Silvan listened to everyone speak, then spoke himself
I agree Elder Benitez, we have gotten a bit off topic here. So lets resume where we left off. I believe this is what has been agreed upon so far correct?
Quote:1) Freeport 9 and Corfu Station agrees to ban all capital-class ships, with the exception of Zoner capital-class ships from mooring or docking with Freeport 9 and Corfu Station. This applies to any vessel which is a gunboat, cruiser, destroyer, battleship or dreadnought.
2)
a) The Corsair Empire shall recognize Omicron 74 and everything contained within, Freeport 9 and 5k of space surrounding it, and Corfu Base and 5k of space surrounding it, as the sovereign territory of the Zoners, with their laws applying within.
b) The Omicroners, Freeport 9 and Corfu station shall recognize the Napo Cloud, Omicron Gamma and Omicron 91, as the sovereign territory of the Corsair Empire, with their laws applying within.
c) All other territory within Omicron Theta, shall be considered uncontested, and for all purposes neutral territory, and a set of mutual laws co-written by the Council of Corsair Elders and The Omicroners shall be written, to be valid for this territory. Until these laws are written, temporary rulings shall be made.
These are:
i)The Corsair Empire is permitted to act in military defense of Corsair borders in this neutral space with no penality.
ii) The Zoners are allowed to protect supply shipments coming to Freeport 9, with no penalty.
The writing of new laws immediately dissolves these temporary rulings, and both parties will endeavour to write laws which are clearer and inclusive within a period of two months. Any confliction of Zoner and Corsair interests in this space, dissolves the temporary ruling, and will force the Omicroners, Zoners of Freeport 9 and Corfu Station, and the Council of Elders, to make laws for the territory within 72 hours of the
conflict of interest.
d) Corsairs will be permitted to open fire within the Zoner's sovereign space in Omicron Theta when all conditions are met:
i) The Corsairs in question capture and be able to provide guncam evidence for every engagement within the sovereign territory of the Zoners in Omicron Theta. If they cannot provide evidence for a specific engagement, their rights to pursue a hostile and engage them in Zoner sovereign space in Omicron Theta shall be revoked with no penalty to the Zoners.
ii) That the Corsair be actively pursuing a target into the NFZ which committed an active hostile action within four hours of the hostile's appearance within Zoner sovereign territory.
iii) Shooting a hostile within the Zoner's sovereign territory for the reason that they are hostile is not permissible. There has to be an active hostile action, within four hours of the hostile's appearance within Zoner sovereign territory.
e) Corsairs are not allowed to enter Omicron 74. They are disallowed from following any hostile person or persons into Omicron 74. They are disallowed from opening fire in Omicron 74.
3) The Corsair Empire is permitted to maintain, at the expense of the Empire itself, weapons platforms and defensive undockable structures in the Napo cloud, for the purpose of protecting the Omicron Gamma jump-hole.
If this is satisfactory, I believe, though I may be wrong, all that is left is to include this:
Quote:4) Freeport 9 agrees to re-open the docking facilities for all Corsair vessels granted docking rights by the above clauses.
And to Discuss the finer details such as the violation punishments and what not.
Silvan then sat back in his chair, waiting to see if his assessment was correct
Jose amigo, there is a box with ... he stood up to check up on the content of the box ... 3 more bottles inside. Feel free to grab one at any time. After that, he turned to the screen.
