I should have voice this message as soon as I took myself to the office, but due to being bogged down in bureaucracy, I have only been able to get to it now, my sincerest apologies. My name is Jack Anderson, as you may have previously seen or heard, I have recently been appointed administrator of the planet Pygar and Corfu station, as Mr. Voncloud stepped down due to a loss of confidence within Phoenix.
Since Mr. Voncloud left his position in a hurry. I would like to re-establish ties with local groups from various stations and colonies to jointly respond to issues and threats as they arise. Would be pleased to make acquaintances.
Starlight Research Consortium Chasing starlight since 829 A.S.
From: Forgemaster Goodman
Subject: RE: Theta Zoners
Encryption Strength: Standard
Administrator Anderson,
It was with a degree of surprise that I learned of Mr. Voncloud's departure and your subsequent appointment. I extend my sincere congratulations on your new role. I recall Freeport 9 interacting with Corfu Station on occasion during my tenure many years ago as Administrator, and I'm eager to see how our collaboration can be renewed.
The Consortium maintains a modest research outpost on Pygar, primarily focused on geological surveys. While the majority of our assets are currently engaged in the Tau sector, we remain committed to fostering positive relationships with our fellow Zoners. To that end myself along with The Gryphon has been deployed to the Theta system to provide any number of technical or manufactory skills.
I believe that open communication and a spirit of cooperation are vital for the continued prosperity of this region.
I'm the leader of the New Covenant Church, a religious congregation that has resided in Pygar since 826 AS. We currently have a fairly large settlement on the planet, called Faith Haven, with a current population of over 13k inhabitants, located at coordinates 41º 54' 10'' and 12º 27' 20''. Anyway, if you have taken over the Administration of the planet I've no doubt you will have all this details about us available in your database, along with many others.
You and I haven't had the opportunity to speak in the past, although I'm aware that you've at least had some contact with the NCC. I remember well that a little over a year ago we asked to Livadia Shipyard to hurriedly buy a Nephilim-class colony ship, and it was you who assisted us, offering the reconditioning of an old ship. On that occasion you spoke to one of my subordinates, Monsignor William Patel, who later spoke to me favorably about the treatment received from you. I also know that during the Freeport 9 crisis, when we believed that the Corsairs could invade Pygar and we still didn't have our colony ship operational to evacuate our civilian population, you offered us one of your Nephilims, the Theia, to do it. Monsignor Patel conveyed our gratitude to you then, but I would like to take this opportunity to thank personally for everything you did.
Regarding the recent change in the Administration, I don't know the details of what happened and I understand that these are internal matters for the Phoenix, but I must say that I was very disappointed and upset by Administrator Voncloud's dismissal. The only thing I've heard, and which you've just confirmed, is that he has lost the confidence within the organization, which baffles me a lot. The NCC has a good and long-standing working relationship with him, and he's not someone I would consider untrustworthy, rather the opposite.
Jerard Voncloud has been the only leader in charge of the planetary Administration that we've known since we arrived here years ago, and during all this time he has earned our admiration and respect through his management. He has been a dedicated person, who has prioritized the lives of the inhabitants of Pygar above all else, including his own personal pride. Taking into account all the efficient work he has done since the colonization of Pygar began, I cannot help but consider it very unfair that he has been removed from his position.
You may be surprised by so much compliments for Administrator Voncloud but someone who acts in such an impeccable manner from a position of command as he did, inevitably ends up gaining the favor of those over whom he has influence. It's just my personal opinion, of course, but I know it's equally shared by many of the colonists on this planet, so I wouldn't feel like I was being honest with you if I didn't tell you how things feel around here. However, as I said before, I know this is an internal Phoenix matter, which I hope you can solve in the most beneficial way for Pygar.
So, leaving this aside and given the current situation, now I would be particularly interested in knowing what the current Administration's policy will be regarding the maintenance of the Theta Treaty. The NCC, as a signatory to that Treaty, believe that the collaboration arising from that agreement has been very positive for the maintenance of peace and for alleviate the food crisis resulting from the Freeport 9 biodomes destruction. Furthermore, thanks to the Treaty all parties involved are participating, to the extent that we can, in the reconstruction of these biodomes.
