I believe we've been in this situation before. Trevor Westbrook, Minister of Defense for the Crayter Republic. I hope all is well beyond the usual, but considering the matter at hand, I'd like to get straight to business.
Ever since the situation with Aland relations have been tense, I know. Xander's screw ups are still gouged into Crayter's relations, and we're still trying to repair that image. Holman was liberated, Pecos is still guarded by the Crayter Fleet in Coronado, and the Hades is gathering up for a long slew of operations to retake and secure the Taus and liberate what remaining IMG bases that sit occupied by the enemy.
Apparently this effort was in vain, as the IMG continues to be a nuisance in the south. I wholly understand the hatred towards Bretonia. We all do, and as long as it doesn't impact the inertia of the war effort I don't really care. There is a level that Crayter will not allow the IMG to pass without warning, however. This comm, sent via public channels across Sirius, illustrates that our fears are becoming reality, that my efforts as Defense Minister were in vain and that the IMG has not learned. Universal Shipping, as I'm sure you're very well aware, is not a Bretonian company. They are, in fact, a Liberty one, which means that the IMG will effectively be digging its own grave bringing Liberty in as well, which I personally cannot live with soundly, especially since both the IMG and Universal are key contributors to the well being of the Crayter people.
As such, as the Minister of Defense for Crayter, I am demanding that the IMG cease their hostile actions against Universal, lest you face the consequences. Crayter has done what we could within our ability to see that the IMG can continue their business unobstructed by the demands of the Major Houses. Holman, Pecos, Java (to an extent), Singapore and Falkland remain free from the touch of the Houses, all in the effort to allow the IMG to do what you do day in and day out as normal as possible to the extent that was possible before this Tau Conflict. If the IMG continues to inflict hostile actions against Universal, then my people will be forced to inflict sanctions and confiscations of IMG property within Crayter space in the interest of preserving the well being of Crayter. Expect that, if you do not concede to this demand, Holman and Pecos will be occupied, and Singapore will be locked off by a garrison of the Borneo Defensive Flotilla.
I hope this gets our point across clearly, as I do not relish being the imposer of sanctions upon those who I consider friends, despite past actions. However, to preserve Crayter's future and well being, I will do what I must.
Make the right choice.
For those we left behind.
Trevor Westbrook
Minister of Defense
Crayter Republic
Guildmaster Guang Yao here.
There is much to unpack here, and I hope to have addressed everything sufficiently by the end of my message. Needless to say your open threats made this a high priority transmission.
Since it is the core of your concern here, I will start with our stance towards Universal Shipping Incorporated. Now, you've made very clear the Republic's disapproval towards the hostility, but rather surprisingly never asked why it came to that in the first place, so let me fill in some background information.
Universal was found shipping construction materials to Aland, our occupied shipyard, to aid in the Bretonian war effort. Naturally when their shippers were intercepted by Guild patrols, they were made to drop their supplies.
In the transmission that followed, USI proved completely incapable of understanding the situation and instead not only demanded compensation and blocked us from their bases, but brazenly assured us of their further intent to support Bretonia against the Guild.
Even though the Crayter Republic forsook our alliance and refused to defend us against the Bretonian Imperialists, I'm certain you must recognize that the Guild is still at war, that we consider Aland our territory under enemy occupation, and Omega-3 a warzone. While we would not harass non-Bretonian shippers from conducting regular trade through the Omegas, bringing war materials to our stolen shipyard to directly aid the enemy is a different story. For USI to assume that we would not act against that is a hopelessly naive perspective.
To move on, we are rather perplexed why you seem to be taking such an intense interest in any of this at all. We are not aware of any particular ties Crayter has with Universal, besides being a corporation from a generally friendly house. Given how you completely abandoned your closest ally when they were attacked, it's rather strange to see you jumping to the defense of what, to my knowledge, is a neutral entity, although the Crayter Republic clearly has a rather different view of how diplomatic ties should function.
I would like to point out the irony of your condemnation of Xander's traitor fleet, your issuing of threats of invasion, and of calling us "friends" in the same message.
But to address the last part of that unambiguously: You are not our friends. The Crayter Republic not only failed to defend their ally against outside aggression, you worked against us actively, a schism in your Republic large enough to spawn a substantial battlegroup which played a major role in the Omega war and a coup d'êtat back at home gave us a good impression of how Crayter values their former allies.
I wish I could be surprised that you are now threatening war over a minor conflict with a neutral third party, but given your recent history I can't say I am.
If you really are intent on ending this conflict, I have to wonder why you are contacting us and not Universal? Clearly your ties with them are much closer, seeing how you are rushing to their aid immediately, something you don't appear to have ever done for the Guild.
