Incoming Transmission from Canberra Star City, Tau-44
04. July 825 A.S.
To: Government of the Kingdom of Bretonia Priority: Normal Topic: Seeking a Formal Pardon
Message Contents:
As I'm sure it was flagged in your system as soon as this message was delivered, I'm going to come straight out and say it. Myself, my family, and the Crew of the Aluminum Falcon are fugitives from Bretonia. I'm sending this message in hope that we can clear this matter up to everyone's satisfaction.
During the defence of Leeds, my daughter was drafted, given a mere few weeks of training, then thrown straight into battle, where she was promptly killed. As soon as my son Michael came of age, he received a draft notice as well. I had no interest in seeing my son's life thrown away in a similar manner, so myself and my brother Kevin left our employment at Bowex, pooled our funds and bought a ship. We packed up the family as well as any friends who wanted to come and left Bretonian space.
We ran, not due to cowardice or a lack of loyalty, but to protect the ones we love. We're still loyal to Bretonia, and would gladly support the war effort any way we can, save the one way asked of us. Clearing up our fugitive status would reopen Bretonian ports to us and allow us to support our old home economically. We're even willing to shuttle supplies to assist the defenders on Leeds, and to get refugees out.
Captain John Riley, NO-Aluminum.Falcon
Natio Octavarium
The issuing of Royal Pardons remains the prerogative of Her Majesty the Queen, which is only granted in certain circumstances. Desertion is a serious offence and regardless of your motivations, this is the charge you have admitted to, I believe a letter to the Bretonian Armed Forces explaining your reasons for deserting may see the charge alleviated to Failure to appear. However I am not an expert in Military or legal matters and the final decision is ultimately made by the officers of the Armed Forces. However I shall pass on your letter to the Cabinet who, should they deem it necessary, may see fit to contact you again.
Incoming Transmission from Canberra Star City, Tau-44, Natio Octavarium
05. July 825 A.S.
To: Alexander East, Secretary to the Cabinet Priority: Normal Topic: Seeking a Formal Pardon
Message Contents:
Mr. East,
First, let me thank you for your prompt reply and for taking the time to review my request. I am well aware of the severity of our crimes, and when we left Bretonia, we fully expected our exile to be a permanent one. Still, I'd be remiss if I didn't at least attempt to make amends. My family's ability to contribute is not limited to putting a rifle in my children's hands and ordering them to charge to their deaths against the Gallic lines. Sacrificing one child in that manner should be more than sufficient, I would think. At any rate, I think I've said all that needs be said. Thank you for passing along my request to the Armed Forces.
Captain John Riley, NO-Aluminum.Falcon
Natio Octavarium