I hope you understand that continuing this successful joint effort is vital to the survival of the people of Pygar. In the case of the NCC, it's true that we don't have a compromised situation. Almost since our arrival we built a very large surface biodome in Faith Haven dedicated exclusively to growing vegetables, which makes our community practically self-sufficient in that aspect. Nevertheless, the vast majority of settlements on the planet don't have that luxury. After Freeport 9 crisis, the NCC offered half of its food production to Pygar Administration, and we put our colony on strict rationing, but as you might expect that was only a pretty insufficient band-aid. The reality is that the planet survives thanks to food shipments from the outside, and due to the Treaty these shipments are now regular.
For the moment, Mr. Anderson, I can only hope that the Administration of the planet and the NCC can maintain the excellent collaboration that we've had until now, and that the current Administration stay focused on what is most important: the lives of the people who inhabit Pygar.
I remain at your disposal for any questions you may need to resolve regarding us.
Comm ID ..... Jill Xi, PharmD
Location ....... Med Force General Academy, Omicron Theta
To ...................... Jack Anderson
Subject .......... Re:
Good afternoon Mr. Anderson,
Thank you for your message. I completely understand the bureaucratic delays—no need to apologize, as I’m sure many of us can relate to the pressure of getting settled into a new role.
As you may already be aware, the MFE Academy has been deeply involved in supporting the Pygar community. We provide comprehensive medical care, both inpatient and outpatient, through our academy hospital. Additionally, our hydroponics bay, which was specifically enlarged with the Pygar colony in mind, has been helping meet the food needs of the community.
With the new administration in place, we are hopeful that the Pygar colony will be able to begin picking up the food directly from the academy, as our MFE vessels are currently occupied with procuring items for the hydroponics operation. This should help streamline the process and ensure that the community continues to receive the support they need at the time they need it.
I’d be happy to discuss how we can coordinate further efforts and ensure we meet the needs of the Pygar colony in the most efficient way possible.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Regards,
Jill Xi, PharmD, Director, Med Force General Academy, Omicron Theta Med Force Enterprises
Med Force Enterprises welcomes your help!
Send your donation to [MFE]Donations and join the cause to build hope where little may exist.
Phoenix has spent the last few days in direct and exhaustive contact with the group known as Deterrence, on the subject of the Theta treaty, as well as I delving more into the affairs of the colony. I am informed that some of you are party to the treaty. I understand the root causes of why they were signed, though the terms of this treaty are truly enslaving.
Unfortunately, despite a rather lucrative offer from our organization, it was declined and in return they offered to become a party to the Theta treaty. Obviously the Corsairs were encouraged by the easy conquest of Freeport 9 without firing a shot and planned to do the same with Pygar and Corfu station, there is no other reason why they were so adamant with the Theta treaty. It is very likely that they are just like racketeers and bandits will attempt give us a lesson, instead of finding a truly beneficial agreement based on mutual respect.
However, I would like to remind you that we lost Freeport 9 while we had a partnership with the Corsairs. Moreover, we still have fresh memories about a decade ago when the Corsairs tried to do the same thing, but we managed to prevent it. Unfortunately for us, our neighbors are becoming more insidious every year and we have valid concerns about the Corsairs' next moves. Encouraged by the easy prey, they are already aiming to take over Pygar and Corfu station. While their main opponents are busy with their own problems, they are in peak of their shape and trying their best to get all control over Zoner's assets in Omicron Theta.
I ask you to wake up and stand up and tear the Theta treaty to shreds as this is not a contract but a real slave agreement. How long will they tolerate your presence on their assets? A year, two years? Then what? Is this why you came to the free worlds of the Omicrons? Didn't you fight us shoulder to shoulder with them? The MFE and NCC have provided meaningful support in resisting the usurpation of Freeport 9, though our situational allies have failed us at the worst possible time, but we have shown that Zoners can fight back even against warriors like the Corsairs.