I can fully understand the Guild's desire to take back Aland, and thus to keep Omega-3 clear of suppliers. As I said before, as long as the inertia of the war, and thus the supply of forces to the front, is not at risk, Crayter has no qualms with the Guild working to take back Aland. I personally would rather see it in the IMG's hands anyway, but as it stands Crayter must take steps to ensure that the Gallic War is kept in our favor. Perhaps after the war, should the Guild accept, efforts could be made to return Aland to the IMG. Until then, it will need to be put on hold.
However, these reckless acts against Universal are more than the Republic is comfortable with. Universal, along with all other Liberty and Bretonian corporations, are key to the growth of Crayter, as well as to the inertia of this war. Add in that any amount of conflict against its corporations would invoke the eye of Liberty, and the aid that Crayter is supplying to the IMG, or what aid you people accept from us anyway, would effectively end.
The reason I have contacted the IMG regarding this issue, as the business with USI is being taken care of on a separate level, is that, from the evidence supplied by both the public transmission as well as yourself, the IMG are the aggressors here. These attacks, while part of your understandable and appropriate policy of starvation, are against civilians of an allied nation on foreign soil. This is something Crayter will not allow, regardless of whether it takes place within or outside the Republic.
Crayter's demand stands, though I do wish to clarify one final point.
My threat of occupation on Holman and Pecos was never one of permanency. Should the IMG accept this demand, they will remain untouched and the IMG will be allowed free access as has always been standard, regardless of the circumstances of wars or alliances. Should the IMG refuse, then Holman and Pecos shall be blockaded and occupied by Crayter Ground and Station Forces until the conclusion of the Gallic War, and Singapore quarantined from outside access by the Borneo Defense Flotilla, again until the end of the war. Regardless of how relations may go, my duty is to oversee the safety of the Crayter people, and as Minister of Defense I have a duty to plan for that safety past, present and future, regardless of whether our 'former allies' will accept it.
As I said, I don't relish these decisions, but if it keeps the war in our favor without costing lives then I'm obligated to get it done.
I hope the IMG will look at this from a practical standpoint. It will be hell if you don't.
For those we left behind.
Trevor Westbrook
Minister of Defense
Crayter Republic
I think I can keep it shorter this time.
We find ourselves confused by your seemingly conflicting statement of understanding for our wartime goals, but unable to "allow" this conflict with Universal, which again has about as much to do with the Crayter Republic as if we were in conflict with the Gas Miners Guild.
The bottom line is, the Crayter Republic cannot dictate to us our diplomacy towards third parties. You are not involved in the conflict, you are not allied to Universal Shipping, you simply are not in any position to make demands of our diplomacy towards them. And we are certainly not expecting the Republic of Liberty to have any interest in intervening either, they were not happy with Bretonia's aggression towards us to begin with, and I doubt they will have much sympathy for USI's reckless behavior. I am certain Interspace is quite happy about the increasing insurance premiums, though.
The ultimatum you are posing is tantamount to a declaration of war, which we are still willing to overlook if you will either drop this subject or figure out a solution with Universal. If they are willing to cease supplying the Bretonians in Omega-3, we could still normalize relations.
My name is Kirigiri Kyoko, and i will be taking the discussion from there. I do not put the competence of my colleague to a doubt and my overall sight on this situation correlates with what was already provided my Mr. Yao. However, i feel like my intervention is necessary in order to put an end to all the possibly occuring misunderstanding from either of the sides.
Even despite the fact the ones missing the entire point here is not the board of Guildmasters.
I am not Yao, and i will not be messing around juggling pleasant words. I am blunt and straightforward, and i am not obliged to change my approach when facing anyone. Including you.
And here's a tip - I, and, as an extension of me - The Guild - have never provided you with a permission to dictate us how our diplomacy is to be handled and playing from the position of force under a blind assumption that this approach is going to get you anywhere - it already is not working as you've expected, and the discussion with Yao have clearly shown that to me.
Giving us a friendly advice is as far as you may go, Westbrook, and you are already exceeding this limit and overextending your imaginary authority over our decisions. Besides, the Republic have started to forget the past, making an absolutely ridiculous and insulting statement that the pawns of Imperialistic regime are a key to their growth.
Such arrogance is unacceptable when addressing your saviors, don't you think so, Westbrook?
We will, however, give you a benefit of doubt, and this once - will follow your friendly advice - in honor of our mutual past, and do some testing to the Universal - they might be more willing to discuss their ignorance and our response to their behavior.
Some consideration will be made in that direction. I only need some time to pick the suitable options that might satisfy both sides. I believe you can spare us some time to see if those money obsessed magnates have came back to their senses.
~Kirigiri Kyoko.
Attachments: None.
Peace, being the distant dream it is, comes inevitably, and goes hand in hand with justice.
Cursed be the war. Heroes never die! @Vitoniz30
As it seems that my words are being misconstrued, I will clarify them for you so this 'misunderstanding' can be resolved.
