When the assistant who had escorted them to the room knocked on the door and announced that the meeting was about to begin, Orlov blinked in disorientation, and looked at the time again. He couldn't believe that almost 4 hours had passed so quickly. He had been so focused on reviewing his notes and the reports on the other guests, that he had barely noticed the passage of time. He put the terminal aside and got up from the couch. "Well, let's go there. Take us to the meeting room, please." Baxter and Orlov accompanied the assistant through the corridors of the Academy until they arrived in front of the double doors of the room where the summit would take place, which were still closed.
A few minutes passed before they opened, moments in which the Magister dedicated himself to observing the members of the rest of the invited delegations and exchanging some formal greetings and polite smiles with them. There was the Executor Francisco Javier de Creta, with his impeccably shaved face and dressed in his curious representation uniform. He also sighted Administrator Voncloud, whom he recognized due to the Neural Net communications that had already been exchanged. Yuri also observed a woman, whom he was able to identify as the CEO of the OSI, Celcius Abonwood. He had never seen her in person, nor had he communicated with her, but the photos of the file report that the Pontifical Service of Intelligence had given him left no doubt about her identity. Finally, the Magister became slightly concerned when he couldn't locate the leader of the Corsair Brotherhood, Cesar Gutierrez. He knew that he was invited, and it was expected that he would come, but at the moment, he wasn't there with the others.
Finally, the doors opened, and the guests were allowed access to a large room, with a long table in the center, around which were several black embossed leather chairs. Large glass-steel windows offered a splendid view of space while allowing the light of the white dwarf to bathe the room. Yuri turned to Baxter, who had followed him into the room. "Stand next to the entrance doors, at a distance from me, and don't move from there unless someone threatens my physical integrity." The clergyman took a quick look at the room, and at the rest of the attendees, who were already beginning to approach their seats. "I don't know how this is going to play out, but there could be tense moments. It's... relatively normal, given the circumstances. I don't want you to intervene unless my life is in danger. Understood?" Baxter nodded briefly and retreated to one side of the threshold, hands behind his back and studying the room with a searching gaze.
Orlov approached the table and took his seat, in front of which his name and rank appeared in a small hologram on the table. When everyone present had sat down, the Director of the Academy, Jill Xi, made the required introductions to the guests, and then gave the floor to Doctor John Holliday. The man, displaying an exquisite education and knowledge of the formalities of diplomacy, shook the hands of each and every one of the delegates, and then presented his allegations in favor of peace.
In the eyes of the Magister, Holliday spoke from the heart, with the simplicity of a sincere and honest man. Orlov knew that the Doctor always displayed his neutrality as if it were one of its greatest virtues, and Yuri thought that was indeed the case. He had always considered true neutrality to be something very difficult to achieve, and it rarely left anyone happy. In general, everyone was always ready to blame everything on those who did not want to participate in human confrontations. Cowards, stupid, hippies, deluded... There were many common adjectives that could be heard when someone simply stayed out of the quarrels of others. It took a lot of courage, and above all a lot of self-control, not to feel inclined to take sides and resort to violence, even if the injustices were obvious.
However, Orlov could glimpse some almost imperceptible anger in Holliday. Just a mere vibration in some word, a certain intense shine in the eyes... The Magister couldn't blame him for that, of course. MFE had been collecting wounded and dead from battlefields all over Theta for the past few months, and having to personally deal with the senselessness of those massacres... It was normal for one's insides to burn. In any case, what Orlov extracted from the Doctor's words was an appeal to reason, and understanding, to prevent the consequences of the existing confrontation from becoming even more serious.
When Holliday finished speaking, he walked back to the head of the table, where he took his place and waited. Yuri looked around the audience, stopping at the Executor de Creta, who seemed intent on starting to speak. However, his eyes drifted towards the door and the clergyman could see how he smiled slightly. Orlov turned around just to watch as a man, clearly Corsair-looking, entered the room, and who he immediately recognized as Elder Cesar Gutierrez, the leader of the Brotherhood. The Cretan advanced to his place at the table while shaking hands with the attendees, thanking Holliday for his work, and finally sat down next to the Executor. After exchanging a few friendly words with the Elder, Francisco Javier de Creta addressed the rest of those present and began to speak.
Orlov was quite surprised by the restraint of the Executor's tone, calm and lacking that cockiness so common in other Corsairs, although he couldn't help but smile a little disdainfully when the Executor referred to the zoners as the ones who could have prevented the war. However, the Magister didn't perceive anything else that could be considered arrogant, so maybe, the negotiation attempt that Francisco Javier had launched the day before the battle of Freeport 9 could have had a real intention of resolving the conflict through dialogue. The Magister listened carefully to everything the Cretan said, and took notes on his portable communications device with an electronic pen. When the images of the alleged sabotage of Freeport 9 biodome 3 were projected on the table holographic reproduction device, Yuri raised an eyebrow, intrigued. Orlov was not one of those who believed anything just because someone showed him some images that could be faked, but an information like that was worth to be investigated. He would report to the PSI as soon as he returned to Faith Haven, to see if a new operation could shed any light on the matter. It would be essential to know if the Core had gotten that far.