And while I urge you to abandon your pact with the Corsairs, all I ask is that you side with the defense of the colony and Corfu station. We are not going to take revenge and overpower them in another attempt to free the Nine, we are quite capable of organizing a defensive perimeter and preventing Corsair incursion onto Pygar soil.
Phoenix has already moved its forces to protect Pygar and its inhabitants. The Order has also been invited to reinforce the planet's defensive perimeter. As you may have noticed earlier, the Mafdet cruiser is already orbiting the planet and is monitoring the activity of ships with scrambled signals that are scouting the area and are most likely interested in Pygar as well as the Corsairs. Our analysts suggest that the number of artifacts and super structures on the planet's surface are directly related.
At this point, we are going to curb the artifacts traffic from Pygar before it has a negative impact not only on the Pygar population, but on humanity. All artifacts will be subject to disposal and any ancient superstructures found will be destroyed. If you have any information about them, then by all means let us know, we will take lightning fast action to eliminate them and you will be generously rewarded.
Expect additional directives on the subject of artifact extraction and distribution. As for the Corsairs expansion, I urge you to seriously reconsider participating in it. Unlike the Corsairs, we respect your decision and leave you the right to choose.
Starlight Research Consortium Chasing starlight since 829 A.S.
From: Forgemaster Goodman
Subject: RE: Theta Zoners
Encryption Strength: Standard
Administrator Anderson,
Your concerns regarding the Theta Treaty and the Corsairs are certainly valid. However, I must express some reservations regarding your proposed course of action.
Firstly, inviting the Order to defend Pygar against the Corsairs feels like choosing one overlord over another. Both entities have proven themselves unreliable allies. The Order, despite their claims of neutrality, failed to assist Freeport 9 during the Corsair incursion, demonstrating a clear lack of commitment to the security of Zoner interests in this sector.
Secondly, your assertion that Pygar harbors a significant cache of undiscovered artifacts is perplexing. The Consortium, along with the Order, conducted extensive surveys of Pygar in the aftermath of the Nomad War. Our records indicate that the planet was thoroughly examined, with minimal discoveries of Dom'Kavash ruins and virtually no active artifacts. The majority of artifacts recovered from Pygar were extracted by K'hara-influenced human factions during the Nomad War, with any remaining artifacts subsequently recovered by the Order.
Given the thoroughness of these previous surveys, it seems unlikely that a significant cache of artifacts remains undiscovered. This raises questions about the source of your intelligence and the potential consequences of your proposed artifact disposal policy.
The Consortium remains committed to the defense of Pygar and will cooperate with other Zoner factions to resist Corsair aggression. However, we believe that a more prudent approach would involve:
Strengthening Zoner Defenses: Investing in local militias and providing them with the necessary training and equipment to defend the colony.
Diplomatic Efforts: Exploring alternative solutions to the conflict, such as seeking mediation from neutral powers or forming a defensive alliance with other Zoner factions.
Investigating the claims of hidden artifacts: Conducting independent investigations to verify the existence of these alleged caches before implementing any drastic measures.
We urge you to reconsider your alliance with the Order and explore more sustainable and collaborative solutions to the challenges facing Pygar and the Zoner community in Omicron Theta.
As I told you before, I've great respect for you as a person. The Church hasn't forgotten the dedicated care you gave us in a time of need when we were complete strangers to you, and we will always be very grateful to you. And precisely because of this respect I've for you, I believe I can do no less than offer my complete honesty about what I think.
The Theta Treaty came at a time when our backs were against the wall, it's true. The Zoner allied forces were fighting the Corsairs for their takeover of Freeport 9, and we put up quite a fight. We gave it our all. The entire system had become a slaughterhouse and both sides inflicted heavy casualties on each other. However, their numbers and firepower were overwhelmingly superior to ours. We weren't going to win that war, Mr. Anderson. It was literally impossible. I understand that you think that we could have organized some kind of guerrilla maneuvers and resisted for a few years in a perpetual state of war, making life very uncomfortable for them. The problem is that this would also certainly have made life much more uncomfortable for us.
