I hope this message reaches you in good health. Let me however, skip the pleasantries and get to the point. Liberty is in need of assistance from the well-known freedom-fighters movement the Golden Chrysanthemums.
As I'm sure you know, Kusari has recently initiated yet another set of aggressive actions, this time aimed against the house of Liberty. This embargo has been put into place unlawfully by the house you fight to free, and we, of course, find this unacceptable.
Upon the few times that a Golden Chrysanthemum has entered our house, we hope that our policy of non-interference in your matters has acted as a silent acknowledgement of the legality of your movement. Now that Kusari has violated what little trust we had between us, we wish to strengthen our relationship with the oppressed sector of society that you give your lives everyday to free. Liberty is built upon neo-liberal market principles; economic conditions decide which people are employed, rather than any tradition that favours men over women, and our policies have always reflected this. The very capable Barbara Jacobi has previously held the highest civil position, that of President, and continues to lead an opposition party to our current head of state, President Powell.
The state of Liberty is willing to provide quiet contributions to your movement for the provision of H-fuel to Liberty. We are aware that the Golden Chrysanthemums are not a producer of H-fuel, but we expect that you have your ways of acquiring many materials that you don't produce natively. All that we ask is that you obtain the H-fuel you provide to us from non-Libertonian, non-GMG ships. Your methods in doing so are your own.
We are willing to contribute 600 credits per unit, which is 3,000,000 credits per 5000 units, successfully delivered to our stockpiles in Liberty. This is in addition to the best prices that you can find within Liberty from one of the commodity dealers that we employ. Though this is quite the trip from your home, I'm sure that the credits wont go amiss in furthering your goals.
If there is a problem with the identification system between Liberty ships and vessels belonging to the Golden Chrysanthemums, we will work to rectify this as soon as possible. Please inform me if this is the case, as I believe a complaint was lodged with the relevant authorities on this matter nearly a year ago.
I look forward to your reply, whatever your decision.
From: Council of the Golden Chrysanthemum Elders
Subject: The offer of Liberty to the Golden Chrysanthemums
Konnichiwa. Your offer suprises us. It really does. Allow us to ask you a question. As it seems you think that we are the, let's say the "good" part of Kusari. Why haven't you ever helped us before?
Why is it, that if we enter Liberty with our transports, we got and still get chased by the Navy, Security Force, that Police and whatever else there is you have to secure your state? If Liberty believes that we are the "good" side of Kusari, why is every single Libertonian Transport running from us if we ask them if they would like to donate something to us? Why do your transports start running upon seeing us, despite us just wanting to ask them how they think about the right of people to have a free mind, to speak freely? At this very moment we are tempted to believe that you just want to improve your relations with Kusari again, by presenting them a few captured Chrysanthemum pilots, or even intel about our organisation.
Simply put, we do not believe in your offer.
Council of the Golden Chrysanthemum Elders
Let me assure you that Liberty has only ever had the best of intentions for freedom of rights and expressions movements around Sirius. This should be reflected in the name of the house, Liberty. That said, let me address each of your concerns in turn.
Quote:Why is it, that if we enter Liberty with our transports, we got and still get chased by the Navy, Security Force, that Police and whatever else there is you have to secure your state?
This should not be the case. If there is an error with the IFF recognition systems, that is unfortunately the responsibility of a power higher even than that of the Presidential office. This will be rectified when the need arises. If you mean Primary and Secondary fleet pilots of the forces, they need to be reminded that the Chrysanthemums have done nothing to warrant any punishments. You'll notice that the Golden Chrysanthemums are not mentioned amongst our laws, whereas factions such as the Lane Hackers and Outcasts are.
Our laws apply to everybody in equal measure. For example, whether you are a member of the Golden Chrysanthemums or Kishiro Technologies, both will receive the force of the law should they be found to be smuggling.
Quote:If Liberty believes that we are the "good" side of Kusari, why is every single Libertonian Transport running from us if we ask them if they would like to donate something to us? Why do your transports start running upon seeing us, despite us just wanting to ask them how they think about the right of people to have a free mind, to speak freely?
