Please allow me to further elaborate upon the rising situation in Bering. After supplying and requested the construction of a Hel-class cruiser from the Unioners of Pacifica, they seem determined to let a minor diplomatic bump result in them demanding Harmony surrender it's territory in exchange for the release of the warship to Harmony forces. As per the Admiral's orders, a strike team is preparing an precise strike to liberate the Hel and minimize casualties. Now, I know very well how this sounds to you and I wish to provide the Lane Hackers with assurances. First and foremost, we have no current plans to extend this conflict between us past this assault to liberate the vessel that belongs to us. The Unioners backing out of their end of the deal, essentially hijacking the supplies we had delivered and constructing a warship, is a blatant act of disrespect and disregard for Harmony's friendship with them.
Attempted negotiations broke down as they then demanded we surrender Harmony territory in Bering in exchange for the warship. Admiral Knight took note of their leadership issues and decided that as such, internal strife between them will not cause harm to our assets and operations. As such, a strike wing is prepared to make a tactical assault, liberate the warship from drydock and return it to Marshall Station. In the unlikely event a sustained conflict breaks out from this, I wish to clarify a few points.
Should sustained conflict occur between Battlegroup Harmony and the Unioners, the following will be in effect:
- The Lane Hackers will remain exempt from Separatist law regarding Artifact trade.
-Unioner transports in line with Lane Hacker or Gaian convoys will be considered under their protection and, unless provoked, will not be assaulted.
-Unioner vessels operating in conjunction with Lane Hacker forces will not be fired upon unless provoked.
Should you request further provisions or protections, please feel free to say so. Hopefully this mess can be played out peacefully, but we must always be prepared.