The Corsairs offered us a ceasefire and a parley, and believe me, I was the first to think it was a joke in bad taste. On my conscience weighed the names of all the members of my Pontifical Guard who died in the fighting, trying to defend the independence of Freeport and the entire system, and the injustice committed against the Zoner community burned in my veins. I admit that I came to harbor hatred against the Corsairs, and I wished the death of each and every one of them. And believe me, for a man of faith like me, that means admitting a very great sin. However, we agreed to meet with them and talk things over because we had no alternative. A refusal would have meant continuing the war, which would have led to even more deaths, and ultimately perhaps a definitive defeat. In the end we had to decide thinking about the well-being of those who were under our responsibility, the defenseless civilians of Pygar.
On this planet, Mr. Anderson, live mainly simple people. They aren't soldiers, but rather merchants and even some farmers who try to get this hostile rock to produce something they can eat. Who are we to decide for them a future of war and death that would have led nowhere? Do you really think we could have successfully retaken Freeport? We already openly engaged the Corsair forces and fought fiercely, sought allies, even attempted a military landing on the station. If all that was of no use, I don't know what else we could have done that would have brought us victory. I, and other Zoner leaders, decided it was time to stop the violence and talk, rather than condemn our people further to inexorable death.
We went there expecting a demand for unconditional surrender, but we were quite surprised that instead the Corsairs offered us a plan to, all together, rebuild what had been destroyed and alleviate the famine that was looming over Pygar and Corfu. They offered us a Treaty whereby they wouldn't only stop the violence, but would help us turn Theta into a place where the Zoner civilian population could live better. They offered us a joint Zoner-Corsair administration of Freeport 9, and put their naval fleet at the service of the defense of the system and its inhabitants.
Of course, we didn't believe that all this would really happen. We thought that the Corsairs simply wanted to sweeten our surrender, but we signed anyway because we had no other options. I remember my envoy to the Summit in the MFE Academy later telling me how Administrator Voncloud had exploded in anger at the Corsair delegation, practically spitting in their faces, but he swallowed his pride and agreed, because he wisely knew that this was the best thing for the civilians living on Pygar and Corfu, or if you want to put it that way, the least bad.
However, more than a year has passed since we signed that Treaty, and I can tell you that the Corsairs have impeccably complied with each and every one of the agreed clauses. Not only do they allow food convoys to reach Pygar and Corfu, they even protect them. In collaboration with some Zoner groups, they are rebuilding the destroyed biodomes of Freeport 9, and they respect the joint Administration of the station. They have not set foot on Pygar, nor on Corfu, nor have they tried to place any delegation there, nor control them, and the Zoner groups operating on Theta can continue to have their own armed forces without any restrictions. Furthermore, the Corsair fleet has jointly protected the system with various Zoner forces during the recent raids by Nomad hordes several months ago, as provided for in the Treaty. Those disgusting alien aberrations cursed by Deux came at us with everything they had, and I can assure you that without the Corsairs' help, we would never have been able to repel them. In return for this protection, they haven't asked us for reciprocity, and in no case have they expected us to support their military campaigns.
What I'm trying to tell you, Mr. Anderson, is that after more than a year of the Treaty, honored by the Corsairs as well as the other signatories, I've no reason to believe that the Cretans are contemplating any operation that would go against the interests of the Zoner inhabitants of this system. Theta is relatively calm at the moment, food is flowing to Pygar and Corfu, and there is a collaboration and cordiality between the signatories of the Treaty that has so far been very beneficial to all. I don't agree with you about the hypothetical "slavery" of the current situation, and I don't understand what could be a good reason to stir things up now, to feel the guillotine of uncertainty hanging over our heads again.
When we signed this Treaty, we all thought that the Corsairs would sooner or later begin to bend the terms, if not break them outright. After all, what could we've done to avoid it? But that has not happened, and I now have real reasons to believe that the Cretans may actually have a genuine interest in keeping things as they are. That, frankly, is in the interest of my people, and in my opinion is a good thing for all the settlers of Pygar, and the inhabitants of Corfu. So, my decision, as far as the community that I lead is concerned, is that we've no intention of abandoning or breaking the Treaty.
