of all Corsairs to protect those who supply our bases with much-needed commodities.
Etna Base's requirements, as of now, are relatively modest. It is a mostly self-sustaining base with little or no requirements of oxygen, water or food supplies. However, occasional deliveries of these commodities will be welcome, but not necessary at the moment. But maintaining our own facilities for producing/mining these commodities is a large expense and we may consider decommissioning the same.
But, as the base is situated in dangerous territory, it is often in need of Light Arms, which we are willing to offload from your ships at a not-inconsiderate sum of 1040 SC per unit. This, I think, will be financially favourable to your trade wing. I understand that regularity of deliveries is subject to a dynamic system of variables, and I assure you that this will not be a problem as Etna houses a large stockpile of Light Arms.
In addition, we have a fully functional organ harvesting plant on Etna Base. The organs are procured primarily from the bodies found in wrecks of Outcast fighters in the system. As cardamine primarily affects the human brain, most, if not all, of the organs are perfectly safe for transplant. However, we still conduct extensive tests to make sure that they are usable, without inducing a cardamine addiction. I am sure that you will find eager buyers for these first-class human organs. You may place your orders with Santos Gomez, one of the biggest commodity traders on Etna Base. The organs are 1800 SC per unit.
Sincerely,
Alfonso Benitez
Base Commander, Etna Base
P.S. If possible, please send over a list of possible supply ships (including names) over a private channel. I will have to inform both the docking manager as well as the patrol officer.
It is good to see there is still a place for measured discussion in the Edge Worlds. Any friend of Leon base is a friend of mine, and your goods would be much appreciated at Yaren. We can offer little in return but our credits and goodwill at the moment - but I hope that will be enough.
I understand that making the journey from '41 to Omicron Delta involves passing through some of the most dangerous territory in Sirius. Rest assured that as long as you are carrying supplies for Corsair bases, you can rely on any nearby Corsair ships for protection.
And now, I must ask you a favour. You may been aware of the joint Corsair-Zoner mining facilities that were established on the planet Nauru in Omicron Delta. In the past the raw ore was transported up to Yaren base, before it was sent on to Freeport 11 for final processing. Due to recent events in Delta, we have been unable to make contact with Freeport 11 and production has ground to a halt.
Basically, what I am asking of you is - if possible - to get in touch with the Zoners of 11 and 'test the waters'. I think they will be more predisposed to listen to a friendly face in these uncertain times. I hope you can see that restarting Iridium production would be in everybody's best interests.
FROM: Robert Pirx, Freeport 5
TO: Alfonso Benitez, Etna Base
CC: Selena Benitez, Yaren Base
Hola Senores
Thank you for the information and guidance about the needs and the offer of Etna Base. Currently I am working on the possibilities of reaching the Eta. The martial law in the Theta significantly complicated the matter. I think, I manage to work it out soon. Smuggling is our job too.
Please be patient, because the current political situation is extremely complicated. Zoners not only don't have a single leadership, but it seems that we are no longer a single community. Recent events have resulted in significant polarization of positions. More to that, there are accusations of treason, of selling the station to enemy - "Freeport Five is located in quite specific place. It's unable to protect itself. Freeport Five produces a specific state of mind. In other words, it looks like you have already sold yourself to Corsair Empire." Could it be true? We do what we have to do to survive. The future will show the answer.
I hope that our cooperation will contribute to improving relations between the Zoners and Corsairs. We all need to think how it should look like. Both parties need to decide what they want from the other party and whether the other party can meet these requirements. Of course, if there is will for cooperation at all.
It seems that both nations must first seek to understand each other, and then determine whether they want to cooperate. Zoners rose in power and along with that their pride increased. Corsairs should understand that Zoners rather die than be someone's slaves. And because Zoners strength is considerable and they have the ability to organize a broad coalition, it will not be easy to beat them, if at all possible. Zoners must understand that the Corsairs do not need them anymore and they want to get rid of dependence on Zoners which offends their pride.
The two nations can either cooperate or fight. Both are equally responsible for the future. There will be peace and prosperity, or war zone and scrap fields in Theta. Sorry about the wall of chaotic thoughts but times are tough and thoughts are clouded.
Dear Selena Benitez.