When Francisco Javier ended his argument, Yuri put his pen on the table, turned off the screen of his communication device, waited a few seconds, and cleared his throat. He was going to start speaking but he saw how Administrator Voncloud, red as a tomato from pure anger, hit the table with his fist and burst into shouting, outraged. That was logical, and Orlov understood perfectly the Administrator's feelings. He knew that Voncloud was a person who cared deeply about the people of Pygar and Corfu, that he had done everything in his power to try to negotiate with the Corsairs before the war, and that his efforts had been rewarded with threats. The Executor's intention was undoubtedly good in his presentation, but he had indeed made a serious mistake.
Yuri waited respectfully for Jerard to finish venting, and then raised his hands, trying to deescalate the situation. "Ladies and gentlemen, let's calm down a little, please. We can't start the meeting like this." Orlov put his hands together in gratitude. "Before saying anything else I want to express that it's an honor for me that the Holy Church in the name of which I speak, and the 11.000 souls that live under its protection in Planet Pygar, can be represented here today." The Magister paused briefly, in which he once again scanned the faces of the attendees. "I want to thank Dr. Holliday and Director Jill Xi for offering to host this summit, and I would also like the Executor to know that I admire his courage to make a stop in this conflict and call for dialogue."
Orlov lowered his eyes to the table, like making time to choose his words carefully, and then raised them again. His gaze showed quite seriousness and some anger, although his tone of voice was controlled and measured in every sentence. "I think that nobody here are unaware of the importance of this summit. The situation is catastrophic, and none of us can benefit that things continue as they are currently. Perhaps others can do it, but curiously they aren't sitting at this table." Yuri shrugged. "Anyway, I strongly believe that in the current situation we've here an excellent starting point for a peace negotiation. We may all have different points of view about how this started, but we certainly start from a common base: the war is hurting us, will do more if it continues, and none of us has anything to gain with it. That is why I've high hopes for our success."
The Magister looked directly at Francisco Javier with a censorious expression. "However, these high chances of success could be frustrated if we don't cut directly with what happened in the past, and focus exclusively on the future. " The clergyman made a demonstrative gesture opening his hand. "For example, señor de Creta, I very much agree with you that this bloodbath could have been avoided." Orlov leaned over the table and pointed his finger directly at the Executor. "But I don't think diplomatically it's a good idea to single us out as the ones who could have prevented it, because indeed, if we start talking about of things that have happened before this meeting, our words can be very unpleasant for you. After all, we haven't put any civilian in a garbage compactor and then sent the video to their family, but I can't say the same about you, the Corsairs. Equally can be said of the piracy, hostage-taking and constant threats that the Theta inhabitants have had to endure, long before any Zoner thought of picking up a weapon to defend himself."
Orlov leaned back in his seat and kept his gaze on Francisco Javier for a few seconds, and then close his eyes, take a deep breath and change his face to a more compassionate one, as he ran his hand through his silver hair. "You realize what's happening here, Executor? We've started doing what should never be done in a negotiation. We just made some reproaches about past acts, and now look..." The clergyman pointed to the table and to those sitting at it. "The tension can be cut with a damn knife and our attitude to negotiate has already been damaged. And we've just started..." Orlov adopted that expression of absolute peace and kindness that used to characterize him, while he opened his hands towards the other guests and looked at them one by one, stopping especially at Administrator Voncloud, at whom he smiled affectionately, and finishing again in the Executor. "I ask all of you please, please, that that throughout this conversation we not make references again about all the things that we consider we've done wrong until now. There are many, no doubt, and we'll probably never be able to agree on them. Therefore, let's discard what generates confrontation, and please let's focus on everything that unites us. It's the only way this will end well. Remember we're not doing this for ourselves, nor for the dead, but about the alive innocent people we represent and for their future."
Orlov breathed calmly, giving the audience time to regain their peace of mind, and then adressed Francisco Javier. "And to focus on what really matters I will give you my response to the points you raised, one by one:"
"1- Don't make friendly treaties with the Outcast." Yuri waved his hand showing disinterest. "No problem. On the part of our Church, our relationship with the Outcasts has been reduced to watching the fight from the same side of the ring as them. They helped us because they were interested, and we accepted their help because we were equally interested. Then, when our fight was no longer useful to them, they focused on their own thing. I don't blame them for that, as I never expected them to selflessly join our cause, but in the same way nothing is owed to them."
