Massimo enters the room which will host of the Corsair representatives, making sure everything is in order. Details weren't neglected, so the guests find themselves relaxed and willing to talk. On Deterrence's place at the table a couple artifacts were placed, as Massimo is aware they adore hanging them all over their ship's consoles, like they would provide them with divine guidance and protection.
On the Brotherhood's side, Massimo places only a small artifact having this rotation mechanism to it, so the representative can use it as an anti-stress tool. Also, a couple of potent spotlights were mounted on the ceiling above the Brotherhood's place, making sure there is more than enough light so elder Buonocore can wear his sunshades with a good reason, preventing him from looking stupid by wearing them in a dim room.
The die is cast... slips from Massimo's thoughts as he reconsiders his life's choices, wondering what he got himself into. Handling a bunch of fools with prides as big as Sirius won't be a walk in the park, but it must be done, for the wellbeing of the Empire.
Just as Massimo's worries start to overwhelm him, Jerard Voncloud enters the room, immediately dispelling Massimo's thoughts and bringing him back with his feet on the ground.
Jerard, you've arrived, bueno. Take your place, and contact the Corsairs. The show must start before my nerves get the best of me. Once our guests will arrive, I need you to host the icebreaker. Engage in talks, try to open their eyes. Even the Corsairs must know when they must leave their pride down, and focus on what really matters. I believe in our little time spent together, you also managed to put your pride aside, and understood that continuing the hostilities in Theta will only weaken us. Therefore, contact Phoenix as well. Do your best that our guests won't mutilate their representative and that they're receptive to this new approach. I'll be in the bar to clear my thoughts and confess myself to a bottle of rum. Send for me after you managed to lower the tensions.
Aboard the Battlecruiser Perdition, escorted by a single Sail's guard, Voncloud was led to the room Massimo had set up. Inside was the usual configuration of a large table with spaced out chairs with no singular seat more prominent then the other. As he walked in the Guard turned and left, leaving him and Massimo alone. He spotted the little comforts that had been placed at the seats of the Corsair representatives. A nice touch he thought.
His attention goes to Massimo as he addressed him. The Corsair was nervous. Something Von hadn't seen before. A Nervous Corsair. Voncloud nodded. A lot of what Massimo said rung true, hostility's in Theta couldn't continue, but he doubted the inclusion of Phoenix. They had been invited before and refused. They hadn't kept it secret either that they were not the biggest fans of the Corsairs Either. So it was Curious to Voncloud why Massimo wanted them there. He knew what had to be done and he knew he wasn't entirely in a position to refuse either.
"I will try, that's all I can promise at this time. If they attend I will do my best to keep things, Civil. Once things are settled ill call for you as you ask"
Von went to his assigned Seat, a neural net pad had been laid out ready for him to send his communication, as well as a Cup of Tea. Once again a nice touch he thought. He considered what to say and how to say it, sipping on his tea as he typed out a draft. It didn't take long for him to find the words, maybe half a cup of tea.
Setting the pad up ready to record on the table, Voncloud recorded his message, with tea in hand, and sent it out. Sat down once more he held the Tablet to await replies. He knew it would go one of two ways. A quick reply as those looking may be scanning for his comm ID. Or no reply going along the lines of not negotiating with Terrorists or some such.
The answer didn't take long as those address returned the communication with answers Massimo likely didn't want, but more likely worse then he had expected. Though Curiously for Voncloud, Phoenix had said yes. Rather then call for Massimo he decided to head to the bar himself. Upon opening the doors he found there was a singular guard, who turned to face him,
"Are you able to take me to the bar? i must speak with Massimo"
The Guard nodded, First in acknowledgement, then in the direction to follow him. Walking through the corridors they ended up eventually at the Bar canteen part of the ship. Massimo sat at the bar, with the rum he had mentioned earlier. Voncloud turned to the guard. "Mind watching me from here? Your chief here isn't going to like what I need to tell him" The Guard looked up to the bar then back to Voncloud and nodded, taking a position by the door. Von nodded back before he walked over to Massimo, perching on the stool beside him. The pad placed upon the bar he looks to Massimo. "I sent the message as you asked, and i got replies rather quickly. But it isn't good. In fact its pretty bad. Other then Phoenix, no one is coming"
Voncloud slides the tablet over, for Massimo to see before adjusting his glasses up his nose. "The Zoner's aren't willing to negotiate whilst you have me Captive, nor aboard a Corsair ship. And the other Corsairs?. Seems they have given you an ultimatum and expect you to comply"
Voncloud Turns on the stool, resting his back on the bar. "I do have some suggestions. But this is your party. What are you going to do?
Hearing Voncloud coming instead of calling as he should have, Massimo begins to worry. Right before Von sits next to him, he finishes the rum that was left in his glass in one shot, hoping this will keep him cool.
