In case you dint see this.. This isn't a petition to Bretonia. This is a petition to the OSC, of which due to their own lack of response has become a Sirius wide debate. Secondly, I realize the Shetland's ACTUALLY not moving now, but this is a step towards a goal. I will however apologize, as my words came off a little strong. But just as the Shetland is supposedly doing nothing Illegal, neither am I. Also, I'm not saying anything Illegal is happening there, I'm just reporting what I've seen. This isn't a petition from the government, but from some people who still believe that they can change things.
~Sipher Rockwell
"The pen is mightier than the sword." -Edward Bulwer-Lytton. "Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword never encountered automatic weapons." -General Douglas MacArthur
The petition is not 'Illegal', commissioner, and it is well within the rights of the Bretonian authorities to order Orbital Spa and Cruise to move the Shetland out of orbit of Gaia, seeing as their business practices are subject to Bretonian law within Bretonian space (as you are likely aware; CU does have a rather prominent law school, you know). I would heavily endorse this action as well, as, on my numerous research visitations to the planets orbit, atmosphere and surface I have on no less than 43 separate occasions encountered craft with their holds packed to the brim with Gaian flora and fauna, only two of which have I seen apprehended by the police, and seventeen of which have been disabled and boarded by the Gaian activists in the area. This kind of disruption of the normal ecological processes cannot be allowed. And on that note, speaking of 'not allowed' I have seen two of those tours coming down from the Shetland. Proper safety procedures and environmental preservation procedures were not taken. This is a felony. I filed reports on both those incidents. No action was taken.
Respectfully,
Corinne Whitacre, Cambridge University
***End Transmission***
Quote:Quick comment - we thought that Panzer was the Leader, Swift. -Agmen
Once again, I will reiterate this is a Petition TOWARDS OSC. I made clear not to affiliate myself with the Armed Forces or Bretonia itself in this debate. Again I will say that this is to show that not everything is shiny and perfect, and to pressure OSC into maybe changing some things. Edinburgh is definitely not the Cleanest of systems. I have had the 'pleasure' of patrolling through their and 5/6 times have run into trouble. OSC However does do a good job with security and I will give them that. You also talk about Shetland being an education center for Nature and its wonder's. Yet when they return back to places like Leeds, you don't think some jealousy arises from that? Even with Leeds' limited environmental programs, The money needed to do something and the war have kinda put it to its.. well limits. I'm getting off track however, I will say that there are people who see Leeds and ask why can't Leeds be like that and go off promoting these programs; My hat's off to you folks. Next on your list is Recreation and Foreign Support. Firstly, with the new war between Rheinland and Liberty, economy's going to be a part of their strategy as well, so corporations might expect some new taxing to help their fights (Especially Rheinland). Since we're not technically "Allied" with any house, our relations' not going to be an issue though. Lastly I'll deal with the Tourist issue. Once again, with economies tightening their belts all over Sirius, Vacations are going to be more of a family "Get together and have some good times" instead of "Hey! Lets go across the Universe!" I will also pull back some of the force from my earlier argument aimed at you. I realize the money gained from Corporate taxing is indeed great.. But do not try and tell me that Corporations do not know some of the loopholes in the law.
I'm pleasantly enjoying this and learning a share as well. Keep them coming gent's...
Also, I appreciate your addition to this debate Corinne, finally someone else confirming my facts as well...
~Sipher Rockwell
"The pen is mightier than the sword." -Edward Bulwer-Lytton. "Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword never encountered automatic weapons." -General Douglas MacArthur
Incoming Transmission...
Comm ID: Bretonia Police Authority
Origin: The Hub, New London
Subject: Shetland
In such a case as this petition is brought to the attention of the Orbital Spa and Cruise board of directors and kept away from Parliament in any form, then I do believe that it is their prerogative as to whether or not they heed it.