"2- A Corsair protectorate could be interesting, since we Zoners don't usually like war, at least not against other humans. However, it should be clear that the fact of being under the military protection of the Empire will not prevent us from having our own military forces, if we so wish. Furthermore, I would like to especially emphasize the importance of the joint fight against the Nomad Enemy, whose hostile activity has recently been increasing up in the Omicrons."
"3- It will be a pleasure to help with the repairs to the Freeport 9 biodomes, as soon as the last of the hostages have been freed. What's more, the Church is currently offering hydroponics technicians who can be sent to the station to help restart the biodomes, and even teach Corsair staff. During the last 7 years, we've had quite a bit of success with biodome cultivation on the surface at Faith Haven, which is why we've refined our techniques quite a bit. We can help." Orlov twitched his lips slightly, showing slight rejection. "However, I suggest that the administration of Freeport 9 be shared, or at least that there be Zoner presence in said administration. Two co-administrators, one Zoner and one Corsair, or at least that there are zoner advisors on the station's management team. Surely this would help strengthen the ties between our communities and avoid the feeling that some may have of being the 'losers' in this matter."
"4- Agree with what was expressed in this point, but I would also add that the Corsairs will help to bring fertilizer and food to Pygar." Orlov took a serious look at Francisco Javier. "War reparations must be for both parties, Executor, we've caused the damage mutually."
"5- Obviously nothing to say about the release of hostages, except that the Church will make housing available to those who have lost their home to reside in Faith Haven, if they wish."
"6- Very much agree with the last point about a common market and freedom of commercial docking. These kinds of things are what bring progress and prosperity."
The Magister considered his intervention finished, and prepared to listen to the rest of the attendees, while he poured himself a glass of water from a nearby jug.
Javier, watched with a certain surprise the reaction of Voncloud, it was a bit out of place, but understandable. He was already sadden by the Theta, he could feel the pain mister Voncloud was expressing. The fire in his eyes, the feeling of the lost ones who will never come back. He, experienced that, dozens of times, veteran of war, he knew the horrors of it, he had the hands with that stink, that stains...
After Voncloud's speech, some murmurs between the parties spoke and then, Magistrate Yuri Orlov raised his hands and started to speak. So many wise words from a charismatic and wise man. He used to study mister Orlov's career, at least, all that wasn't hidden. He spoke some words that shocked him, of course with a serious face he listened it all. He was right in some sort, zoners lost the conflict here, but they are more victims than agressors in this conflict, outcasts are. After Orlov's speech, he drank some water and put his palms togheter, before his face, then proceed to speak.
-sighs- I think, the people here present do misunderstood my way to express. But you know, señor Orlov is right, this war is draining us both empty. Zoners have no enough military ships to even defend themselves nowadays against common pirates, and our fleets are damaged, several caps got into dry-docks for repairs.
- Javier, stares at Voncloud with a sadden and serious face- Señor Voncloud, I know whats the smell of war, how do blood tastes, I watched hundreds die. I see in your eyes, you're worried for your people, you saw it with your bare eyes how crude and destructive this conflict has been. - Puts a hand at his chest, solemnly - Yes, we butchered each other, and that was horrible, that bloodbath was totally unnecessary and the only perros who will have to pay will be this outcasts who came here to kill our hermanos.
- He takes a breath, relaxes and gives a brief moment before speaking again - I do also think, Zoners have been lied by the Outcasts. Maltenses believe they are superior to us, so they prefer to use others as "cannon fodder". They lied to you all, they just wanted was to kill corsairs- rises a bit the tone - And then, they dissipated to butcher a station full of Cryer civilians with they'r families and they'r colleagues, yes, that's what they did.
- Javier relaxes and drinks some water at the table, then proceeds to talk with a charismatic approach - Señor Orlov, I like you'r way of thinking. You do speak from the wisdom of a long career of diplomatically relations. - smiles for a brief moment - Having an outcast for a friend, is like having a spider weaving his web, its a matter of time the spider gets you. About your proposals regarding mine, I am open to change the list in order to make them more fair for us all. - He opens the arms - In the end, Crete needs the same that Corfu and Pygar needs, the freeport 9, our closest sort of Fertilizers, and food, and repairs... All the hostages will be released from they'r status and the ones in need, as I said. Will be moved to Pygar or Corfu. Also, I am sure our imperial commercial navy can make good use of some contacts in Pygar to, together, bring this most needed resources to Theta and Gamma. - He circles the desk with his eyes, watching all the attendands - Don't we all here agree, that a better future is possible? Also Canaria will benefit from this trade, and a lot. I heard its in a frozen status and they need income to start some projects - smiles - And credits are always welcomed.
