OBT Forum

Turning towards the Alliance Ambassador;

"I believe the Mercenaries Precentor Chase is referring to have yet to be hired? Perhaps even selected by this body to accompany neutral Adepts from the Order to observe the Andrion incorporation? Surely, regardless of their origin their neutrality in this matter is assured."

Bending slightly towards Ambassador de Talleyrand-Périgord;

"Declining foreign peace-keepers out of hand may be a rash decision. While I understand your nation's fear of Terra, does your nation fear the whole of the Inner Sphere? There must be at least one star nation that can help diffuse the situation to the Concordat's benefit. Perhaps the Capellan Confederation or Free Worlds League could be of service?"

"At the very minimum, would the Concordat be amicable to the notion of inviting foreign aid to help ease the suffering of innocent Taurian citizens?"

Nodding towards Ambassador Kosh;

"Well said sir."

Turning towards Precentor Chase;

"So Precentor, then you would have no issue with sending neutral observers from ComStar to verify the claims of the Lyran Ambassador? You yourself mentioned earlier how coincidental the number of worlds falling under the protective aegis of the Commonwealth was of late."

"If the efforts of your Order could put to rest the matter afflicting this august body, surely we could then focus on other matters? Perhaps, even the health of our Lyran friend."

Pointing towards the Lyran;

"Dear sir, your face has grown quite red. Are you feeling well?"

Well enough to tan your hide sonny. I suppose you might have had too much sake at the reception. Then again, I've found Kuritan men don't hold their liquour well...

While we don't know who is behind these attacks, I don't think a foreign "assistance" would be appropriate.

Turning to the Oberon Confederation Ambassador

I think we can all agree that you could stay seated when you want to speak.

Rubbing his leg

I know how it feels.

Regarding your comment, I think it brings us back to the discussion we had during our first meeting about the power or the powers behind the pirates.

But we know have a further polemical subject: freedom and auto determination.

Perhaps we should first agree on an agenda?

Ignoring the blustering Elsie and turning to face Ambassador Kosh;

"While brigands seem to plague many of our borders, and is an issue - the issue regarding Andrion has only now reached the Dragon's ears. Such is the Lyran clamp on the Circinian people, and now that other more pressing needs have been addressed, can questions be raised. You yourself mentioned that every party involved has the right to ask for assistance, but what if that assistance was a thin veil masking more sinister intentions? Perhaps no future assistance can be asked at all? If your beloved Confederation, beset by brigands requested the aid of say, the Lyrans, but then found themselves occupied and silenced. Would you not want your people's plight heard and the truth of the matter made plain for all to see? - I believe you would Mr. Ambassador, because I genuine concern for your country's well being."

"Such is the Dragon's request for neutral observers to provide a fair and accurate report to his council. If not for the people of Andrion, then for yourselves."

Quickly consulting his notecomp;

"As for the rising lawlessness, matters are being addressed to secure the safety of the Dragon's citizens and our much valued borders as we speak."

Ambassador Holstein smiles

"So lemme get this straight? Because my nation's involved, we have to investigate. Fine, I move we investigate recent activities of the Combine civil and military authorities on Verthandi. Turns and reaches into his satchel I have a report here from the Interstellar Red Cross of their findings on Verthandi, hmm, "..the Combine tenure on Verthandi was characterized by wanton acts of murder of unarmed civilians, torture of suspects in custody, routine arrests without notifying said suspect of any charges and dozens of other violations of what is commonly accepted throughout the rest of the Inner Sphere as human rights and dignities." And, there's some lovely 8 x 10 holos of three mass graves, only months old of "suspects" after the ISF got done with them. Youngest in the graves was six. Tell me Mr. Ambassador? What did a six year old little girl know of any importance that required a form of interrogation that left burn marks on her remains?"

Ambassador Holstein shakes his head

"You know why I love his reaction ladies and gentlemen? Simple. It's not that he wants the truth. No, he doesn't. He's deathly afraid that if we actually gave the border planets we spend lives like poker chips on a choice in their fate? He and the Combine might lose. I mean, look what remedy they chose now, we proposed peace five years ago, they laughed. And now they choose war. War that is killing young men and women at an alarming rate on both sides. I wasn't always a diplomat. I was one of those young men once. And yes, Mr. Ambassador, I got this bum leg from being a little slower on the trigger than a DCMS Warhammer jock. I hold him a lot less ill will than I do you. My boy's out there now. He may be alive, he may not. I don't know. But I'd rather he not face such choices for his son. Perhaps when you love your kids more than you hate ours? Maybe then you'll want peace. Till then, this is going to continue. And many more young men and women are going to come home broken in body or spirit, or not come home at all. You may find it glorious. I find it sad. Sad it's still necessitous in this day and age."

 

Tai-sa,

We applaud the Dragon's persistance in supporting the independence of a world seeking a better future for it's people.  The people of Andrion appear to have made their choice and are contented with it, throughout the process Comstar has been providing numerious updates, and communications have not appeared to be significantly affected, is that accurate precentor?

The fact that the Dragon's ears are only now hearing of the events on Andrion is quite odd, as I can say with near certainty the news and developments of Andrion have been quite well published for quite a few months now.  The only recent news is that the Lyran armed forces were departing from the world, which is according to the wishes of the people of Andrion.  Comstar itself has been the messenger.  Everyone knows that the voice of a people can not easily be silenced.

Using your example, if the Oberon Confederation were so beset by brigands that we requested aid from say the Lyran Commonwealth, only to find ourselves to quote "occupied and silenced" I am quite sure the rest of the inner sphere would be able to notice by the sheer number of troops required to prevent jumpships from carrying messages, or Comstar from sending them.  Comstar themselves would protest not being able to ply their trade.  No my dear Ambassador I think it is far more difficult to keep messages from getting out than you think.

As far as your plans to deal with brigands plaguing Combine worlds, it is the hope of many families that the rumors of the DCMS sending raw recruits unescorted to chase them down are completely untrue.

Speaking of pirates and the marked increase in their activity in recent years.  Has any additional information come to light on the source of their equipment, or any other information regarding their surge in activity?  This subject is far more pertenent to the discussions of this council than a month old and long forgotten vote.

 

Ambassador Han who has been standing in the back of the council chamber now approaches. 

"Esteemed ambassadors, the Chancellor has indeed been in contact with the ruler of the Federated Suns.  Prince Hanse Davion knows our position and although he respects it can not give us what we want.  That is simply the return of the worlds taken from us since the fall of the Star League.  By the end of this year we expect to start negotiations about a permanent border and a lasting peace.  Until then we will continue taking back worlds taken from us in the past."

Ambassador Han then takes his place in the chamber.

Peace between the two Largest of the Great Houses would be a boon to those houses! It would also be a boon to 'Those' of us wishing to rid space of free booters and pirates. The might of these two added to the hunt would be an aid.

As long as they war, we will be hampered in fighting the pirates!