TO ALL PIRATES (Not Da'humb)

You want to put a Mark on my head?
I am putting one on yours. Never sleep, never stop running, for when you hear the Lion's Roar it will be your death!

I am Mother Julietta of the Church of the Horned Dog, it is quite sad that in this day and age people still need to fear pirates. I have been given permission from the Prelate to assist you in your pirate hunting goal. We shall make sure that those vile pirates cannot abuse others for their own gain. The forces I have been allocated are small but we shall do our best to aid you in this holy mission.

Welcome to the free systems unknown travelers.
You are armed as an invasion force.
Is this an invasion?

Cecil hornbow
Human interpreter for the Temporal Empire

Dear Mr. Hornblow
I am Mother Julietta, I wish to assure you that this is no invasion. We shall go near no population centers and not interfere with any trading posts. We will cooperate with local authorities as well to show that we do not mean the official government of the Free System any harm. There has been groups of pirates that are based in your space that has been striking out side the Free Systems and have promised to continue their attacks. Now I will not put words into Mr. Vulfrum's mouth so i will not speak for him but those are my intentions.
I respectfully request the Temporal Empire's assistance in hunting down these pirate groups. After all banditry and piracy cannot be encouraged. Peaceful trade must be upheld as it is the corner stone of society....outside of faith of course.

CPT Lionheart, Commander of the Lion's Claw, replied to the temporal empire message.

"We have no intentions of invading anywhere. We are just going for a joyride around the free systems. The pirate families have vowed to hunt us and kill us. Seeing as starship fuel is so costly we will save them the trouble of flying halfway across the galaxy and instead the Lions of earth will come to them. We are just good guys like that.

"FYI my boss, I think you him as number four, is nowhere near this fleet, so please don't destroy an EEF Fleet flying around the free systems, minding its own business, that keeps getting attacked by pirates for some reason."

LionsofEarth wrote:CPT Lionheart, Commander of the Lion's Claw, replied to the temporal empire message.

"We have no intentions of invading anywhere. We are just going for a joyride around the free systems. The pirate families have vowed to hunt us and kill us. Seeing as starship fuel is so costly we will save them the trouble of flying halfway across the galaxy and instead the Lions of earth will come to them. We are just good guys like that.

"FYI my boss, I think you him as number four, is nowhere near this fleet, so please don't destroy an EEF Fleet flying around the free systems, minding its own business, that keeps getting attacked by pirates for some reason."

Dear CPT Lionheart, General Vulfrym, and Field Marshall Strykker,

While I rather enjoyed the conversation I just had with Field Marshall Strykker, it has become obvious to me that I need to relay the message to the Lions of Earth myself. As a courtesy, Field Marshall Strykker has been copied into this transmission.

Lions of Earth, I would like to formally bring to your attention several implications of your actions:
1) You have made a broad, sweeping, statement advising that you will be hunting those you consider to be "pirates" throughout the Free Systems without advising how you were going to determine who these individuals are.
2) No EEF ship entering the Free Systems would be attacked by those individuals you are claiming to be "pirates", thus your ships would otherwise have been unfettered in their movements, thus not drawing out your quarry as you claim to wish to do.
3) Without verifying how you will track down your quarry, you have just stated that you will attack citizens of the Free Systems using EEF ships, as there appears to be no investigative attempts to determine who will, did, or might have the capacity to attack General Vulfrym.

Irrespective of your desires, we have interpreted these actions as declaration of intent against Free Systems citizens, and an abuse of the good will between the EEF and the Free Systems. To date, not a single so called pirate attack has occurred against General Vulfrym, and thus there is no basis for these actions, nor is there any clear measure what proactive action, as your declare, will look like.

A great many citizens had been declared as, were considered at one point, or had connections to pirates. We, of the Free Systems, refuse to allow past labels to mar the current lives of its citizens. Your blanket statements regarding Free Systems' citizens are unacceptable, as are the threats to them you are broadcasting through public venues.