- He sits with the arms over the table and points Orlov with a confident smile - I never said zoners could not have military fleets in the protectorate. Nomads are still a meance, and there is no single day we have contacts with this disgusting alien things. We are not in Yuma, in a warm sunny beach, we are in the Omicrons, and the hard reality is nomads are a really big menace. - he relaxes and puts the arms over the table - I have been told you guys have a nice and competent small flotilla for nomad hunting, im pretty sure we could have some joint operations. We have the materials to help in the freeport 9 rebuilding project, but we lack the experts in the matter. Not that we could not reverse-engineer the last biodome - shurgs - But why? that would need years of work, no, no. We are in this venture togheter, amigos. Im sure we can agree on the terms and make a next page in our history, before the ghost of the past hunt us down to repeat the story.
- He ends the speech with a charismatic smile, before taking the tablet out to take some notes and waiting for the rest of the guests to speak -
- 1 Zoners will not have any type of friendly treaty to Outcasts. They will not engage in hostilities, but they will not accept them in they'r installations.
- 2 Omicron Theta, as a starting point, will become a protectorate under the Corsair empire military security. Zoners will have total freedom inside and could organizate armies, civilian structures, or any kind of action.
- 3 The zoners, as a war reparations will cooperate with the Corsair empire in the reparations of Freeport 9 and after, they will have the right to use its installations under the empire administration.
- 4 Both, Corsairs and Zoners will move fertilizers and food to Crete, Corfu, Pygar, and freeport 9. Zoners will enjoy a safe passage trough Omegas, convoys in need will have corsair patrols as escorts from Gran Canaria to Omicron Theta and Gamma.
- 5 The Corsair empire will release all Zoner hostages as a sign of good faith and intention to cooperate with the Zoners and the ones in need will be shuttled to Corfu and Pygar.
- 6 The Zoners, and the Corsairs will allow each other to dock and use installations in the Protectorate and beyond and also all trading companies will have access to both markets in an effort to help each other trade commodities and services in the civilian market.
- 7 The freeport 9 will have an administrative board composed of Corsairs and Zoners.
<Virtus unita fortior, Deterrence> Francisco Javier de Creta
Watching from her Seat Celcius kept to herself whilst other spoke. The outburst from Voncloud was understandable. Having worked under him in OSI during the Annexation of Gran Canaria. She did find herself being inspired by Orlov. He spoke with wisdom seldom seen in recent years and she couldn't help but nod along with many of his points.
Celcius Already had an idea of what she needed to say and bring to the table but Orlov's speech and Javier's responses cemented that.
Celcius didnt feel the need to stand as she spoke.
"Gentlemen, I agree with the Magister, that we should focus on what can potentially unite us. Yes, what brought us to the table is horrific, and will be remember for years to come. But making that the focus of negotiations is folly. All we have on the table now, is the situation that we find ourselves in. And the situation, whether anyone here likes it or not is thus;.
The Zoners of Theta and the Corsair's need one another. With the disbanding of Velvet, the Zoner's lost any sort of standing Military or dedicated security force which has yet to be replaced. The Corsair's not only have lost a prominent source of Food with the damage done to Freeport 9, but the trust and willing of Zoner pilots to transport food to Crete in the first place. Even my OSI pilots, who for decades have supplied food to Crete have become wary of traveling to Gamma. "
She looks at the terms on her tablet
"Before I address your terms, I will make one thing very very clear. Those present here, do not represent every Zoner. And Zoner's in general occupy a unique position of being not only on the fence but able to jump to either side. There will be those who have some sort of relation with the outcasts and wish nothing to do with Corsairs. Its just the way it is. So some of what your asking will only really apply to Theta. For example Gran Canaria, if they keep their ports open to the outcasts, there's nothing we here can say about it.
As for the terms themselves, I wish to bring attention to the first part. Making Theta a Protectorate of the Corsair's. It does have the potential to make Theta more of a warzone then before now that it has access to both Gamma and Alpha. I think we would all be stupid to think the Outcasts haven't considered making Theta apart of their space. In an ideal world, Theta would remain a neutral space, but I cant see any Corsair group willingly relinquish the chance to take control because its not in your nature.
So instead we need a guarantee that you can keep Theta and the Zoner's who dwell here safe. Who will be accountable should you fail. We need a Guarantee that this isn't just a ploy for a total take over of Theta by the Corsair's."
She turns her tablet off for the moment.