It's impossible to condition thoughts and opinions within people, and even if it were not, we do not seek to control people in this manner. Such a concept goes against the foundations of Liberty as a nation where those with differing opinions retain the right to express those in public places. Consequently, some believe the media within Kusari, and it is not something that we want to or would choose to control. Please also bear in mind that many less respectable folk use the words "piracy" and "donation" interchangeably, so there is a high risk of a misunderstanding in such an encounter where one of your pilots asks for a contribution to their cause.
Quote:At this very moment we are tempted to believe that you just want to improve your relations with Kusari again, by presenting them a few captured Chrysanthemum pilots, or even intel about our organisation.
We don't have anything to gain from a policy of appeasement. History has taught that lesson many times, and we are not going to make the mistake of previous administrations.
I hope these explanations go some way to alleviating your concerns. Personally, I'm a little surprised that you are appearing to turn down the opportunity for funding. I am also disheartened that you have accused me of dishonesty, when this is not the case. Yet I cannot offer anything but words which you may find hollow, so if this is the case and we cannot reach an agreement, we wont bother you anymore. It would leave a bad taste in my mouth, but there isn't much I can do should you continue to doubt the honesty of the state.
From: Council of the Golden Chrysanthemum Elders
Subject: The offer of Liberty to the Golden Chrysanthemums
Konnichiwa again.
After many and lengthy discussions, the Elders have decided to give your offer a try. However, there are a few open points to talk about. For one, we would like to choose a rather neutral station which of course would also be reachable by Libertonian corporations, a station that wouldn't be too odd for us to land on. Next, what may happen to those ships, that have been told to be "smuggling" prior to this offer. May they head into Liberty freely? Third, one of the more important points, in case we reach an agreement, we'd wish to establish an explicit number of Cardamine-units that can be transported by a Chrysanthemum vessel within Liberty without beeing charged with smuggling said cargo. If you know our history, you will surely also know why we are asking this. Fourth, can the Republic of Liberty assure us that the Libertonian Corporations will not send privat security forces, or Mercenaries against us in case they may have lost a ship previously due to a captain not knowing our true history? And should it happen, might we be able to count on Libertonian help, may it be the famous Security Force, the Navy, or the Police?
Council of the Golden Chrysanthemum Elders
Incoming Transmission
Heavily Encrypted
CommID - Sei Osugi
Konnichiwa McKay-sensei, I hope this message reaches you in good health.
I wish to inform you that we have officially begun transport of goods into Liberty. It was difficult to persuede some of our sisters that this was no trick and that upon doing so we would bring much financial support to our cause.
I have taken it upon myself to ensure that one of our more inconspicuous Geisha Yacht class transports has been assigned to this task, as to arouse less suspicion. As you were less than specific about the nature of the delivery of these goods, not to mention the dangerous nature of this entire operation, I personally accompanied my sisters aboard the first and second deliveries. Also, your original request to us implied that, though we were to be discrete, these goods might be delivered directly to the Government, that is Police, bases directly. If you wish to avoid further uses of these bases, specify a neutral point, such as the Interspace base in orbit of Manhattan.
Though you were also unspecific as to other cargoes involved in these transfers, I took the liberty to bring your station in Pennsylvania system equal parts of Plutonium as well. The exact deliveries, done on two separate runs totalled 2,475 units of H-Fuel and 2,199 units of Plutonium, taken to West Point and Philadelphia stations respectively.
I must say, I'm pleased with the reception as, though it was awkward and we received many comms about our presence near the lanes, most pilots were civil. The only problem was with the secondary fleet, at least I think you call these ships registered with an LNS beacon this? So is there something we might inform them about to prove our legality?
I also ask that you define your preferences about our need for Cardamine. It will be very difficult to continue moving cargo if we were forced to have absolutely no supply of Cardamine aboard our transports, especially those manned with a larger crew. Know that we have no intention of distributing this necessity in Liberty by using this generous neutrality.