In order to prevent what appears to us, the citizens of the Free Systems, a witch hunt with intent to harry a great majority of Free Systems citizens, and until further discussion is had whereby the EEF and the Lions of Earth clarify their intentions and the nature of their actions, all Lions of Earth and EEF ships are banned from the usage of Free Systems space. All ships entering Free Systems space unlawfully will be questioned and detained. Any action taken against ANY ship in the Free Systems will be considered an act of war.

This ban will be in effect until such a time whereby the EEF and the Lions of Earth clarify the nature of their intent, investigative process, and a protocol is put into place that adequately addresses my concerns above.

Field Marshall Strykker,
In your prior correspondence, you stated how you could not contain the actions of General Vulfrym. I do not question how a Field Marshall can't control one of his Generals, regardless of how counter-intuitive it sounds. However, the General has his own fleet, so perhaps I can understand how that *might* work. His ability to utilize ships bearing EEF markings, however, I will not allow you to eschew as beyond your control. Our recent conversation, I felt, was very positive despite the ambiguous nature of its result. However, I hope you understand that I cannot allow my fellow Free Systems citizens to be attacked without impunity by EEF ships. I hope we can come to an accord, and quickly, as it appears that several of your crew are trapped on a Free Systems planet, and I would much rather come to your aid on this matter rather than harry a rescue mission.

Yours sincerely,
Su Maehl, on behalf of the Free Systems

Mr. Meahl,

First to answer your question. The Lions of Earth are a semi automous branch of the EEF who's roots are in the Free State of Tarris. Though subject to EEF authority they have broad rights of action and movement. However what I meant specifically was that I can not guarantee that a Lions of Earth ship would not enter Free Systems space for one reason or another. They answer to General Vulfrym. Who in turn answers to myself and the Colony General. I do not have exact knowledge of the positions of his ships at all times.

Also the only ambiguity in our last converstation came from you when I asked by what authority you spoke on these matters. A question you avoided answering with any real substance. And now you threaten war still without acknowledging the basis of the authority you claim. That is completely unacceptale.
You claim to speak for the Free Systems yet state that you are ignorant of pirates operating out of them. Something any school child can tell you. Further you state no knowledge of public pirate threats against Lions of Earth ships, Blackheart security and Church of the Horned dog shipping. Which we have heard of on Refuge. I suppose you've never heard of Magnus Ironbane or Sora Fleshstealer either? Thier have been direct threats made against Lions of Earth vassels which to me implies a willingness to attack them regardless of location or exact markings. I would also point out that no action has at this time been taken against any pirate or suspected pirate. You question their methods when you have yet to even see them. Not to menton that you make threats of war against the EEF yet don't even seem to question the presence of a large and heavily armed force sent by the Churh of the Horned Dog. Are you also claiming that this religous organzation is commiting an act of war?

If you wish to work an arrangment out that is fine. I would prefer that myself but until you honestly come forward and admit how it is you suddenly speak for the Free Systems at large discussion is pointless. Lastly I have several ships enroute to pick up my stranded men. I strongly suggest you not interfere in their pick up particularly if you really wish to resolve this without conflict. I do not react well to threats Mr. Maehl in particular threats against my soliders.

Rather than twist the words the Lions of Earth used why not agree to help them in securing all shipping from pirates who have long found safe haven in the Free Systems and have troubled shipping all over the Polar Expanse. In fact why not luanch a joint operation right now? Who better to ensure that no innocent Free Systems citizen suffer than Free Systems citizens. I'm sure they are as sick of the pirates as the rest of us are.

Field Marshall Strykker.

**recorded live Transmission, broadcast across channel, such that all Free systems leadership can hear it, as well as General Vulfrym, his CPT, Zaodonai Celyse, and Strykker***

Dear Field Marshall Strykker of the EEF,

I want to first speak on the issue of authority. Seeing as how the Free Systems are a protectorate of the Temporal Empire, I'm going to say this clearly so that they can hear me. With regards to the hunting down and killing of so-called pirates, I speak with absolute full authority against any action that threatens the lives of every citizen of the Free Systems. And in the event that I am lying, I request a member of the Temporal Empire speak or show otherwise.
...
...
...

