OBT Forum

The honorable James Darius Davion, representative of the Federated Suns, leans forwards in his seat.

"It is fair for ComStar to state that every nation at this table has made decisions in the past based more on expedience than on law or morality."

"It is equally fair to say that ComStar 'dealing' with this Belov, is of no redress. Setting aside the clear partiality shown by your organisation on this matter since I hardly imagine that Captain-General, Co-ordinator or Chancellor would be inclined to return the donated equipment or amused if I were to demand similar gifts be made to the Lyran Commonwealth or Federated Suns; there remains the sponsorship that has been offered to the pirates who are enemies of everyone here."

"I am advised that ComStar has hired mercenaries for such purpose as overseeing the recent transition on Merlin. I suggest therefore that you open your coffers further and pay for more mercenaries to be sent after your pet pirates - on behalf of your precious Kapteyn Pact or the ORCA nations if not for the Federated Commonwealth alliance."

"And for the stocks of military equipment ComStar seems to have acquired... Over a thousand years ago, a Terran dictator remarked scornfully of one religous leader 'How many divisions has he got?' So, Precentor Cameron-Hughes. Your Primus and your Precentor Martial: how many regiments do they have? You certainly appear to have ample means to support them."

Cameron-Hughes cocked his head as he turned to the Davion Ambassador:

"Sir, this I am going to make abundantly clear, we may have intervened in the matters of the Successor Lords, by choosing sides, but we have never, and never will support Piracy. I can assure you with all honestly and integrity, that it is not us that has equipped these Feral bands. They are a scourge to be wiped out. And we will provide aid in doing so if need be."

As he spoke the aged man's gained a hint of anger. He took a deep breathe then continued:

"With regards to our capability to defend ourselves, we employ no more mercenaries than necessary to ensure the defense and safe-keeping of Mother Terra. As has always been ComStar's policy. I can go even further in stating with an oath if need be, that ComStar will never attempt to usurp any Successor Lord from his or her Throne."

This he said with a quiet solemnity, the words carrying great weight.

Ambassador, I think you are being rude to the Canopian Ambassador.
This isn't a behaviour I can tolerate.

Precentor,

Although we all can appreciate your comments, however Comstar has promised economic incentives to all of the periphery nations, that we have yet to see any evidence of.  Perhaps it could be that we are still waiting for the promised expansion of additional HPG stations into the periphery.

The Oberon Confederation would be in complete agreement with our Marian and Outworlds Alliance counterparts and formally request assistance in terms of materials such as Aerospace and Battlemech assets to continue our current anti piracy campaign in the Coreward periphery.

Any assistance you are able to provide would be appreciated by all but the pirates we are sure.

The wizened Precentor carefully listened to the words spoken by the various delegates.
As they finished he thoughtfully scratched at this chin taking into consideration all that had
been said.

Suddenly the old man burst out laughing. It was a deep laugh, and endured for a few minutes.
He dabbed at the tears in his eyes with a handkerchief, took a deep breath, and spoke:

"Lord Davion, you seem to have misunderstood my previous statement. I was stating facts, pure
and simple. Not to make a promise to you are any other House Lord scion, not to make up for what
you consider a sleight against you or your House. And certainly not make you feel better about ComStar."

Then turned towards Outworlds Alliance and Marian Hegemony Representatives and continued:

"And I am most definitely not here to jump at the beck and call of our cousins from the Periphery. Do you really think ComStar will give you children candy just because you come running towards us with your filthy hands. Threatening to throw a tantrum if we don't do what you want?"

The Precentor turned towards the entire assembly, and spoke in a raised voice:
"ComStar will hunt down these Raiders. And we will bring aid to the distant Periphery. Not because you mewling children demand or try barter for it. We will do it because the Blessed Blake commanded us to bring his Guiding Light to the Darkness. To uplift those that have fallen and suffered."

The Old Man started to laugh again:

"And if any of you think that we seek your trust, enjoy that thought. What we seek is not your trust. We do not require your trust to fulfill our Holy Mission. It will make it easier. But please do not fool yourselves into thinking that ComStar will bow before any of you; like some bumbling sycophantic fool looking to earn favour."

The Precentor turned his back to the gathered representatives and started walking out of the Chamber:

"ComStar has endured much, survived the horrors and deprivations of the Succession Wars. Please do not think you can threaten us with words. Feel free to summon me again when you have something meaningful to contribute. I grow tired of this pandering and these non-nonsensical arguments."   

Even the usual complacent smile on Hashimoto's face had faded. It was unclear because of the revelations of ComStar's thoughts or the rudeness with which they were being presented.

She just nodded at Tiberius Saul.

J.D. Davion shrugs and sits back in his chair as he watches the Precentor depart. "They say pride goeth before the fall. I have to wonder whose pride will trip them first: ours or his," he observed quietly.