Actually, no. This isn't agreed upon. You just happened to ignore our comments on the proposal. I see a lot of things that aren't needed here. As Jose said, we didn't come here to discuss sovereignty of Gamma, 91, 74, Sigmas, Kappa or Delta - I'm mentioning those just in case someone of you plans to get to it. We're here to talk about the current relations with between the Corsairs and Zoners in Omicron Theta. That means Freeport 9 and Corfu. If you don't have the authority to talk about Corfu, all that is left is to talk about Freeport 9. I'll tell you now, why are we all here. We are here because this station with current rules is a threat to Corsair security. You let everyone dock, and that is not acceptable. They refuel, rearm, and head on their way. I wonder which way. Hm? Corsairs that pass this space are moving to Sigmas or Eta. In one of those systems, we have a base - thus no need to dock here. There is no issue with docking of fighter craft. Those can be disposed of with relative ease. But when I see 5 Ranseurs move towards Freeport 9, I don't find it stupid to assume they are heading here to rearm and proceed south. This is what makes this station a threat. This is what pisses off the Corsairs and ultimately - what was the reason for us attacking some of your ships, and the current blockade.
We came here with a document that would solve the situation, it had 4 points in it, and was one page long. One of those points is now 3 pages long. If we keep this up, we will end up wits something that is twice as long as the Laws of the Corsair Empire. Is that needed? No. It will just trap in a web of legal back doors and failed bureaucracy. Now - to the point. He looked at the screen again. Highlighting point after point and talking about each of them separately.
Quote:1) Freeport 9 and Corfu Station agrees to ban all capital-class ships, with the exception of Zoner capital-class ships from mooring or docking with Freeport 9 and Corfu Station. This applies to any vessel which is a gunboat, cruiser, destroyer, battleship or dreadnought.
THIS ... This is indeed, very important. This is why we are here. As for the following... He highlighted the second paragraph and crossed out some of the text
Quote:2)
a) The Corsair Empire shall recognize <strike>Omicron 74 and everything contained within,</strike> Freeport 9 and 5k of space surrounding it, and Corfu Base and 5k of space surrounding it, as the sovereign territory of the Zoners, with their laws applying within.
b) The Omicroners, Freeport 9 and Corfu station shall recognize the Napo Cloud<strike>, Omicron Gamma and Omicron 91,</strike> as the sovereign territory of the Corsair Empire, with their laws applying within.
I think we all can agree that mentioning Gamma, 91, 74 or any other system, is pretty pointless here. Si?
Quote:c) All other territory within Omicron Theta, shall be considered uncontested<strike>, and for all purposes neutral territory, and a set of mutual laws co-written by the Council of Corsair Elders and The Omicroners shall be written, to be valid for this territory. Until these laws are written, temporary rulings shall be made.
These are:</strike>
i)The Corsair Empire is permitted to act in military defense of Corsair borders in this neutral space with no penality.
ii) The Zoners are allowed to protect supply shipments coming to Freeport 9, with no penalty.
<strike>The writing of new laws immediately dissolves these temporary rulings, and both parties will endeavour to write laws which are clearer and inclusive within a period of two months. Any confliction of Zoner and Corsair interests in this space, dissolves the temporary ruling, and will force the Omicroners, Zoners of Freeport 9 and Corfu Station, and the Council of Elders, to make laws for the territory within 72 hours of the
conflict of interest.</strike>
Again, no need to stress that you can protect your ships and we can protect ours. If you are the kind of pilot that wants to talk his way out of a fight that already started, I suggest you stay docked and deal with docking logs.
Concerning Theta and it being a hole in Gamma's security, the Corsairs would like to construct a base here - preferably in the Napo cloud, where it would be best hid and close to the jumphole to our home system. But that is not the point of this discussion. We can talk about that later. Let's continue with the matters at hand.
Quote:<strike>d) Corsairs will be permitted to open fire within the Zoner's sovereign space in Omicron Theta when all conditions are met:
i) The Corsairs in question capture and be able to provide guncam evidence for every engagement within the sovereign territory of the Zoners in Omicron Theta. If they cannot provide evidence for a specific engagement, their rights to pursue a hostile and engage them in Zoner sovereign space in Omicron Theta shall be revoked with no penalty to the Zoners.
ii) That the Corsair be actively pursuing a target into the NFZ which committed an active hostile action within four hours of the hostile's appearance within Zoner sovereign territory.
iii) Shooting a hostile within the Zoner's sovereign territory for the reason that they are hostile is not permissible. There has to be an active hostile action, within four hours of the hostile's appearance within Zoner sovereign territory.</strike>
This entire part is pointless. The No-Fire Zone rules are covering this already. If they don't, they should.