Believe me, I haven't forgotten what happened during the taking of Freeport or afterwards, and the dead weigh heavily on my soul. Don't believe that I'm so naive as to think that the Corsair are respecting the Treaty out of mere good will, or out of pure kindness. It's obvious that they're very interested and that benefits them, because otherwise they wouldn't have offered it to us. Nevertheless, and does that matter? As a leader of my community I must put what is good for my people above all else, and if we all get something, what's the problem?It's better for everyone. Besides, if the Cretans have been able to keep their word about the Treaty, I cannot break mine. I don't have the habit of breaking the promises I make, and that, Mr. Anderson, is a virtue of which I'm proud.
I thank you for letting us know your willingness to respect our decision about the Treaty. This will make our relations much easier, and even if we don't agree in this regard, you should know I understand your position, much I may think it's misguided. Of course, the planet Administration will have our complete collaboration for the benefit of Pygar as we've provided it so far, as long as this doesn't force us to fail to comply with any of the obligations that we've as signatories of the Treaty. We will continue to actively participate in the defense of the planet and Corfu Base, and you can count on the support of our small military fleet to protect the well-being and lives of its inhabitants.
I greatly appreciate that you have interest in protecting Theta from the growing Nomad presence, that's something that the Church also takes extremely seriously. These unholy monsters are without a doubt the greatest threat facing Humanity, and we humans must stand united in a common front if we're to have a chance of successfully confronting them. I also share your approach to everything that has to do with the Nomads or their demonic creators, only fire can purify such a quantity of pure Evil. This is one of the main reasons why I believe that the Treaty is also essential for this matter, because it adds the Corsairs as our allies against the aliens. When the Nomads decide to return, and they will do it, we're going to need all available cannons firing from the same side.
Mr. Anderson, I believe we're in a very delicate moment at the moment, both on Pygar and throughout Theta. My humble suggestion to you as the new Administrator of the planet is to put politics aside and focus on the needs of the inhabitants under your responsibility. These people have been through some very bad times, and now they need to feel that their lives are not going to be blown up again. I know that many settlers around here are deeply worried that can no longer count on Jerard Voncloud, and I personally share all of their feelings. Voncloud set the bar high. As far as my Church is concerned, the Administration he headed came to have a very close understanding and trust with us that I will miss. Honestly I hope that we can achieve something similar with the one you now lead, and I will try to do my best to achieve that.
I understand your skepticism about the Order's presence on the planet. But I hasten to assure you that there is no basis for distrust or attempt to overlord the planet. I will not hide our relationship with the Order, from our friends and colleagues, although we usually try to keep all our relationships with other groups to ourselves. Though I think this is typical of many other Zoners.
The Order already provides us with indispensable support in training people at their facilities, in conjunction with the Order, we train 250 people each week to strengthen the colony's defenses. Should your men need additional training, our Corfu station office will be happy to have you on a waiting list to be sent to one of the Order's bases, where all rotational training takes place to ensure that new and experienced Marines alike get the skills they need.
As for the recent events, the Order was aware of the Corsairs invasion and saw their actions as a destabilizing factor. But unfortunately, due to various groups such the Core and Outcasts, they were unable to participate as it would have resulted in no good.
Thank you for providing the findings on scanning the planet for active artifacts. Unfortunately, the planet is large and we cannot yet reveal all of its secrets due to the truly ferocious weather in some regions. But the activity of the Wild around Pygar alarms us, that's why we’re aiming to examine each inch of its soil to ensure the safety of the settlers. Although we should focus on external problems first.
Phoenix is trying its best to stabilize the situation at the moment, despite Corsairs' position. We are looking for trading partners and potential allies to help us through these turbulent times. Not many are willing to go up against people as unprincipled as the Corsairs, but we have every chance to succeed.
Mr. Pontiff,
I am very glad that despite our differences we have points of common ground, I appreciate that very much.
Unfortunately, the Corsairs will never change and once they lose interest in honoring the letter of the contract all will be forgotten. Their conquest is never being stopped, but their modus operandi has become more sophisticated. I'll be immensely glad I've been wrong about Corsairs all my life, Mr. Pontiff. As they say, time will tell. Prosperity to you and your colony.