I don't believe I have to state the magnitude to which I am against it, however. The Shetland is one of their staple attractions, and one that Bretonia is rather proud of. Or, at least I believe we should be proud of.
Now, then, Ms. Witcare, I damn well know my laws, and I think you should re-attend law school if you believe I am wrong. Not to be nasty or any such, but, I do believe I have read the contracts with more detail than you, seeing as it is my job to know them. Not to mention the fact that a copy of the contract is on file for reference....
At any rate, my piece is said. Submit this to Orbital Spa and Cruise and leave the authorities out of it, and we'll have no further problems.
~Police Commissioner Abigail Thorn
Transmission Lost...
[8:32:45 PM] Dusty Lens: Oh no, let me get that. Hello? Oh it's my grandma. She says to be roleplay.
[12:49:19 AM] Elgatodiablo: You know its nice that you have all that proof and all, Bacon... but I just don't believe you.
Raven smiled lightly as he began typing in his response.
Incoming Transmission Comm ID: Professor Raven Smith, Independent Xenobiologist - Cambridge University Response
Ah, finally a petition to move the Shetland, this time not from those...Gaian's. However, an Ensign in the Armed Forces. This has some merit. Sipher Rockwell, you have my support.
As my colleague, Doctor Whitacre has said. This is petition has nothing to do with illegal activities, seeing how it has been sent through the proper channels. Now, I've been on Gaia's soil myself and I'd have to say, I've seen things that no other human in Sirius has seen. I've seen thing's that shouldn't of been done to this Oasis. Thing's that Bretonia should be enforcing, Last I checked. I hardly see any Bretonian Police patrolling near the Shetland. In my prospective, some underhand or backwash dealing is going on.
Mr. Knight, You say that the Luxury Liner educates new generations about Gaia and how we should preserve it. Yet, why when I go to the Shetland I don't see anything that educates new generations. All I see is tourist's taking and hunting Gaian wildlife. Destroying the ecosystem...and my gods. Have I've seen transports carrying Gaia fauna and wildlife, Not to Cambridge Research Station, but out of the Bretonian space to do whatever they feel like. Orbital Spa and Cruise has over stepped it's boundaries. If not the Corporation itself, then the Shetland crew and Captain have over stepped their boundaries.
It's either decommission the Shetland from Gaia orbit and more her somewhere else. Or remove the entire Shetland crew and captain, and place people that actually care about wildlife and fauna.
/signed Professor Raven Smith, Independent Xenobiologist - Cambridge University.
Consider your opinion noted Commissioner Thorn. I regret with having to talk to you under such toned terms. For an update, we have a good start with about 6 signatures already, 3 of which are of Professors from Cambridge. I still want to wish anyone with an opinion to voice it, as this debate is far from over. Also... If anyone finds this bloody board, or anyone within OSC that might have a good amount of authority.. Please get them to this debate. Professor Smith, I appreciate your support, and I'm just glad to have these people who have actually BEEN to Gaia voicing the experience. Being in the Armed Forces, I have rarely gone to Edinburgh to just patrol. Even if it is a secondary role for us, I feel that this is somewhere I could improve. I say this so that the people who call me a hypocrite for my calling of change can go somewhere..
...below heaven....
Now, To all of Sirius... I await your rebuttle.
~Sipher Rockwell
"The pen is mightier than the sword." -Edward Bulwer-Lytton. "Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword never encountered automatic weapons." -General Douglas MacArthur
Comm ID: Alexander Reed, Concierge and escort pilot, currently onboard the Orbital Spa and Cruise Luxury Liner Infinity (mobile)
To: Sipher Rockwell and other interested parties.
Re: Petition to remove the Luxury Liner Shetland from Gaia Orbit
Mr. Rockwell,
Allow me respond to your petition as a representative of the lower echelons of Orbital Spa and Cruise management. Your petition has been forwarded to higher levels of management, who may respond for themselves once it has been given more discussion. In the meantime:
In short, Orbital Spa and Cruise has no plans to move the Shetland in the near future. Eventually it will wear out and need replacement, but that time has not come. It is a profitable venture, and benefits not only our employees, but Bretonia as well, in the form of taxes, certainly, but also in the form of a unique resort.