To our continued supply line, however long it may last,
Firstly, let me extend my deepest gratitude to you for taking the initiative to open a small supply line between yourselves and the Republic of Liberty. Direct delivery to our bases is the best option for us, and we will always endeavour to welcome ladies of the Golden Chrysanthemums to our territory. On your return trip, the commodities that our industries produce are available for your needs, from basic goods such as nutrients and clothing, to more luxurious goods such as high quality fabrics and precious metals.
Though there is a strong stigma against cardamine usage here in Liberty, we recognise the differences between our way of life and your own. Therefore, we ask that while within the borders of the Republic, you limit yourselves to one unit of cardamine on any escort ships you may be using, and ten units on ships with larger crews such as the Geisha Yacht. This will only apply to ships marked as [GC] though; others will still be apprehended if caught with the substance.
As to the shipments that have already been made, I have taken it upon myself to provide a small bonus to the 2,804,400 credits that you are due.
Regarding the Secondary Fleet, they often have trouble tolerating direction from anyone in a position to issue orders. It's been a problem for a long time, one which there are no means to adequately solve, so there remain very few ways to "prove legality" to a group known for stubborn bullheadedness. I will do my best to make clear the legality to those in doubt.
I am glad that people took an interest in your presence in Liberty, rather than being immediately hostile. This shows a tolerance unique to Liberty, and we invite you and your sisters to take advantage of this by perhaps giving impromptu talks in our systems about the plight of your people.
Does this address all of your concerns, miss Osugi?
Incoming Transmission
Heavily Encrypted
CommID - Sei Osugi
Your words are music to my ears McKay-sensei.
First, domo arigatou for the credits and I hope this arrangement can continue to the benefit of us both. I'd also like to thank you for more clearly defining the cardamine issue. I will ensure that any of our transports or escort wings entering Liberty to follow these rules. I'll give them orders to remind your pilots that were are not listed as criminals under Liberty law, this should help with any not-so-knowledgeable Naval pilots. Also, I appreciate that we can enlighten people to the women of Kusari's struggles. Our message will be able to reach brand new ears and garner support from a house that knows absolute freedom.
This brings me to another point which I'm sure you have considered. Kusari no doubt has many spies among all of the houses. This is one of our biggest concerns when fostering new contacts is that Kusari will use means such as these for vile pretenses and trickery. I'll remind our sisters to be as vigilant as possible and refrain from any outward indications that we are in any way cooperating or "allied". I... not that we would have any issue with Libery taking a stand against Kusari on our side, however, pressuring such an honorable house into something such as this would put us into the same category as that which we fight against.
[color=#C0C0C0]//edit forgot* You also mentioned that direct supply is our best shipping option and that we are to take advantage of your "industries'" production facilities. What exactly does this entail, I would not expect some of the larger corporations to forget what we do in Kusari so easily as some have experienced it first-hand. I'll assume for now that you mean any Naval or Police controlled bases are fair use.
Our previous contacts throughout Sirius of course can not be overlooked but we will attempt to take a neutral stance when in Liberty space as to engagements involving Liberty and some of the various "unlawful" groups there. On a similar note, know that [GC] tagged ships will not fire upon lawfuls within Liberty except in self-defense, however, Liberty ships supplying Kusari especially Samura will receive the same treatment as before. This is not something we can or will compromise on.
This is a transition for us that will be difficult and lengthy, bear with us and you'll find it to be very rewarding. I wish you well Secretary.
Incoming Transmission
Heavily Encrypted
CommID - Sei Osugi
Konnichiwa once again McKay-sensei. I come to you yet again unscathed from another successful H-Fuel delivery. This time I was escorted by one of our mercenaries, Ozei Ruousha. This delivery was a full load of H-Fuel, evidenced here and delivered to West Point.
I've instructed my sisters to use this channel directly if they bring H-Fuel into Liberty. Obviously we will keep you updated if anything changes in this agreement or if any further issues arise.
Of course I would still like to see a response to some of the questions in the previous transmission, which I am retransmitting in case it was lost in an ion pocket.