Quote:<strike>e) Corsairs are not allowed to enter Omicron 74. They are disallowed from following any hostile person or persons into Omicron 74. They are disallowed from opening fire in Omicron 74.</strike>
No. No. And again - NO. We will not exchange Freeport 9 for your base in 74. The Corsairs will pursue targets if they run to your other base. They will hunt the targets that go refueling to your other bases in 74. This will be happening, and we will do whatever we can to stop it. That includes entering the system and going ballistic.
Quote:3) The Corsair Empire is permitted to maintain, at the expense of the Empire itself, weapons platforms and defensive <strike>undockable</strike> structures in the Napo cloud, for the purpose of protecting the Omicron Gamma jump-hole.
I think this is where we talk about a Corsair base in Theta, si? What harm would one do in the Napo cloud? Turrets and platforms aren't effective, when compared to a crew of a military grade vessel and it's crew.
So.. To sum up...
He clicked a button on his screen and the crossed out text disappeared, leaving this on the screen:
Quote:1) Freeport 9 and Corfu Station agrees to ban all capital-class ships, with the exception of Zoner capital-class ships from mooring or docking with Freeport 9 and Corfu Station. This applies to any vessel which is a gunboat, cruiser, destroyer, battleship or dreadnought.
2)
a) The Corsair Empire shall recognize Freeport 9 and 5k of space surrounding it, and Corfu Base and 5k of space surrounding it, as the sovereign territory of the Zoners, with their laws applying within.
b) The Omicroners, Freeport 9 and Corfu station shall recognize the Napo Cloud as the sovereign territory of the Corsair Empire, with their laws applying within.
c) All other territory within Omicron Theta, shall be considered uncontested
i)The Corsair Empire is permitted to act in military defense of Corsair borders in this neutral space with no penality.
ii) The Zoners are allowed to protect supply shipments coming to Freeport 9, with no penalty.
3) The Corsair Empire is permitted to maintain, at the expense of the Empire itself, weapons platforms and defensive structures in the Napo cloud, for the purpose of protecting the Omicron Gamma jump-hole.
Simplicity is bliss, Zoners. Concerning the docking for all Corsair vessels ... We don't need that. Cargo ships, would of course be necessary. Concerning fighters and bombers, that would be welcome, but others are not needed at all. To keep YOU neutral as you claim to be.
Coen had been silent long enough. He had been silently sending transmissions and he had just gotten word of what he wanted to hear, since he did not think the talks were going well.
"I have been called back and I cannot refuse this order." Coen stood up, interrupting whatever else was going on.
"This is where I take my leave. Do not worry, another will take my place." Coen straightened himself and strode towards the door.
"It has been a pleasure, Council of Elders." Coen bowed back at the table.
"Ferguson will not be returning either. He has taken ill. I think someone should be replacing him. Maybe." Coen started to walk out the door again.
He didn't bother to knock as he approached the door. His guards had already opened the door for him. They encircled him as he walked through the corridor past the door. The other guards did not seem too pleased. His goal was the hangar. He would easily achieve this goal. The pace was quick and the guard had their guns out. Coen has put on his robe's hood. He wished for peace, but instead got arguments. Instead he had been told that the sanctity of Omicron 74 would be violated. That, and the oversight had told him to cut short and come back. He wondered why.
He already received the transmission that Operation Nero had prematurely abdicated. Seneca was holding ground. Pisonian was right behind it, should anything happen. Everything was fine. He wondered why he has been called back, and to face a full quorum. He sighed. This day would never end.
Coen saw his replacement in the hangar bay. Victor Franks nodded curtly. He was a man that was all-business and Coen could sense he had a do-or-die attitude on his face.