Thank you very much for inviting me to Yaren. I will try to visit your station. To tell the truth only once I was in the Delta, so I have no idea what was happening there. I know this is a war zone. Order, Core, Corsairs, I do not know who fights with who, I'm sure everyone fights with the Nomads. Total mess. I have no idea who manages the FP11 and who is there. Probably Omicroners, and this causes it will be difficult to talk to them. They are "real" Zoners, or it's me, or nobody is. In any case, I'll try.
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:
Your entry is registered by pilots present in the system and they have no objection, in which case you should pass through unharmed.
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.
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.
I want to inform you, that using your suggestions, with no major problems, I provided some Light Arms to Etna Base. By the way, I learned that the base buys other commodities, which also I can provide from time to time. Bills of Loading 123
I hope that the future will be better because what I see currently, makes me very sad.
Source : Alfonso Benitez, Myrtos Villa, Planet Crete, Omicron Gamma
Destination : Robert Pirx, Freeport 5, Omega-41
Content : Text
Hola Senor Pirx,
The delivery has been confirmed by our commodities dealer. I appreciate your efforts to keep Etna Base supplied. I apologise for not being there to personally receive the goods, especially as this was hopefully the first of many such trips you will make. I am currently tied up on Planet Crete, but will make my way to Etna shortly.
"Latest report from number eight, Commander. Iridium yield is now barely a quarter of what it should be."
"That's worse than before. I take it they're still..." Selena paused, a look of distaste spreading across her features. "...hearing voices." She cringed at having to say it.
"I'm afraid so."
"Well, I guess it's true what they say - when you have a problem that can't be killed, call a Zoner. Check when the solar flares are going to next going to let us get a transmission out of Delta. I'm going to contact Prix."
"But..." Prospero trailed off.
"But what?"
"Why not just abandon the site? It doesn't seem to be worth it."
"Don't tell me the ghostly voices are getting to you too, Prospero. You know that that site contains the richest Iridium deposits surveyed on the whole planet so far. Those ruins could be extremely valuable to the right people, once broken down and packed into the back of a Correo." Selena sighed and leaned back in her seat. "And who's to say we won't run into the same problems at a new dig? We're unwanted guests out here. Delta isn't human space. Nauru isn't a human planet."
"Neither was Crete, once upon a time. I've never heard of anything like this happening back home."
"Crete is a dead world - to the aliens, at least. No trace of them but the trinkets they left behind. Nauru is different. That place is still alive."
"Still seems like we'd have an easier time focusing on other locations if you ask me."
"Maybe. We can't afford to be too productive at the moment with the equipment shortage. There's already a huge backlog of unprocessed ore." Selena grinned. "Besides, where's your sense of adventure?"
I can only assume that the Zoners of Freeport 11 are not feeling particularly amenable at the moment. Unfortunate, but not unexpected.
I have another request to make of you. Shortly before this 'crisis' broke out in the Omicrons, one of our mining teams on Nauru was having a little crisis of its own at one of the newer mines. Unexplained equipment failures and reports of disembodied voices led to some of the more weak-headed miners declaring the site haunted. Iridium production practically ground to a halt.
To cut a long story short, the apparent cause was eventually discovered when a tunneler broke through into an underground cavern. First impressions indicate the presence of an extensive system of alien ruins. We have the resources but lack the expertise to properly excavate the site. Our suspicions are that an alien artifact is somehow playing havoc with our operations, but they are just that - suspicious. This is where you come in.
In the not too distant past, it would not have been too difficult to contract some Zoner researchers to investigate. These days it is not so simple to find strangers that can be trusted. The last thing anybody wants is the Order breathing down their necks, telling them what they can and cannot sell to wealthy Manhattanites, si?
If you know of any xenoarcheologists of good character with the capability of evaluating the site and helping us get to the source of our problems, please do not hesitate to recommend them. I know you Zoners are a diverse bunch, and can only hope that you know some people along these lines.
Naturally, there will be generous financial compensation for your time and that of any xenoarcheologists you turn up.
![[Image: n4v9g3.jpg]](http://i28.tinypic.com/n4v9g3.jpg)
![[Image: Alfonso-Benitez-2.jpg]](http://lh3.ggpht.com/_O-bDPWVDLAc/TJjPqTcBpSI/AAAAAAAACbI/TayCl_mX_No/s800/Alfonso-Benitez-2.jpg)
![[Image: kingfisher2.png]](http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/7609/kingfisher2.png)