"The rest however, I see no reason to deny. Freeport 9 being Run by both, again will cause issues with many who do not have the best opinion of Corsair's but I feel this also is something that cannot be changed. OSI of course will be ready to assist in the repair of Freeport 9 and the moving of Fertilisers food and anything else required to ensure Pygar and Crete can sustain their populations"
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Doc listened with his hands together on his lap as he listened to each person speak. He was a little alarmed by Gerard's reaction but not overly surprised. He only hoped that the Corsair delegates wouldn't get upset with him. It seems that they understood or Magister Orlov was able to settle things a bit.
He had never met Celcius but was impressed by her diplomatic prowess. He nodded as she spoke of the Outcasts and the repairs of Freeport 9. With everyone having had a first round of words, Doc rose to his feet.
"Miss Celcius," he said as he gave her a nod before addressing the rest of the delegates. "Gentleman, let us not let this get out of hand. I understand Mr. Voncloud's anger as there is plenty of blame to go around but in doing that we will accomplish nothing accept maybe increase tensions. The truth is, Freeport 9 is a mess, food for all is now hard to come by and unless we put aside reparations and blame, things will only get worse."
He raised a finger on his right hand. "As a quick fix, Med Force One currently has three biodomes on it, one of which is used for crew recreation. Until we can get food stores back up, we will have it produce food prioritized for children, women, elderly and the sick and injured. We are also producing Synth Paste in Omega 3. I will see what we can ship from there. Again, it is a quick fix that we can take advantage of while we get repairs made."
He looks at the terms offered and begins responding to each. "Senors, I say this with respect. Your conflict with the Outcasts is just that, your conflict. We do agree that they probably do not care about us which is really nothing new to us. However, to deny docking could be as dangerous as angering the Corsairs. As Miss Celcius pointed out, Zoners are all over and in places that the Corsairs are not. The Outcasts are present around Freeport 6 in Tau 29 and Freeport 10 in Tau 23. To deny docking to those bases is not only up to those administrators but would create tensions with the Outcasts as well. Assaulting those two bases and pirating our ships in response would not surprise me and I know for fact that Freeport 6 has but two patrol ships. I cannot speak for other groups here but I can say that Med Force Enterprises has never had a need for agreements with them." He then gives a Cheshire cat smile. "They may have taken out Atka but um, they were not the only ones with Stabiline. We keep some for research and experiments."
"Summing some of these terms together, I think it is only proper to work together in repair and supply. I think we can all scrape up the people needed. As I said when I opened, dying is not hard for people like us, it is living that is hard. Think about it. When we have been pushed from homes and those we love butchered like we all did on Gran Canaria, that is what makes living hard. We are people of honor here. Signing a document is nice yes but honor amongst us of word and deed speaks louder." He then gives a quick chuckle, "I will forever see the Bretonian Crown as a bigger threat and problem than I ever will see the Outcasts. Here in Omicron Theta lives the Corsair and so shall we, the people of Pygar, Corfu, Freeport 9 and here on Med Force Academy. I think we should use what happened here as a learning tool to prevent it from happening again."
He reviews the last point and scratches his chin for a moment. "There is still a lot of tension, tension that will need settling around Freeport 9 so joint administratorship could be tensious. I am not sure how to address that but perhaps the site of Corsairs and Zoners working together to fix things may help. I will put on a tool belt myself to be an example. As to needed goods, we will do what we can but our transports are limited."
He finished what he had to say and returned to his seat.
Jill perched near the head of the table, a silent observer in a storm of voices. Zoners and Corsairs, their animosity seasoned with the faintest hope, hurled arguments like missiles in a precarious ballet. As host, neutrality was her creed, her voice a weapon reserved for desperation.
Memories of her grandmother's words echoed: "Silence might make you seemingly look foolish, but opening your mouth removes all doubt." Wise words, especially when navigating a labyrinth of historical wounds and fragile trust. Yet, a discordant note hung in the air. The proposed peace treaty, promising an end to a conflict between Zoners and Corsairs, ostracized the Outcasts, the Corsairs' sworn enemies
Jill listened intently, her mind racing. The Zoner-Corsair conflict ran deep and was fueled by distrust, fear and resentment, but another concern gnawed at her. Nestled in the disputed territory in Theta lay the Med Force Academy, a neutral haven for medical care to all those in need. Peace between Zoners and Corsairs, built on an Outcast embargo, could easily spiral, endangering the Academy, its personnel, and even other Med Force and Zoner installations in Sirius.
A silent exchange passed between her and Doc, seated beside her, his expression mirroring her unease. They were in sync - the focus should be on healing, rebuilding, and ensuring the flow of vital supplies, not reigniting old wars or fueling conflict elsewhere.
As the debate raged, Jill knew her role had evolved. No longer just a passive observer, she became the silent guardian, her presence a constant reminder of the bigger picture, the lives and futures teetering on the brink, not to mention the life of her beloved daughter Anya. And with that thought she knew that while she couldn't dictate the terms, she could nurture the space for dialogue, for hope to bloom. And that, in itself, was a form of leadership, powerful in its quiet strength.