When presented with the Neural Net tablet by Von, Massimo throws his eyes on it, but doesn't turns the head which he holds with his left hand. Done reading, then listening to what Von has to say, lights up a cigar and stays silent until he finishes it.
So, the Corsairs suddenly remembered they are Corsairs, but they did so with their own kin, while your fellow Zoners see them as their salvation. What a fucking irony.
The bartender, noticing Massimo going from nervous to angry, steps in and pushes him another glass of rum. To our guest here, the Queen's favorite, Massimo told the barman.
As Von raises his cup of tea, Massimo could no longer keep his thoughts, which burst out loud, prompting Von to put the cup down and listen with a sense of fear. Blasted fools, not even the Zoners were scared of their ultimatums, and they expect us to tremble? Wrong decision, amigos. The Black Sails will not tolerate to be commanded by braindead fools. If they expect to see our battlecruisers next to Kefalonia, next to Fes, or in the most optimistic outcome next to the Penitence, it shan't happen. The Black Sails will continue on their path with likeminded allies or none at all, in pursuit of its goals.
Just as Massimo finishes, he sees Von turning around with his eyes about to launch out of his head. That could mean only one thing, a Phoenix has arrived. He raises towards the incoming Zoner, pointing at a round table with his right hand, inviting him to take a seat. Seeing this, Von attempts to make a silent escape, but before he could even get up from the stool, he is stopped by Massimo: Mister Voncloud, I would like you to witness the discussion of two factions who desire peace.
They proceed to sit down at the round table, with Massimo facing the Phoenix representative, and Von on the side, in between the two. The zoners gave each other stink eyes, before Massimo addresses the representative: The Black Sails appreciate your response to our call for peace, signor...
Hyperion flagship of the Phoenix drifted in orbit of the planet Palmyra. Christian watched pensively in the semi-darkness as the sun's rays quickened out through the planet's atmosphere. What was this message and what was its purpose? Was it sincere or was it another Corsairs ploy or Voncloud's intrigue? Phoenix will under no circumstances accept the act of surrender and enslavement to the freedoms referred to as the "Theta treaty". And although Christian has repeatedly voiced a position and offered to find a compromise with Deterrence nothing has been heard due to their egos that have grown due to their triumph over taking over a civilian station.
The sun finally emerged from the planet's shadow and filled his quarters with bright light. Christian, as if awakened and with a clear plan, decided to contact the bridge. He waved his hand and Alec Reed, the head of Phoenix security, appeared before him. "Get the ship ready to jump, I need to get to Omega 5 as soon as possible." A look of surprise slid across his face for a second, but he nodded silently and Christian cut the connection, heading for the bridge.
Arriving on the bridge Alec reported that the ship was ready. "What is the purpose of the visit? Given the events at Theta..." Christian glared at him and patted him on the shoulder "Apparently there are Corsairs with a more flexible stance on everything that's going on. And if this isn't another ultimatum, we have a good chance of the conflict being brought down by a few groups." Alec became indignant "But sir..." Christian cut him off "Get any fighter ready for me, I'll head to Black Sails base alone."
A flash illuminated Omega 5 space and the flagship burst out into the system. A moment later, the fighter headed towards Cadiz, on the coordinates of Perdition. After docking, Christian jumped out of cockpit onto the deck of the cruiser. Shortly after, a stocky man not in the mood for conversation approached him and asked "Zoner?" Christian nodded and then gestured for him to follow. A few decks later he pointed to enter the room and turned aside.
Christian entered the room and saw familiar silhouette of Voncloud - well, at least he is alive Christian thought. He followed to Massimo invitation "Christian Burton, leader of the Phoenix, I’m pleased to make acquaintances. Glad to be a part of any consistent discussion, especially when it involves the interests of all parties." he settled into the chair and put his hands together "I am quite familiar with the Deterrence ultimatum they call the ‘Theta treaty’, but it is nothing short of a surrender to the victor." he glared at the Massimo representative "We are not looking for a winner or a loser in regards to the current situation and I hope you have organized this meeting with a more rational approach than your colleagues." he leaned back in his chair and looked at Voncloud indifferently "But before proceeding, could you enlighten me as to how Voncloud came to be with you, mister.."
As Christian Burton introduces himself and Phoenix's intentions, Massimo tries to listen carefully, but his thoughts again get the best of him. Having to negotiate with Phoenix instead of the Corsairs is exactly the opposite of what he was hoping for. A betrayal called by some, but a salvation in his thoughts. A desperate attempt to tame the strong currents caused by incompetent Elders and Executors.
Massimo Insigne of the Black Sails, signor Burton. I'm pleased to see that not everyone within the Omicrons is involved in a display of cojones. Usually, what one believes of himself is deceiving and leads to bad judgements.