As a more detailed response:
As I'm sure you already know, Orbital Spa and Cruise (OSC) operates an array of resorts and luxury liners throughout the Sirius Sector. We have resorts in or near all 4 Houses, including two in or near Bretonia. Labeling us as as a Liberty Corporation has some truth to it, as we do have strong ties to Liberty, but doesn't tell the whole story.
The Shetland has been in operation for many years now, operating within the borders of Bretonia and in accordance with Bretonian law. The Bretonian government has placed Planet Gaia under the protection of the Cambridge Research Institute. We respect this. We are granted by them the opportunity to offer a very small number of our Shetland guests expeditions to Gaia. These are sightseeing expeditions, and the sights are quite magnificent. Planet Gaia is unique in Sirius. Having been to virtually all the habitable planets (including Gaia) in all 4 Houses of Sirius , no others that I have been to compare to Gaia.
Charges of us polluting Gaia are patently false, and furthermore ridiculous. Gaia is a tourist attraction because it is a paradise, with the cleanest air and water in Sirius. Were it to become polluted, not only would that be a tragedy from an environmental standpoint, it would also no longer be an attraction. What is good for the environment of Gaia is good for our business, and what is bad is bad for business. OSC is a business. It is no secret that we make money, or that we charge a high price for these expeditions. Much of what we charge goes back to Bretonia in the form of permits and taxes.
We are keenly aware that there is poaching of Gaian wildlife. We do not sanction this, and notify the Bretonian Police Authority when we catch offenders. However, the planet does not belong to us, we are not a police force, and we do not have exclusive access to it. We, the Bounty Hunters we hire, and our escort division do what we can to aid the authorities, but we do not have ultimate authority over Gaia, or the Edinburgh system. That belongs to the Cambridge Research Institute, and ultimately the Bretonian government.
The radical group called the Gaians are a problem, no doubt. Their terrorist activities in Edinburgh are a constant hiderance to our legitimate activities, as well as our neighbours in Edinburgh, Planetform. We would like nothing better than to have their attacks stop. As we are doing nothing wrong, as Commissioner Thorne has pointed out, there is nothing to be gained by giving in to their demands. Moving the Shetland would only result in more frequent attacks on Perth Station, and would also be akin to allowing a terrorist group to win. As a member of the BAF, I think you can see that allowing terrorists to dictate policy is not in the best interests of Bretonia.
Lastly, the Shetland serves a needed purpose, especially in these troubled times. Officers of the Bretonian Armed Forces need a place to relax in between engagements with Kusari. While the Shetland is surely not the only retreat in Bretonia, it is just as surely the nicest. We take no sides in the war, which is, and has been bad for our business, whatever the eventual outcome. However, we are more than happy to allow Bretonian Armed Forces members to stay at a reduced rate. You should come the next time you have leave, Ensign. I will be more than happy to personally arrange your stay if you are so inclined. Then you can see for yourself that far more good comes of having the Shetland in Bretonia than would come if it moved to, say, New York, or Texas. Feel free to contact me privately with your schedule and I can book a luxury suite for you and your family the next time you have leave.
Graciously yours,
Alexander Reed, Concierge, Oribital Spa and Cruise
Transmission ends...
Taylor.Davis - Zoner - Osprey MkII based off Ames Research station
Dekishima-Maru - Zoner - 'Pelican' Armored Transport co-owned by Taylor Davis and Fumiko Kimura, based off Ames Research
Alex.Reed - OS&C - Firefly based off Planet Curacao
I work for Orbital Spa & Cruise and even if I'm an ordinary employee, please let me tell you are taking the wrong target.