Omicron Theta system, MFE Academy, the Conference room
Cesar patiently waited for his turn to speak. Von Clouds outburst was sudden but it did not surprise him, in fact he expected at least one person to react this way. It wouldn't be the first time something he has witnessed in his life. He also wanted to hear what other Zoner leaders wanted to say first. He noticed Doc Holliday he was acting different than in the past. Cesar knew he was doing his best to remain calm, but was very furious about the entire situation. He gets up to talk and he too decides to do the same and respond in calm manner.
"Senores y senoras, I understand and appreciate you sharing your concerns. Should we all agree to the terms, Corsair Empire will absolutely follow them. If we do one thing right, it's to honor our words. If our intention was to take over Omicron Theta system, this meeting would've never taken place and there would be even more bloodshed. It is why we're all here. Continuing this wretched conflict would bring nothing to anyone. Nothing! More Corsairs would lose their lives and more Zoners would lose their lives. And at this point, for what exactly? Corsair Empire is powerful and we take brutal paths in our lives full of enemies, but we don't kill for fun, however, we don't show mercy to those who are our real enemies. Wars were always present in human history, as if it's in our nature, but there is always a chance to stop them. We all want this to end as soon as possible."
He looks around the table and then addresses von Cloud first: "Senor von Cloud, I can understand your anger, but I do not only see it simply as that. It's a passion in a form of anger. You want your people to have a better life and not to live on battlefields and in poverty. Just like me, you too have seen many horrible things and you do not want others to go through it. That much I can understand. Current situation is far from ideal, but we have to start somewhere and work on improving it. We can't go back, only forward."
He continues addressing other leaders: "Senor Orlov, we are starting to get somewhere with this. You've made some good points. Nomad threat was something we've always been very cautious about. They are highly unpredictable and agressive. We never know when and where they will decide to strike. Cooperation with your forces against them would be most preferable, especially after suffered losses."
"Senora Abonwood, we had many opportunities to cooperate OSI in the past, not just through food shipments transported by your ships, but also during several crises. Your involment in fixing Omicron Theta crisis will be very essential. I do not know a Zoner group with better logistics teams. Understandably, I do agree that it would be unreasonable to expect you to cover Zoner installations of the entire Sirius with these terms, as they all have different administrations that have nothing to do with this, so I think including installations in local systems should be acceptable. I would also be delighted to see OSI supply vessels visiting us again without a fear of getting shot down."
"Senor Holliday, senora Xi. MFE has saved many lives gracias to your advanced medical knowledge and technology without any bias. I am saddened that you of all people got caught up in the crossfire. Many Corsairs talk greatly about you and respect you for what you do, so I want to work extra hard on maintaining healthy co-existance with your group. Should you require anything from the Empire, I'm all ears. Senor Holliday, I am aware this feels like a nightmare scenario to you, so let's work on getting out of this nightmare."
"Finally, senor de Creta, si, it is my priority to give our people a better quality of life without hunger and hopefully less wars. This is one of many steps we have to take. The little project my hermanos have started to cover the loss of biodomes is working, but it can do only so much. We have a lot of work to do at home as well, amigo."
Cesar finishes his speech, then returns to his seat to let the next person to speak and takes a sip of water from his bottle after sharing many words.
Javier, nodded with his head to Cesar wise words. We are all there to improve the situation and stop a future crisis. Representatives here present, we all said what has to be said, and I do think we all agree that the future is ours to take it, and the past must not stop us for improving, and growing.-Relaxed, crosses his legs and gesticulates with a small smile- Our fathers may be butchers, we, all here present willingly or not, may be sinners and monsters. But our sons must not inherit our mistakes.
Taking a slight moment to breath, drinks a sip of water. I am known for being a diplomatic man, not a butcher, neither an assassin. Those times are gone and I searched for my redemption with myself. Its the time to make the choice, and end this conflict once and for all. I am sure we, here present have already in mind plans of rebuilding, redoing and maybe even expansion.
With a slow and elegant move, he grabs his tablet and proceeds to send, to all the guests, the treaty terms and a standard digital bio-neural signature document. Time is up to make it real, and call ourselves amigos, and not just that, but aliados. -Smiles in a charismatic way- The sooner we start rebuilding, our decimated nations, the sooner the future will arrive and our sons will grow in a better place.
Sits quietly and drinks another sip of water, to clear his throat. Then, proceeds to sign the document with an elegant Hispanic signature.
<Virtus unita fortior, Deterrence> Francisco Javier de Creta
Yuri Orlov had remained silent as he listened to the rest of the delegates speak, responding with a small smile and a slight bow of his head each time one of them mentioned him directly, or made reference to something he had said in his speech, and had continued taking notes on his portable communications device, when someone of those present made an interesting observation or statement.