Posts: 8,418
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*incoming transmission*
Comm ID: Doc Holliday
Location: Personal Quarters, Med Force One
To: Mr. Jack Anderson
CC: Med Force Channels
Greetings, Mr. Anderson,
I do not believe we have had the honor of meeting but I do think we know well of each other. I feel that anything I say will mean little. Med Force Academy was built here to support the Zoners who now call Pygar home, the very same Zoners who were driven from their homes on Gran Canaria by the Bretonian Crown, myself included. While some work on station, a few have chosen to commute and call Pygar home. If no one else will say it, I will, I would choose the Corsairs as neighbors before I would any house. Maybe you do not see it or maybe you never have received the respect and courtesy that I have from the Corsairs in my time out here but it is a result of years of respect and courtesy between our people.
Pygar...it is not about the artifacts. Most of us do not care about them, whatever of them are left, it is about a place to call home and Jerard VonCloud had the interest of those people in mind when he signed the treaty even if he was not totally happy about it. You want us to shred the treaty, to go back on our word. Mind you that it is not a treaty of aggression but rather, it is one of mutual understanding and teamwork. In my over a decade now in dealing with The Brotherhood and recently the Deterrence, they have not turned a gun on me or my people.
One thing that I have noticed in my time is how things are quiet until militaries start showing up. Bretonia on Gran Canaria and Liberty on Erie. One thing you may not know is the many Corsairs living on Gran Canaria who sought a new way of life were mass killed by the Bretonian Crown, men, women and children, children that my people delivered into this world only to have to bury them. You say the Corsairs are bad, well, I say that the Crown is worse.....far worse....and the old Council of Zoners had a similar but lesser effect when they militarized. Asides a few escort ships, we do not keep much for a military force. It is by choice of those who work for me more than it is mine.
In my opinion, Mr. Voncloud should be restored as administrator as he had the interest of the people at heart. No disrespect to you, Mr. Anderson, but he was wrongly dismissed. Shoot, if you do not want his services, I will take him because he listens and does not let pride rule him.
You speak of the Wilde. I have few answers there. For now, what security ships I have are able to hold them off around the station. If the Wilde, if the Nomads want us gone I have little doubt that they can make it happen.
I have said my piece and will go back to my business in peace. I am around if you wish to talk.
Starlight Research Consortium Chasing starlight since 829 A.S.
From: Forgemaster Goodman
Subject: RE: Theta Zoners
Encryption Strength: Standard
Administrator Anderson,
Your offer of training at Order facilities is appreciated, however, the Consortium maintains a degree of autonomy and prefers to develop its own security protocols. We understand the need for vigilance in the face of Corsair aggression, but we believe that Zoner security should be directed and controlled by Zoners themselves.
Furthermore, while we acknowledge the Order's potential as a training partner, the Consortium views their actions, or rather their inaction, with a degree of skepticism. Their failure to intervene during the Core attack on Freeport 11, mirroring their absence during the Corsair seizure of Freeport 9, raises serious concerns about their commitment to the security of Zoner interests.
The Consortium has a long memory, Administrator. We recall a time when the Order, despite their claims of neutrality, prioritized their own interests over the lives of Zoners. We cannot ignore these past transgressions.
Regarding your claims of undiscovered artifacts on Pygar, the Consortium remains unconvinced. Over thirty years have passed since the Order's initial survey, a survey that concluded with the discovery of minimal ruins and virtually no active artifacts. To suggest that a significant cache of artifacts is now somehow being "mined" from the planet is a grave accusation, implying a level of illicit activity that we find difficult to believe.
The Consortium welcomes Phoenix's involvement in our research endeavors on Pygar. However, any attempt by the Order to exert control over our operations, or to utilize this situation as a pretext for increased Order presence on the planet, will be met with firm resistance.
The Consortium seeks a mutually beneficial partnership with Phoenix, one based on respect, cooperation, and a shared commitment to the security and autonomy of Zoner interests in Omicron Theta.