Comm ID: Director Regis Lawson Location: New London Encryption:Extremely High Subject:
Paperwork.
Nearly every corporate pig, chair force member, and fly boy have to deal with paperwork, it seems to be a requirement these days. I, myself, have to deal with a huge amount of it myself. However, what concerns me the most aside from espionage attempts from the other houses, or the war with Kusari, is when paperwork, or in this case a transmission, lands on my desk regarding corporations.
Now, normally I would've shrugged it off and sent it to the Constabulary to deal with it. But, this is one of the cases that I believe is of utmost importance to the security, and economical stability, of this Kingdom. From what I keep hearing, each and every time I play and replay this transmission, is something that threatens the national security of this Kingdom's people, and the economical stability which is needed during this drawn out war.
While, yes, this does concern me greatly. I'm sure it would be even more worrisome for you Guild itself when it comes to the stability of another houses economics, such as Liberty.
I have here a transmission.
A transmission that, however small maybe, can still hold enough weight to charge the entire Guild. Now, I'm willing to make a bargain, as men of stature.
The bargain being;
I'll personally see to it that this transmission disappears, if, you tell me the exact reason as to why the Captain of the Apollyon did what he did in Magellan two to three days ago. I'm not going to release this transmission to you, as you would already know his attempt on the matter.
So, tell me Mister Sanders. What were the IMG planning on doing to Bretonian transports within the Liberty systems?
Signed,
Director Regis Lawson Home Office of Military Intelligence
**** Incoming Transmission ****
From: Johnathan Sanders
To: Director Lawson
Subject: Apollyon's actions?
Encryption: Severe
Director Lawson,
I am not certain what it is you mean. I know the vessel in question, a gunboat commanded by Danny Sutherland - I've been aboard on a few occasions. But I am not aware of any actions taken by it in Magellan. Was there trouble around Freeport four?
The timeframe you mention however puts it around the time there was a rather nasty incident in Dublin, involving a skirmish between IMG vessels and a rogue BMM vessel, later supported by Armed Forces unaware of it's actions. That situation has been resolved since then, largely thanks to admiral Ralston. The situation was tense for a while, perhaps words were said that should not have been, in anger. I would ask you to forward me the transmissions that have you concerned, for, to my knowledge there are no plans that IMG has for Bretonian vessels in Liberty. We at present do not have any operations whatsoever in Liberty, short of the occasional trade convoy, usually towards Texas or Detroit. There are times we may escort vessels belonging to our primary shipper, Gateway, especially if they have been supplied by us, but that's about the extent of it.
If I'm to demand an explanation of mr. Sutherland, I will need to know what it is that concerned you. Respectfully, I must ask you to release this transmission to me.
Regards,
- Johnathan Sanders
**** Transmission Closed ****
Wide awake in a world that sleeps, enduring thoughts, enduring scenes. The knowledge of what is yet to come.
From a time when all seems lost, from a dead man to a world, without restraint, unafraid and free.
Mostly retired Discovery member. May still visit from time to time.
Comm ID: Director Regis Lawson Location: New London Encryption:Extremely High Subject: Re:
I've already told you my feelings in regards to letting you have access to this transmission. Though, you should talk to Mister Sutherland himself as to his actions in the Magellan system, I'm a patient man, and I shouldn't have to deal with question dodging and other tactics that you're trying to use here.
Such abhorrent dealings and actions that, I thought, were out of question for the IMG, to assure that they stay as neutral as possible with the houses of Sirius. I mean, it was the start of the Kusari and Bretonian war, was it not?
Everything is complicated when you dodge around the question. Consequences of this transmission being publicly released, and a copy sent to the Liberty Government is extreme, and I heard that Liberty Courts aren't the most lenient of the justice system.
Should this happen, the little deal with the Bretonian Armed Forces regarding Dublin can fall through, as this is rather sensitive information that I'm currently holding.
So, the ball is in your court, and yes, words were exchanged, but not between the Bretonian Government or the IMG.
Signed,
Director Regis Lawson Home Office of Military Intelligence
**** Incoming Transmission ****
From: Johnathan Sanders
To: Director Lawson
Subject: Apollyon's actions?
Encryption: Severe
Director Lawson,
I fail to see how I was dodging, but per your request I confronted mr. Sutherland with the limited information you have given me. I received the following reply.