The Magister scratched his chin thoughtfully once everyone had finished speaking. He understood Mrs. Abonwood's fear that an assumption of a Corsair protectorate in Theta would cause more conflict, now with the Outcast, no doubt they were not going to be happy with something like what was being proposed being signed. In the same way, he agreed with Dr. Holliday that the Zoners were not interested in any conflict with the Outcasts, because the fight with them was an exclusively Corsair problem, of purely historical origins. However, it was obvious that no decision made at that summit was going to make everyone happy. Orlov knew that pleasing everyone was something that was most desirable for a diplomat, but he was also aware that it was rarely possible. Normally there would always be someone who would felt damaged and disadvantaged by any of the choices that others could approve and, when that reality was accepted, the best way to decide correctly the best option, was always to evaluate the damage that was going to be caused with it.
If they accepted the conditions of the treaty there could be problems in the future with the Outcasts as a result, yes, it was a plausible scenario, but the crude reality is that currently the Theta Zoners already had an extremely serious problem with the Corsairs. A violent conflict that was exhausting them, that was not leaning in their favor despite all the efforts invested, and in which they also were completely alone. This war was something that they necessarily had to end, as soon as possible, especially taking into account the Outcasts seemed like they had become completely disinterested about Zoner cause once they have achieved their personal goals, and that no other local powers seemed willing in participate on their side.
On the other hand, the Corsairs not only seemed to want to agree on a ceasefire, but showed real interest in ending the conflict completely, offering long-term conditions of friendship and mutual prosperity. Furthermore, in his previous intervention, the Magister had made several amendments to the points of the treaty presented by the Executor, and the truth was that he had been quite surprised to see how Francisco Javier had accepted them in their entirety, even with good grace. Orlov had clinically scrutinized Corsair's face carefully, trying to observe some kind of involuntary gesture that would reveal some hidden intention, or at least some repressed anger, but he had been unable to see anything. There didn't seem to be any falsehood in his words, nor in his actions, so Yuri had to assume that that man really wanted to do what he said, and for the reasons he said. Finally, and as an important personal positive point to Orlov, it had to be added that the Corsairs had favorably received the idea of making a collaboration against the Nomad aberrations. Both the Executor de Creta and Cesar Gutierrez had recognized the seriousness of the Nomad threat, and had expressed their commitment to coordinate with the Pontifical Guard Navy in defense operations.
Obviously, he was well aware that no one does anything out of pure altruism, except perhaps the people at the MFE, but at least the Corsairs had never tried to hide their personal interests at that summit. Ending the war with the Zoners was clearly good for them, so they could focus on their other enemies, and a military protectorate on Theta would imply a step in their favor in their eternal war with the Outcast, but the reality is that that mattered very little to Orlov. The only thing that interested him was that both parties would immediately benefit from the agreement, that the conditions demanded by the Corsairs were, in his opinion, acceptable, and that the New Covenant Church could once again dedicate itself full-time to its Sacred goals. He didn't need more to know what was the best decision he could make.
The Magister waited for Francisco Javier de Creta to finish signing the document, drank a little from his glass of water and addressed those present. "Ladies and gentlemen, I think we should congratulate ourselves, at least for the way in which we've carried out this meeting." Orlov paused briefly as he looked affectionately at all the attendees one by one. "We've started with certain tensions, on the other hand logical, given the circumstances, but we've managed to overcome it, and do our job. We haven't disappointed the people who have placed in us their trust, and their hopes about a better tomorrow."
Yuri joined his hands, and paused again for a few seconds, staring at the table, searching for the right words to express what was clear in his head. Then he raised his gaze to the others again. "I'm aware that we're at a crossroad, a complex crossroad, in which none of the paths offered in front of us are completely safe. However, these paths are the ones we have, and there are none more." The Magister looked at Mrs. Abonwood, Dr. Holliday, and Administrator Voncloud. "In front we've what the Corsairs present to us. Most of the points predict positive consequences for Theta, and probably for all the Omicrons and part of the Omegas, but it's true that there are certain aspects that we don't know what they will cause in the medium and long term. I think it's a feeling shared by all Zoners here that we prefer not to offend the Outcasts because we don't want to have problems with them, but at the same time we cannot continue with the current situation. We're now on the path to our own destruction."