Coen wondered what would happen as his ship took off with four fighter escorts. Two gunboats joined them less than 14 seconds afterward and they continued their journey home. Seneca would escort them to the gates of the quorum once they were in Omicron 74. Pisonian would hold ground at Freeport XV.
Less than five minutes after Sebastien Coen had left, Victor Franks had entered the negotiation's conference room.
His introduction was curt. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Elders. I am Victor Franks. I am replacing Sebastien Coen. I will now familiarise myself with the current proposed contract under negotiation. Thank you."
Franks nodded and sat down reading the contract and reading Coen's transmission notes at the same time.
Silvan sat and watched Coen speak and then leave. He shook his head, and looked at the Elders, his eyes holding a look of frustrated exasperation. Silvan had no idea what these Omicroners were up to, or what they were all about, but he didnt care. He had work to do.
Elder Espi, Thank you for your frank and honest opinion. You must understand, That as we have been told time and time again, we can not return to the old Zoner ways. And one of these ways is these vague contracts. If recent events have taught us anything, it is that we need to be explicitly detailed or else we are walked all over. You say that the wordier version has many legal backdoors, so too does the short version. Regardless, I shall go over your proposal.
Quote:1) Freeport 9 and Corfu Station agrees to ban all capital-class ships, with the exception of Zoner capital-class ships from mooring or docking with Freeport 9 and Corfu Station. This applies to any vessel which is a gunboat, cruiser, destroyer, battleship or dreadnought.
Ok, this stands and as far as im concerned, is in the final agreement.
Quote:2)
a) The Corsair Empire shall recognize Omicron 74 and everything contained within, Freeport 9 and 5k of space surrounding it, and Corfu Base and 5k of space surrounding it, as the sovereign territory of the Zoners, with their laws applying within.
b) The Omicroners, Freeport 9 and Corfu station shall recognize the Napo Cloud, Omicron Gamma and Omicron 91, as the sovereign territory of the Corsair Empire, with their laws applying within.
Fine. We will leave out O-74, 91 and Gamma and trust to common sense. Hopefully this does not lead to further problems down the road.
Quote:c) All other territory within Omicron Theta, shall be considered uncontested
i)The Corsair Empire is permitted to act in military defense of Corsair borders in this neutral space with no penality.
ii) The Zoners are allowed to protect supply shipments coming to Freeport 9, with no penalty.
Ok, well leave it at that
We will leave out to section concerning the NFZ specifics. This will be enforced, harshly.
And this section about O-74, This is where we hit problems, but i believe i have a solution. Entrance to O-74 will follow the same procedure as firing in the NFZ, you must take gumcams proving an active pursuit before hand. Also, since you will enter this system, We Zoners reserve the right to do the same in Corsair systems. We will chase any Known Zoner criminals or Enemies into any Corsair system. With the same rules applying of course.
Concerning a base in the Napo Cloud, Now is not the time for such talks. Lets get the fighting to stop, Then we can iron out these type of things.
So, with your agreement. Fine, but lets see what my compatriot has to say once hes done catching himself up.
Victor Franks coughed after Ferguson's serenade and exit and after Sephardi's question on the status of the meeting.
"Well, Elders, these talks may continue. Apologies for the confusion. As you are no doubt aware, Representative Ferguson has taken ill. Representative Coen has been called back. As such, only negotiator Silvan and myself will undertake these negotiations." Franks took in another deep breath after explaining the situation.
Now, as to our negotiation, I will provide a sheet for you to look over as soon as possible. As I have been kept in the loop so to speak, and have a proposed contract which is simplified. Franks had no idea why it was so simple, but he had it. And he would follow his orders.
Jose watched as yet another member of the Zoner negotiation team left. Turning to face the new negotiator Jose asks "Senor Franks. Can I ask exactly who it is that you are negotiating on behalf of? Can I also ask whether it is normal for Omicroners to play musical chairs with their negotiators and whether you are expecting any imminent calls upon you that will mean you also have to leave in the near future?"