*waits ten minutes of silence*

... so that said, I hope it clarifies to the extent of authority for which I speak. If it weren't for the fact that I understand you to be, and have experienced you as, rather undiplomatic and often condescending, I would have been offended by the fact that you asked by what authority I speak when I came to you for the purpose of advising you of our determination. And please be aware, Field Marshal Strykker, it merely appears sudden to you that I have "a voice."

That said, I will reiterate our position: unauthorized entry into the Free Systems will not be tolerated. It is a courtesy even the mighty Iron Republic respects. Due to the nature of the threats made against our citizens by a General of the EEF, and since you are unable and/or unwilling to ensure these threats do not come to fruition, we have no choice but to formally declare any ship bearing either an EEF or a Lions of Earth emblem and/or ship signature as hostile. We, the Free Systems, are not antagonizing you, threatening action against you in EEF-controlled or other foreign territory, or even stating that we will chase you beyond our borders. It is only our desire to maintain our sovereignty and ensure the safety of all our citizens.

Allow me to be clear, Field Marshall. We, the citizens of the Free Systems, have *all* been at one point declared and/or labelled as pirates. Many of us, prior to the Treaty of 2219 and the creation of IRLCs, were at some point engaged in these acts. If not, it was a brother, sister, cousin, or parent of one. It was the only means by which to sustain oneself without submitting to wage slavery of the Iron Republic. Now, however, most of our citizens are gainfully employed by means that are considered legal in all territories around the Polar Expanse. By stating that for the reason of supposed pirate-harboring we no longer deserve the right to maintain independence, which we have enjoyed since the fall of Earth, and allow and/or disallow access to our territory, is unacceptable. I will not stand for slander of our people, and I will not allow witch hunts. If you have so much animosity for pirates, why not invade Kasanth? Their entire nation is considered pirates as well. Since threat of wanton violence has been made against our ENTIRE population, we stand justified in our proclamation against the entry of unauthorized vehicles. And, unlike General Vulfrym, we are not declaring intent against the EEF in EEF-controlled territory, or taking an unauthorized "joyride." It is the very nature of this conversation, therefore, to ensure that threats aren't necessary and advise our position and prevent unnecessary violence that would occur with unlawful entry. Furthermore, I had promised you that no formal Free Systems action would occur against Vulfrym as so long as he respected our sovereignty.

It is a courtesy all other territories are provided, and we demand no less.

With regards to the issue of assisting in the hunting down of pirates, we the Free Systems have not been the victim of piracy since Captain Magnus Ironsbane was destroyed. The McConnels, Field Marshal, were not operating out of the Free Systems at the time of incident. The incident, in fact, took place *on the other side of the universe!* In the Bretheren expanse deep in Iron Republic territory! And, in this case, the EEF General in question offered an olive branch to a private army that attacked a contractor with whom they had a dispute. While the crime might have been egregious in nature, I'm not sure it can be defined as "piracy." And for trusting an EEF officer, they were rewarded with sale to the Qual NDrone. It is for this reason that General Vulfrym is no longer allowed in the Free Systems, or anyone else who engages in the practice of giving people over to the Quall, irrespective of the crime. And, with regards to death threats against the Cult of the Horned Dog following Ar'Yay Hive Queen, Childeen Blackheart, and General Vulfrym, the entire Free Systems is clamoring for their deaths and what they consider justice. It's just like the average EEF citizen decries the existence of the Iron Republic and despises Kasanth. When an entire population feels betrayed and angered by the actions of others, its absolutely impossible to say that any specific individual is going to carry it out and advise you accordingly, as you request.

The Temporal Empire has created the parameters of Free Systems' law as they saw fit. I will bring your concerns regarding the nature of their rule and protection over the Free Systems to them, as well as your dislike of our apparent inability to ferret out specific individuals that may or may not be of interest due to the possibility that they may take action against your independently-acting underling. You can expect their contact at any time, to which you can bring your grievances to them...directly (in a manner of speaking). Just as you report to a higher authority, I *defer* to theirs. Until such a time as they see fit, however, I will neither take action against individuals nor condone trespassing for any reason.