Massimo then turns his head towards Jerard, looking him straight in the eyes, lights up a cigar, then proceeds to respond to Christian: Signor Voncloud's greediness brought him here, a flaw shared by the entire signess of the so called Theta Treaty. His presence here is also a proof of the level of protection provided to the Zoners by the all mighty Corsair factions, and their unwillingness to get him out. Signor Voncloud also has more on his tail, in the presence of a wing that goes by Noth.
Greediness is a cancer, signor Burton, Massimo stops for a second to pour Christian a glass of rum, that must be eradicated. The Black Sails are determined to see this through.
Leaning on the backrest of his chair, with his left hand behind his head, and the right one holding the cigar, Massimo continues: Zoners and Corsairs have managed to coexist together, Gran Canaria is a living proof of that. The events that lead to Freeport 9's annexation shall never be forgotten, but it must not lead to a manhunt. The Black Sails embrace diplomacy where open hostilities are meaningless. Assuming total control of Omicron Theta by the Deterrence and the Brotherhood is what we want to avoid. We believe that mutual collaboration with Phoenix is far more beneficial than raising the Empire's flag on a insignificant rock that Pygar is.
Massimo then puts his hands together on the table So far I believe we see eye to eye, signor Burton, am I right?
As directed Von took a seat at the table whilst they waited for the single solitary representative from Phoenix to attend. He adjusted his glasses. "Yes.. because your two factions are the only two to wish peace out of all of us.." Came the response with enough sarcasm to fill the ship.
He was surprised to see Burton himself was who came to the meeting but as he thought about it, it made sense though he couldnt help but scoff a little at Burtons discription of the treaty. Massimo looked towards Jerard but his eyes would of been met with their own reflection. Vonclouds glasses doing nothing to betray where his eyes were looking or their expression.
He listened as they introduced themselves, Despite seeming calm on the outside, Voncloud was struggling with the sheer hypocrisy on display. These 2 men seemed to exist in their own bubbles which would be laughable if it wasn't infuriating. His demeanour changed upon Massimo's "re-count" of how Von had managed to be aboard the ship, and this was enough for him to interject.
"Greed?! I'm sorry but I must correct our Host here, Greed may have been the cause, but it was not from my part" He turns his head to burton as he points towards Massimo "The reason I'm here is because he decided that I should pay for an OSI Debt, despite the fact that I have been part of OSI for.." Von can be seen almost frozen in time as he tries to work out the amount of time it had been. "I left when Bretonia was annexing Gran Canaria, that's how long its been. Not only was he asking me for Credits. He sat next to my ship all the while the other Corsairs were engaged with the outcasts. Demanding I pay for something I had no part of. And the reason he asked me? Because I was a Zoner. Something I have yet to encounter with the other groups. Funny that. Voncloud returns to looking at Massimo, regaining some of his composure he continues.
"Now, to give you your due, you did eventually go and engage the outcasts, only to return and continue your greedy demand. We came to blows because I refused. During our duel a ship belonging to something called Noth Squadron engaged, stating someone wanted me dead. Eventually I surrendered and Paid as we were out gunned. Voncloud stops for a moment leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms his tone becoming softer. "As the Vendetta, Massimo's ship, was leaving the Noth ship, which had been joined by other members continued their assault, leading me to evacuate the Kaldra as she went down. But to my horror they started shooting the Escape pods as well. The Vendetta Tractored mine in before I was hit, but I don't know the fate of the others"
He stopped, and had to swallow the lump that was now formed in his throat again his glasses keeping his eyes covered from any probing of his expression. He cleared his throat before leaning forward to rest on the table "That, Burton, is how I came to be here, because this Particular Corsair couldn't differentiate between Zoners.
With a push of his glasses up his nose he sat up straight once more. "Now I'll point something out to the pair of you. Both of you, both of your groups were invited to be part of the Treaty, In fact Phoenix was invited twice when it was initially proposed. Phoenix denied due to some idea that the Theta Treaty is a slave contract, because it was with the Corsair's. People you cant trust. And yet, here you are, sitting with a Corsair to discuss peace. And the Black Sails denied because, well I think much like you have accused The Brotherhood and the Deterrence, you were showing who had bigger, how you say, 'Cojones'"
Once more he takes a breath "Now, if either of you paid attention, Pygar when it was under my watch, we had alot of cooperation with the Deterrence including food deliveries as part of what we agreed. It wasn't until my.. replacement and Phoenix's stance on the treaty did any tensions occur. And the sail's you say are open to diplomacy yet you shot it down in a sort of, Penis waving contest with your brethren."