Firstly, my decision, and thus the Republic's, was powered by a desire to ensure that the war effort does not lose it's fuel. I've made this readily clear as I've gone on, and I stand by it. This includes, as much as you feel it is a deterrence to your independence, the ability for our wartime ally Bretonia to stay in the fight. At this point, with the war in its final stages after the Royal Navy's defeat at New London, I am not willing to let this advantage be lost, even if it means defying what trust there is left between the IMG and Crayter. I had hoped that the IMG would understand Crayter's position, as we have understood yours during your quiet days under Jack Henderson's leadership, but apparently this is not the case. As such, so be it.
Secondly, and to your credit, you are correct. Crayter indeed does not have the authority to enforce changes to the IMG's diplomacy, as much as it would be to almost everyone's benefit. The IMG will stand by their relations, even if it's to their own detriment, and we must accept that. So, to that end, yes. You are clearly the victor.
However, as Crayter is in a state of war and are relying on our allies to stand by us until the war is over, I must take steps to be sure that not only our ability to keep fighting stays intact, but that our allies' abilities are kept alive as well. Which leads me to Universal.
Believe me when I say this, Miss Kyoko: Liberty will retaliate. I flew for the Navy for many years before I came to the Republic, and I know that Liberty protects their own, regardless of how far outside their house it is. Take Bretonia for example, and the four Liberty war fleets that tore open Gallia's invasion force last Saturday. It may not be on the same scale as with Gallia, but Liberty will retaliate against the IMG. Liberty's sympathy for the IMG at Aland may as well be void, as to them you're only proving Bretonia's point.
As such, I stand by what I've said this whole time Guildmaster: I do not take this issue lightly, and I don't relish these decisions. If Liberty gets involved, and I know they will, they will see our history together and demand Crayter take a stance. I won't have our two people slamming ships within Crayter space, so the next best thing I can offer is a temporary seizure of assets until this business quiets down. As cliche as it is, and as much as I hate to say it, this is for the IMG's own good, and if you won't back down against Universal then I'll give you no other option within Crayter space.
I hope you and Universal find a way to end this idiotic display before Liberty takes hard action. If need be, Crayter can act as an intermediary, in recognition of the IMG's numerous contributions to the Republic, as well as offer reparations to actions during the war, possibly up to and including Aland depending on how far Bretonia is willing to cooperate. Otherwise, the IMG will be alone to deal with the fallout, as I refuse to compromise Crayter's safety against Gallia even for the sake of a (former) friend.
For those we left behind.
Trevor Westbrook
Minister of Defense
Crayter Republic
As it appears this channel will remain silent, I'll assume that the IMG is refusing to meet the Republic's demand with a satisfactory answer. Silence is another way of saying 'no' in these circumstances, and as such the occupation will go into effect.
Please alert the crews at Camp Lister to be prepared for the 391st Infantry Brigade, as well as 57th Squadron "Blackbirds" and the Crayterian 7th Home Bound flotilla. I will alert my men to begin mobilizing. Major Leonard Patsa will be taking charge of the Camp until further notice by Crayterian Military command. the 7th will be imposing a blockade of the planet until the situation dies down.
In addition, the 49th Infantry Regiment will begin preparing boarding parties for Holman Outpost, and I will inform the command staff on Hades to impose a blockade of the station as well.
Finally, the Crayterian 5th Mobile Assault Task Force, lead by C.F.V. Aquatica, will be preparing to monitor and blockade Singapore and Jakarta, while infantry and marines from Borneo will board the joint station and assume command.
I will make this as clear as possible for the IMG, since you've made it clear to us of your disinterest in cooperating. The Crayter Military beyond my orders is commanded by the sole authority of those who I have given it. What happens on Pecos, Holman and Singapore will be left to the IMG to respond to. I do not expect willingness to cooperate, just as you two have clearly shown to me, but I do expect complete and unwavering efficiency in these operations.
I tried to be cooperative. I tried to work with the IMG, and all Crayter was shown in response was the cold, unfriendly glare of a former friend turned down the wrong path. We've continued to look past the IMG's reliance on Gallia to get back at Bretonia. We've continuously looked past you firing and coordinating against our wartime ally due to the past relations between Crayter and the IMG. Now that the IMG have not only pissed on the second of the three powers in this alliance, but openly coordinated against Crayter for the better part of half a year now, consider this the final straw.
The Crayter Military will be authorized to do whatever it takes to secure these locations. They will not back down, they will not be persuaded otherwise and anyone who violently resists will be subject to the full force of Crayter law up to and including imprisonment and/or death. Coordinating against the Republic is paramount to treason, and regardless of the past actions the IMG have made in the Republic's favor they will be met with force.
The IMG can have their grounds within Crayter space returned when the Government and Military agree that they have earned them. If you wish for your entire organization to be treated like children, then we will oblige.