- Our company don't sell any shuttle services to Gaia, there is no craft or pod available to visitors. Our customers watch Gaia's fauna with macrolens from the bay of the Shetland and the only 'Gaian Wildlife' they can take away are holographies or fluffies sold at our souvenirs shop.
- Like you, OSC wants to protect Gaia from any invasion. Oh, I won't lie, not really for ecological purpose but economic. Ask yourself : why tourists would pay tickets for a trip to Edinburgh if they could visit any zoo showing Gaia's Wildlife close to their home ?
- Now another question : which company has more to gain in destroying Gaia's fauna ? Need some help ? Check another place in Edinburgh..
Moving the Shetland out of Gaia's orbit would actually make your cause worse.
Graham slowly felt that he was pulled into one of these boring contemplatory debates that he hated so much back on Cambridge, when he was taking economy courses in Cambridge University.
-Statement-
Graham Knight, MBE
Regarding petition
I've been granted a rare and unique opportunity to land on Planet Gaia during negotiations with Bounty Hunters Guild on Shetland, and glare at its' fabulous face from upclose. I fully support enviroment preservation program, but the radical means to cope with current problems suggested by Gaians are not acceptible. Luxury Liner Shetland helps us to preserve the environment in the first place. I am confident that professional men and women of Bretonia Police Authority can cope with poaching problem before it gets out of hand.
Decomissioning Shetland Liner would lead to disastrous results. It would mean that we are submitting to demands of terrorists. We cannot allow radical movement such as Gaians win. Bretonia must remain strong during these troubled times. Agreeing to demands of Gaians would create such a fuss in Dublin that we haven't seen in two hundred years since revolt on Graves station, when Sir Graves was killed. The crown would have to submit to Molly's demands as they did to those of Gaians. Loosing large area of territory in southern Bretonia and influence on eastern Bretonia would eventually lead to collapse of Bretonia as we know it under military invasion of Kusari government. Time of war is not the best place to break the nation into small pieces. Only united we truly stand strong.
Removing Shetland Liner from its current position would not serve best interests of people of Bretonia. Taxes raised on Luxury Liner Shetland help to preserve the very same enviroment that Gaians claim to protect not to mention all the workplaces it provides. BMM have recently signed a contract with ALG Waste Disposal to recycle toxic waste on BMM factories and smelters. Life quality in Leeds is already starting to improve. We are heading in the right direction.
*Incoming transmission via vox distortion, signal origin & ID unknown*
Listen to yourselves bicker back & forth. I've been hearing it all, & honestly, each & every one of you are making my head hurt.
While it gives me hope to learn that there are people within the BAF that can see past their conditioning & view a glimpse of the bigger picture, it's still not enough. It's something of a start at least, & I can't help but crack a grateful smile at the attempt.
I listen to justifications of some about how the Sh*tland's geosynchronous orbit above the planet is not only good for Gaia, but for Bretonia as a whole...That joke stopped being funny long before I was even old enough to hold a weapon.
I listen to the justifications of the military about how it's all perfectly legal, & I guarantee each & every one of you that it's not. It's really a matter of perspective. All Bretonian laws are just words, & empty ones at that.
I follow the laws of Nature because those are the only laws in the Universe that can truly be enforced, & any argument given to the contrary is nothing but mind numbing p*ss & wind vomited from the mouths of the arrogant.
Now, I'm a simple Man with simple wants & needs, & I know for a fact that Nature will have it's revenge on a timescale that goes beyond the scope of understanding. Until then, I will fight the little battles until my corpse makes it's death rattle in the end of my microscopically short existence.
In the case of the Sh*tland, no matter how thin you slice it, is simply one cancer cell among countless in the body of the Universe & regardless of any debate as to its benefit, it's simple proximity to Gaia affects its entire ecosystem.
It does, after all, cast a shadow on the surface.
That one seemingly insignificant fact will have consequences affecting the natural evolution of the planet that will not be truly understood for many millenia.