' Wrote:Jose watched as yet another member of the Zoner negotiation team left. Turning to face the new negotiator Jose asks "Senor Franks. Can I ask exactly who it is that you are negotiating on behalf of? Can I also ask whether it is normal for Omicroners to play musical chairs with their negotiators and whether you are expecting any imminent calls upon you that will mean you also have to leave in the near future?"
"I am here negotiating on behalf of the Omicroners. I am also going to ignore your insulting taunt for the most part, for as I said am I here. In front of you. Sitting at a table. For the purpose of negotiation." Franks did not take crap. He was following orders. He was not a spineless Zoner. He had seen war before and he lost his fear of death long ago. He refused to dance around insults.
"Now, I have been asked to pass on something. I am told to say that reading this proposed contract is of utmost importance. Moreso than anything else presented."
Franks' large fingers cracked his screen as he displayed the new contract on screen.
Quote:1) All non-Zoner capital ships of war are prohibited from docking with Freeport 9 and Corfu Station. Here, capital ships are defined as any gunboat, cruiser, destroyer, or battleship class vessel. Any non-Zoner warship in Omicron Theta will be closely monitored and contacted in case of suspicious behavior.
2) All of Omicron Theta is to remain uncontested and lawless with the exception of Freeport 9 and 5k space surrounding it, Corfu Station and 5k space surrounding it and the Omicron 74 jumphole. Foreign factions, or non-Zoners may conduct any manner of activity in Theta including hostile engagement of other foreign factions, but they may not lay claim to that territory.
3) Any and all trade vessels may freely dock with either Freeport 9 and the 5k space surrounding it or Corfu Station and the 5k space surrounding it. The Zoners may protect any ship delivering supplies to Zoners.
4) Fighters and bombers, on the other hand, are explicitly prohibited from fleeing into the No-Fire Zone to escape hostile pursuit. Any ship found violating this act will have their docking rights revoked.
5) Ships may only pursue fleeing vessels into the No-Fire Zone if they can later furnish time-stamped, guncam evidence that the fleeing vessel initiated hostilities in the last 4 hours. Without such evidence, any future right to pursue fleeing targets must be revoked and pursuers may be treated as NFZ violators; this is done without penalty to the Zoners.
Ships may not pursue vessels into the No-Fire Zone if the fleeing vessels did not initiate hostilities.
Shooting a hostile within the Zoner's sovereign territory for the reason that they are hostile is not permissible.
Initiating hostilities will be determined objectively by the Zoners, as they are neutral in conflicts.
6) Authorised Omicroners may override the above rules inside Zoner sovereign space on a case-by-case basis. They may permit foreign capital ships to dock if the following two conditions are met: (1) Emergency reasons and (2) if the ship(s) in question are not using Zoner stations as a base of operation. This is done without penalty to the Zoners.
7) The Omicroners hold no responsibility over Zoners who are not in their faction, and cannot be held liable for non-Omicroner actions.
Sephardi looked at the document, reading it over carefully before responding.
"Senor Franks is it? Hard to keep track of all the Omicroners coming and going in this negotiation, but that is neither here nor there at the moment. The problem I see with this document is that we came here to make a deal with the Zoners of Freeport 9, not the Omicroners. This deal seems to exclusively apply to the Omicroners. That is unacceptable, we are talking with the Omicroners here as far as they have a part in Freeport 9's business, as far as they represent the general Zoner population. We are not here to make a deal with the Omicroners, and we have no intention of doing that."
Miguel pulled another bottle of the rum out of the box, pouring a glass for himself.
"Again I ask you Senor Silvan, Are you able to speak for the residence of Freeport 9, or has this negotiation been taken over by the Omicroners? Who speaks for Freeport 9?"
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