"Daniel Sutherland Wrote:I think I know what this is about. Shortly after that BMM dog Patterson assasinated one of our own, a short period of hostilities broke out between the Guild and BMM. In the aftermath of that attack, me and my crew were infuriated with the Armed Forces decision to side with this BMM renegade in spite of Armed Forces Cpt. Clay having witnessed him attacking a Guild patrol ship without due cause. We left Dublin, for Magellan, with the intent to turn back any BMM vessel entering the system. As far as we knew, BMM had begun openly attacking us with Armed Forces support, so we felt justified in barring them from Magellan. We did turn back one vessel, but without doing any damage to it.
Some Lane Hackers, Bountyhunters and a Junker coming to Freeport four for supplies wondered what had happened, and some heated words were flung here and there. I regret some of the things I said, and would not have acted on these words anyway without the Guild's consent. In short - I blew a fuse.
I understand the Armed Forces admiralty and the Guild have come to some sort of conclusion in regards to this. I've yet to receive the particulars, but the order was given to stand down from any agression towards BMM. We have complied with this order as soon as it was received. At present we are in the Tau region for repairs and a refit of our sensor system. We'll hold here until we receive further orders. Seeing this message, I suspect we'll not be welcome in Dublin for a while.
-Daniel Sutherland
Given this I suspect mr. Sutherland said some things in anger he should not have, although I still have no idea what. If there were any unlawful acts committed against any vessels, I could understand if you wish to bring up charges against mr. Sutherland. I hope this will suffice, director, for I'm not sure what more I can do from my end. I got the impression from admiral Rawston that the Armed Forces wish to put this mess behind them, as does the Guild.
Regards,
- Johnathan Sanders
**** Transmission Closed ****
Wide awake in a world that sleeps, enduring thoughts, enduring scenes. The knowledge of what is yet to come.
From a time when all seems lost, from a dead man to a world, without restraint, unafraid and free.
Mostly retired Discovery member. May still visit from time to time.
Rest assured, we both want to put this nonsense behind us, but I don't think that would be possible with, this transmission separating us. Maybe with a little encouragement on your end, Mister Sutherland will come clean with his little meeting with the person listed above in the transmission.
While this evidence does produce enough to take someone to jail for a brief time, I do believe we can easily solve this without criminal charges being placed.
Signed,
Director Regis Lawson Home Office of Military Intelligence
**** Incoming Transmission ****
From: Johnathan Sanders
To: Director Lawson
Subject: Apollyon's actions?
Encryption: Severe
Director Lawson,
Mr. Sutherland had the following to say for himself.
"Daniel Sutherland Wrote:Ah, yes. The Rogue bomber. I remember that now, one of several ships I met. I recall asking him about the possibility of cooperating against BMM. At the time I thought those damned idiots had gone into a shooting war with us, sanctioned by the Armed Forces. If that had been the case, I'd have accepted any help I could get. With Armed Forces riding us in Bretonia, well, who do you have left to turn to? Freeport four has all manner of shady folk, such is the nature of freeports. I asked him about the possibility of relaying the presence of BMM transports bound for Liberty. Basically, I wanted to see if we could use the Liberty Rogues to get back at BMM for what they did to us.
The bomber in question thought I was talking about an actual transport rather then figuring out a way to. Our chat was cut short when two troublesome AI drones started shooting at him without a word, and eventually destroyed his craft. Said drones then turned on Apollyon, 'though I was able to drive them off without much effort. AI fighter weaponry doesn't seem particulary effective against gunboat shields.
Again, at the time I was infuriated with BMM's actions, as well as those of the Armed Forces, and anger blinded my actions. I would have needed authorisation from the defense directorate before putting something like this in motion - something I'd never have gotten. I was short sighted, but given the circumstances, I stand behind my actions. If there are to be consequences I'll face them. But I'd better damn well not be the only one facing them.
Yours,
- Daniel Sutherland
I can confirm that mr. Sutherland would not have gotten clearance for any form of cooperation with the Liberty Rogues. Those folk are in general just... thugs, and tend to not discriminate in who they attack. Our own transports fall prey to them as well. My guess is he was out for vengeance, and trying to find ways to make it happen. But it will not happen. We'll see to it.
Regards,
- Johnathan Sanders
**** Transmission Closed ****
Wide awake in a world that sleeps, enduring thoughts, enduring scenes. The knowledge of what is yet to come.
From a time when all seems lost, from a dead man to a world, without restraint, unafraid and free.
Mostly retired Discovery member. May still visit from time to time.
Comm ID: Director Regis Lawson Location: New London Encryption:Extremely High Subject: Re:
At this time no charges will be brought against Mister Sutherland. Just let him know that if something like this crosses my desk once more, I'll be changing my mind. I thank you for helping me get to the bottom of this, and suffice to say, in an orderly manner as well.
That is all.
Signed,
Director Regis Lawson Home Office of Military Intelligence