Jerard looks at both men, almost sizing them up "So, I'll say this. If your intent on carrying on this, private club house style diplomacy between the pair of you. Then I have no reason to be here. But if you two are serious about trying to be part of the peace in Theta, and want to join us all at the big boy table. Then let me know. Otherwise, I request I be allowed to take my leave"
Massimo leans down on the seat, visible surprised by Voncloud's shift of attitude. Several nerves were hit with a single bullet. As he listens, with his eyes raised and his jaw on the floor, a couple giggles can't be helped to remain hidden. As Voncloud continues his frenzy, Massimo manages to connect some dots. A big irony presents itself around Voncloud, with his departure during Canaria's annexation to the present days, claiming back his precious Pygar with corsair support. Who would've thought he would attempt to employ the same oppressive actions that made him flee against his own kin?
Midway into Von's talks for peace, Massimo begins to stare with a silly face towards him, fighting with all his power not to burst into laughing. The conclusion is clear as daylight. Von's upset of Phoenix taking his beloved toy, and he went to the Deterrence to help him get it back. In the same time, the Corsair factions desperately need a victory to present to Crete to mask their latest failures, the loss of Fes, Kefalonia, the crippling of Freeport 9 and the Penitence as a few of note. Out of any potential victory, Phoenix and Pygar are the safest bet. How much opposition can a small Zoner faction put against them? They are about to find out.
Under normal circumstances, these developments would be of no interest to the Black Sails. But, the rising count of failures from the other Corsair factions is taking a toll on the Black Sails in the form of reduced support and reinforcements from Crete in favor of those fools trying to keep Freeport 9 from total destruction and conquer a horseshit like Pygar.
The Black Sails ain't willing to support such incompetence and allow their hard earned supplies be used against a folish show of force, therefore alternative solutions must be found. The plague must be eradicated from it's core.
Just as Von finished his speech, a guard hastily shows up near Von, alarmed by his frenzy, but he's promptly stopped by Massimo. Signor Voncloud, finally we can agree on something. Your time spent here as our guest has come to an end. But, before we part ways, it would be unpolite to deprive signor Burton of his right to reply.
Christian looked at glass of rum and listened thoughtfully to what the host was saying. There was truth in his words, as practice had shown how shaky the world could be because of the excitement of easy conquests over one's own partners. A Pyrrhic victory. The Deterrence can dream all they want about the Corsair Empire's tactical offensive and the security of the biodomes' food supply, but that's a pittance of rye compared to what the Zoners brought from all over the world to Freeport 9. No Zoners in their right mind would deal with hangmen and murderers. You'll never build a business on your slashers, unless you're a member of OSI or MFE. Christian took the graciously presented glass of rum and took a sip. His throat felt as if it curbed the flame for a second, but left a noble aftertaste in his mouth afterward.
As Voncloud began his tirade Christian smirked, Voncloud's emotional swings were inherent to him, something not common to people in Phoenix that made him a white crow among his own. Life in Omicrons is stressful and some people just can't get through it while maintaining their composure and sanity. Voncloud, along with the other new players in the Zoner society in Omicrons, are trying to bring their knowledge from other regions without having any idea how insidious their so-called allies will be. It is only because of the good manners of Massimo Voncloud are still alive.
Christian put the glass down on the table and folded his arms, leaned a little more heavily on his chair and relaxed. Voncloud is obviously trying to hurt me and Massimo with his jabs, even though he's nothing of the sort himself. "Voncloud, first of all, I'm glad you're alright. But don't think that luck can always be on your side. My life advice, don't offend your hosts in the edge worlds or you may find yourself on the other side of the airlock without a spacesuit, its just bad diplomacy." he smiled slightly seeing Voncloud's grimace "I find it extremely disturbing how a surrender agreement can carry the name treaty. You signed on as a losing party to a conflict without even thinking about the root causes of the conflict. Phoenix did not become a party to this agreement simply because we value our independence and reputation. Deterrence did not talk about consensus, you signed a document that was drafted by them. If you are willing to lay your head down in front of everyone, what good are you?" he spread his hands "This is the primary reason why you will no longer be the administrator of Pygar. Independence is not for sale." he took the glass in his hands and squinted at Voncloud. "Or do you dare to continue to trade with the enemies of Deterrence without looking for a treaty? How outrageous, I hope your masters are informed?" he said sarcastically.
"And that's the key root cause of why I came here. If there are Corsairs who don't speak the language of ultimatums and are willing to take a rational approach to solving problems." he turned to Massimo and crossed his eyes with him "Mr. Massimo, I would agree with you, we will have a much more constructive dialogue if we let Voncloud leave our nice company." he took a sip from his glass and squinted a little - this drink was really strong. "I have heard enough of Deterrence's propaganda and would like to hear your stance on the events that have occurred at Omicron Theta." he put the glass down, no longer paying attention to Voncloud as if he wasn't there.