This conversation is geared towards the EEF and its soldiers, as you are their Field Marshall. Other parties that have offended the Free Systems do not concern you, as I am aware, unless you want them to. If you wish to speak for the Cult of the Horned Dog or Blackheart Securities, please advise and we can extend this conversation about them and their actions. However, I do not see the point as you would most likely disavow responsibility as you have done on this, and many prior, occasion(s). If I offended you by not including them in the scope of this conversation, I did not mean to do so as it was only my intention to address individuals who I felt were in your control. My apologies. Several members of those parties do not warrant this level of conversation. I assure you their trespasses will be handled accordingly.

I hope I have responded to your queries regarding the nature and intent of my communication, as well as to the authority for which I speak. I hope I have been able to express the extent to which the Free Systems have felt threatened by the words and actions of General Vulfrym, and for what reason he and the EEF are no longer granted unauthorized entry into the Free Systems. And since I do not like to be threatened either, Field Marshall, or condescended against, I will remove myself from this equation. If the EEF wishes to work out an agreement with the Free Systems through me, please have General Ha'Jima contact me accordingly, as I consider her a great ally to the Free Systems and a person most worthy of my respect and time. Otherwise, I will defer to the Temporal Empire and advise you contact them directly.

I am most sorry about your men. I advise you to contact the Temporal Empire to gain authorization for your ships to enter Free Systems space and negotiate their release accordingly. Otherwise, the aforementioned dictum stands.

Yours sincerely,
Su Maehl, on behalf of the Free Systems

General Vulfrym's voice radiated anger, "To Operation Lionhunter, you are ordered to pull back to EEF space and regroup. FM Strykker wants to solve this diplomatically first. However when the first stone is cast things will break!"

CPT Lionheart shrugged nonchalantly, "Rog-O sir, thats a hard copy. See ya soon."

As the fleet altered course CPT Lionheart said, "Man I was supposed to go to Casablanca station for leave, guess that plans changed." He activated the PA system, "Alright kiddies I guess our leisurely stroll has ended, its too bad as I was working out a contract so that we would use Casablanca station for rearming and pleasure purposes."

A communal groan rose from the ship like that of a dying whale.

The engineering officer noted, "I was supposed to go their on leave next month too, this is bullshit. Casablanca station is the most visited leave destination for us EEF'ers. I bet they will be pissed when they can't have our paychecks."

**Open Broadcast across the Free Systems**
Greetings people of the Free Systems,

I am Jeremiah Strykker Field Marshall of the EEF. Please forgive the lateness of my reply I was on Hepaestom dealing with some treaty obligations and so was not able to make a prompt answer. First however I would like to take a moment to thank the Temporal Empire for the safe return of General Giffords, Captain Jeffers and Corporal Jenkins. It is heartening to see that you were able to act with honor and compassion despite the repeated threats made against their safety by Mr. Meahl due to a matter that they had absolutely nothing to do with.

Now to the reason for my address. Mr. Meahl as you are by now I'm sure aware the Lions of Earth ships that had been traveling to the Free Systems have returned to EEF controlled space. As the neither I nor General Vulfrym wish to see this became a larger incident. Based on your transmission it is clear that you have made some sort of contract with the Temporal Empire had you simply stated this to begin with when asked much unpleasantness could have been avoided. Had we known you were a recognized representative speaking for them instead of a IRLC holder dallying in politics, our conversations would have been very different. I will assume you had some good reason for being coy in the matter. I am also sorry to inform you that Zaodonai Hajime will not be able to act as a representative in this matter thought she is one of my oldest and dearest friends. However, at this time she is not an active member of the EEF as she has moved to an emergency reserve status as her duties as Zaodonai of her people take up much of her time. Secondly she has been given no leave to speak for Refuge by the Colony General. Lastly I would not insult her by asking her to act as a go between while she has duties to attend.