Come back to the negotiating table when you're finished playing victim.
For those we left behind.
Trevor Westbrook
Minister of Defense
Crayter Republic
We are disappointed in your response to this situation. You are too quick in following the path you once condemned at Aland.
Our personnel at Camp Lister, Holman, and across the Taus have been notified of your intentions and defenses prepared accordingly. Rest assured that we will engage in defensive actions only.
We also plan to reach out to the Republic of Liberty. However, given that our operations there are few and far between, it is not exactly high on our priority list.
We seek your patience, and we look forward to normalization of relations in the near future.
I'm sure you're not ignorant of the events that have transpired between the Guild and the Republic. The IMG's actions against the anti-Gallic alliance were ignored due to past friendships after the Aland incident. The Republic has exercised every piece of restraint possible so long as you kept your conflict with Bretonia alone. Coordinating with our greatest enemy in this fight, the GRN, was a large smack to the face, and in many Crayterian's eyes was paramount to treason, yet we did not waver.
When the IMG thought itself wise under the current leadership to attack shipping of a crucial ally against Gallia, we took it as a sign that the IMG weren't learning. Since Aland, we've received hurtful message after another about our once most trusted ally, and to many within the Republic it was final nail after final nail, yet we looked away in the hopes that the IMG would go back to their ways under Jack Henderson, taking the punch and going on regardless. Instead, the IMG followed the example of Gallia, seething about an issue that, ultimately, only served to breed hatred and then act on it in a desperately futile effort to justify it.
The IMG's current leadership has brought them down this path. We are simply responding to these situations in the ways we believe it will most help preserve Crayter's autonomy. I personally have petitioned to the government to delay judgement to the IMG hoping that you would come around, but they were in vain and we were forced to take action.
These occupations are not permanent. They are to secure the IMG's assets in the north to prevent the Guild from interfering even more in the Tau effort. With the Gallic Enclave's retreat to the western Taus, we believe this is still critical to the survival of democracy and freedom in the region. Should the IMG return to their senses, or a group of Guild personnel wish to return to the ways before Aland, they we will happily authorize exceptions for access to these installations. The main cell of the IMG, as long as it is lead by the example Ms. Kyoko and Mr. Yao, will not access these stations. The rest of the Guild is free to do so, and we encourage it, but know that it is not our actions that have sullied this relationship, but your responses.
We will accept any cooperation you can provide, but seeing the example the Guild has set understand that we will not expect much. I hope you are more understanding than the rest of the Guild's leadership, Ms. Goldshire.
For those we left behind.
Trevor Westbrook
Minister of Defense
Crayter Republic
Guildmaster Kirigiri is currently occupied eslewhere, so i will be taking on the dialogue from this point on. As well as attending the upcoming conference hosted by the Natio Octavarium, and plan to do my best to mitigate the relations between the Republic and the Guild. Besides, you could find it more pleasant to discuss the current state of affairs with me rather that with our Omega overseer. I understand that her actions were necessary during the Aland crisis and slightly past that point, but... i acknowledge that recently it have went too far, which is not exactly up to my liking.
I intend to visit Omegas after the conference and have a serious discussion with her to take a... more diplomatic approach now, that the conflicts have significantly winded down.
I will also try and arrange myself a visit to Liberty to hold separate negotiations there, as they have been unwilling to take up the same steps we did to take a part in post-war treaty, which is... slightly less convenient that i expected, but not a big loss overall.
However, regarding your remark about the access restrictions of certain members of Board of Guildmasters - i am afraid i can not impose sanctions on those who are in equal position of power. I will, however, try and push through an amendement to actually share the zones of responsibility between me and Miss Kirigiri, as well as keep her temper at bay and guide her decisions into a more favorable path. Neither Crayter, neither Guild is in need of any further bloodshed and unnecessary infighting.
Our current course, however, have pretty much dictated our relations with your Republic. The Guild as it is - willing to mitigate the damaged relations, but only to the point of neutrality. We have no authority over people's minds or opinions, and an average guildsmen, civilian or paramilitary is not of a high opinion about your Republic, suddenly turning the table from tense relations to friendship would cause us even more harm compared to what we have already suffered in a strive for independence that went a bit too far.
Neutrality is about as far as we can and willing to go. The Guild does not want to have any dealings with the Crayter Republic past the point of not holding each other at the gunpoint. We do not want your ships near our stations, we do not want joint projects with you, as of now we just can not afford going anywhere past ending the outbreak of hostilities. The circumstances do not allow us.
And this is pretty much everything i have to tell to you.
~Rebecca Morales.
Attachments: None.
Peace, being the distant dream it is, comes inevitably, and goes hand in hand with justice.
Cursed be the war. Heroes never die! @Vitoniz30
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