Yuri pointed to the Corsair delegation, still looking at his Zoner interlocutors. "Our current enemies offer us peace. A peace without surrender and without humiliation. A peace that can be understood between equals, based on mutual reparation and support. A peace that makes us all prosper." The clergyman smiled bringing his hands together again. "Yes, the Corsairs are now our enemies, but not so long ago they were our friends, and the reality that I see is that now they sincerely want to be again. And why not? Here we've seen that some of their interests fully coincide with ours, mainly in terms of stopping killing each other and focusing our efforts on achieving a better future for all." Orlov made a demonstrative gesture with his left hand. "As for Corsair interests that don't agree with ours... Do this really affect us? We aren't going to be their military allies in their campaigns, we will not have to be enemies of their enemies, but nevertheless the Corsairs do offer to defend us from those who want to harm us. I don't know about you, but this is something perfectly acceptable to me."
The Magister made a gesture of disinterest with his hand. "The truth is that I've nothing in particular against the Outcasts, and I think that it couldn't even be considered that they've deceived us by abandoning us in this war, it was clear that they would only support our cause as long as it was in accordance with their personal objectives. But then, why all the fuss? What is owed to the Outcasts?" The clergyman repeatedly tapped his finger on the table, to make his point. "By abandoning us to our fate alone to face the Corsairs, they have placed us in this desperate situation. I think that anyone who isn't a complete hypocrite will understand that we now do what we've to do to guarantee our security, and our way of life."
Yuri looked around those present again with a serious expression. "In my humble opinion, I think the time has come to think about us, the inhabitants of the Omicrons. It's time to make the effort to leave the past behind, and think about the future we want for our people." Orlov looked back at Jerard Voncloud, and smiled him sympathetically. "I know that this is a difficult effort, I know that it requires fighting against our instincts, and our anger, but it's an effort that we've the duty to make. All of us who are here are leaders of our respective communities, and must remember we owe ourselves to them and their interests, not ours."
The Magister opened his arms to others. "Dear delegates, today we're required to make a decision that will affect the lives of many people. I ask that when deciding, you keep in mind what these people more urgent needs are right now, taking into account the situation in which we find ourselves. To me, it's pretty obvious: a future as far as possible from massacres like the one we're experiencing, where we try to treat each other as human beings, human brothers. Will we achieve it by signing this treaty?" Orlov shrugged, while smiling. "I don't know, but I'm sure that if we don't sign it we won't achieve it. Therefore, I'm willing to risk checking it out."
Yuri Orlov took his electronic pen as he turned on his portable communications device, opening the digital bio-neural signature document. He scrolled with his finger to the end of the document, and signed with his name, adding below his status as delegate. Then, he approached to the screen of the device his ring with the electronic seal that His Holiness had given him for the occasion, and digitally stamped the Pontifical Seal, next to his own signature.
After his outburst Voncloud kept to himself as everyone as spoke, giving nothing in response to those who mentioned him.
He was seething inside and doing what he could to try to keep a calm and rational mind. Nothing the Corsair's or his fellow Zoner representative's were saying was convincing him that this was nothing more then a polite way of taking control of Theta.
He had been racking his brain for different solutions, way's around or a loop hole or even a way to just walk away from what he saw as a farce. Much to his frustration there was no situation he could choose other then signing that wouldn't Risk Pygar.
All the words said by the Corsair's rubbed him up the wrong way. It was all rubbish as far as he was concerned. Sweetened word's and nothing more. The relative ease in which the other Zoner's would sign the treaty angered him further, though he figured they may see this as the only choice they have but are in a better position to negotiate. Either way he looked at it, he was bent over a barrel and he hated it. The Exodus of Gran Canaria and the founding of the Pygar Colonies was to get out from under the rule of a house, now he finds himself having no choice but to accept the rule of a house like power once more.
Once the Magister had his say and signed the treaty Voncloud stands moments after and looks to Orlov.
"With the Greatest Respect. But what a load of bollocks. There is no Decision to be made because its already been made for us"
He addresses the room
"If you think there's a choice other then signing then your all idiots. What do you think is going to happen if we don't sign hm? The Corsairs are just going to leave us alone? Go on their merry way? No. They will just continue the violence. Turn up on our doorstep and demand what's theirs. This Treaty may as well be a document of surrender. Your fool's if you think we ever had a choice in whether we sign or not."
He looks towards Javier and Cesar.
"They know they have us by the short and Curley's. That we cannot ignore the threat they pose to our respective communities. I know full well if I walk out of here without signing I do nothing but put a target on Pygar, And they know it"
Voncloud picks up the tablet looking at it a moment to get it ready before peering at Javier once more. "Want to put a gun to my head whilst I sign this? Would seem appropriate" Voncloud quips as he looks back to his tablet signing the treaty. "There. I have willingly signed the treaty I had no choice but to agree to. Make no Mistake, this does not make us 'Amigos'. It's a relationship of convenience and an assurance for the safety of Pygar. Nothing more. If I had the choice, id have nothing to do with you"