-- INCOMING TRANSMISSION
>> Comm. ID: Sara Mino, (Comm. Officer of the IMG gunboat "Amethyst")
>> Source: Freistadt Base, Omega 7
>> Target: TAZ in Baffin
>> Encryption level: LOW
Kallisti and 23's Discordians,
My name is Sara Mino, I'm the 'communications officer',
or whatever you want to call what I do, on the "Amethyst".
I've been authorized to request some of the fine gunboat turrets the Zoners produce.
Our calculations say they could be the best fitting weapons for our gunboat.
Of course those weapons will be used only against enemies of the IMG,
that means, they'll mostly be used in a defensive manner.
To be exact, we would like to get permission for six (6) "ZT-9 Zoner Gunboat Turrets" from you.
So, tell us, what do you want for those turrets? How can we reach an agreement?
Greetings, I'm Syrus Daljesk, captain of the "Amethyst".
We have recieved your message and I decided to reply to you myself.
I will agree to the conditions, the second part will be no problem at all,
attacking Zoners would do harm to our own and there is no use in any action of that kind.
We are just here for the protection of our miners and those who need our help, not to start a war with our friends.
But I have a question about the first part, just to get some clearance about it...
I guess attacking a potential threat like a war-enemy or a known pirate
who might threaten our mining operation or those who are friendly or allied to us,
without him attacking first, is also counted as defense in your view?
Though, normally we try to avoid combat, at least most times,
this has happened on some occasions..
I doubt you won't see it as defense. Offense is sometimes the best defense.
Though this ship will mostly be around territory where IMG is interested in
and by doing so always be defending the IMG.
So, once this has been clarified, I'll gladly agree to the whole deal.
Well, how do you say?
Defense in our view is defending yourself or those under your protection, against attack. If an adversary
threatens your security then you are in your rights to attack as a means of defending yourself.
The reason we put this condition here is simple. We balance our relations amongst all parties. We need to
keep neutral in the grand scheme of things. If our weapons are used solely for defense then those who threaten or attack
the bearer of these weapons have made that decision to take that risk. People cannot blame Zoners for their own lack of preparation or sound judgment
This is how we keep the peace in terms of tech allowance.
I hope this clarifies the condition adequately.
Regards,
Xavier Triton The Trident of Eris, Shasta Orbital Skyhook, Baffin
Greetings.
As I understand it, my rights to engage an enemy aren't limited by that any further than I limit them myself.
That means, even in the past we had just a few moments were we attacked without a real threat - so we attacked in offense.
This won't happen again anyway. But there are situations, like Outcasts entering Tau-23 for example...
If they don't move along towards Cali or if they carry "dangerous goods", we have to defend the system.
If you think this is too much and not defense anymore, well than I think I shouldn't sign the deal.
Of course, of course, I understand your intentions to stay neutral. That's what we would like too.
But, it seems it just isn't possible.
You have to assure every party that you aren't supporting their enemies "too much".
I won't say anything against your point of view and your intention of staying
on that extremly narrow line of being neutral.
Though I must say I've seen Zoner weapons being used against us every now and then.
The last incident I can recall it was actually a whole dreadnought equiped with Zoner turrets.
Since it wasn't you who was wielding those weapons, the incident is not connected to you.
Who knows how he got the weapons? Doesn't matter.
At least if you don't want to have a look into it!?
Well, it isn't my business. And that isn't the subject here.
So, back to the deal.
If you are ok with what I understand by "defending" it should be complete.
The conditions are clear now.
I accept it.
Have a nice day.
Regards,
Syrus Daljesk, captain of the "Amethyst".
After further consideration and review of your proposal I find that we have reached an impasse.
As you have stated we need to be very careful how we distribute our gear lest we unknowingly make
enemies of someone somewhere. Eris knows we are sick of this happening. Trusting in the logical thought
process of others has led us to be burned on numerous occasions in regards to our tech.
Considering the volatile nature of the situation in the Taus between the Outcasts and the IMG it
seems better for all sides at this point if we keep out of any possible involvement.
So in turn, the request for Zoner weaponry is denied.
This said however I would like this exchange to be left without any bad blood between us.
The IMG have been long and reliable trading partners and for that you have our respect and admiration.
And you say that you have been attacked by ships using Zoner weaponry? This is most disturbing.
If you happen to spot any such ships in the future we would much appreciate some evidence so we can take steps
to see these ships penalised for their misuse of our equipment.
Again, I am sorry we couldnt come to an agreement regarding our equipment.
Regards,
Xavier Triton The Trident of Eris, Shasta Orbital Skyhook, Baffin
Greetings.
Saddening to hear you've changed your decision.
The Taus are a very rough place, in the last time the situation
has escalted more often than usual. But - we won't be there all the time anyway,
IMG has more operations which need protection.
We could've used your weapons, they might've made a difference every now and then.
Well. Even though it's sad to hear about this, I think I can understand you.
If you change your mind again any time - tell us. We would appreciate it.
I'm going to send evidence of the use of Zoner weapons against us with this message.
As you can see, it happened nine days ago. It's up to you what you do with it.