Historically speaking the Free systems have let all factions come and go as they pleased which is one of the reasons that pirates often operated from this area. No one here asked questions and no one out side would chase them here for fear of retaliation by the Temporal Empire. If you wish to change this policy that is of course your right. We of the EEF would not question that. So we have no choice but to oblige your request now that you have finally shown that you are in fact authorized to speak for the Free systems. To that end all EEF forces, even those on leave will exit the Free Systems and not return.

Perhaps General Vulfrym was a bit to brief and his men to flippant in their communications. However I find several points of your logic flawed. Firstly you claim that the Free Systems couldn't possible trust the General after what he did to Free Systems citizens. I would ask what citizens? The Mcconnel pirates, as you so entertainingly pointed out, did not operate in the Free Systems their raiding ground was in the Brethren Expanse. As far as I've been able to ascertain their exact system of origin is unknown, yet you have claimed them as people of the Free Systems and even defended them so far as to deny the crimes they were known to have committed in the Brethren Expanse. News coverage of which is still all over the Iron Republic Broadcasting networks. I suppose at least now the lawyers will know where to file the wrongful death civil suites. Unless you were mistaken in your earlier statement. In which case there is no good reason for the Free systems to be concerned. After all they weren't your people and it was nearly a Universe away as you yourself Mr. Meahl pointed out.

Also it strikes me as odd that you would claim that there are no pirates in the Free Systems, even as a group calling itself the Pirate Families of the Free Systems openly broadcast threats of dire revenge against people. It also escapes me how you can claim that a group seeking the active threat making pirates could possibly be a threat to everyone in the Free Systems. The paranoia in that statement boarders on the deranged to be frank. Especially when you consider that General Vulfrym was in fact very specific in his challenge to the Pirate Families

**recording plays**

LionsofEarth wrote:You want to put a Mark on my head?
I am putting one on yours. Never sleep, never stop running, for when you hear the Lion's Roar it will be your death!

**recording ends**

This statement is clearly directed only at the Pirate Families who wish to strike at General Vulfrym. Yet you would claim that it is a threat against every Free System Citizen which is hardly the case for anyone looking at it in a rational fashion. At any rate what the General proposed was far from a witch hunt. Rather it would have been a coordinated and surgical strike. Which would have prevented the attacks that only a few days ago in Free Systems space on ships which saw dozens of Lions of Earth and Blackheart contractors captured by pirates who you claim don't exist. These prisoners are now to be sold at auction

And I suppose some people may think that just considering the allegations made against them concerning the Mcconnels. I would however remind those people that many of the men and women taken and now facing sale into slavery had nothing at all to do with that alleged incident and instead are now being punished for doing their job. I would appeal to their honor and empathy to remember that these are people with families and lives not so different from themselves. I would appeal to the Temporal Empire that if it feels punishment is warranted it prove the crime and that it be upon the deserving parties and not on who ever happens to be in the area when they decide to carry it out. I would make the same appeals to you Mr. Meahl but you have already shown me that you do not care about such things. I admit that some of these people in question may be guilty of crimes and should face justice for that. But, if that is the case it should be the justice of a recognized court system. Not the bloody whim of pirates.

At this time I would make a formal request that the EEF be given permission to find this auction, stop it and recover the hostages both Lions of Earth and Blackheart contractors. If that is not possible I would ask that we be allowed to support whatever efforts the Free Systems are making to stop this. As I'm sure you are mounting such efforts even as I speak. After all you wouldn't want to let a group of pirates put the lie to Mr. Meahl's words about the Free Systems being a safe pirate free sector of space. Please do not delay in your reply. Time is critical.
**Broadcast ends**

**Temporal Empire copied in**

Dear Field Marshall Strykker,

First, I appreciate the explanation of your actions. I will respond to that in a moment, after I respond directly to your request regarding access to EEF troops in captivity. I, personally, have neither the desire nor the conviction to assist in the negotiation of their release as I feel the groups holding them are justified in their actions. However, based on your assurances, I will advise these individuals, when they invariably request my advice, that they respond positively to your good will gestures. If they wish to have a neutral party provide the trade-off, I will ensure you, on my word, that if they are released to me in good health that I will return these individuals to you in good health as well. For any further formal responses to your inquiries regarding this matter, I, instead, defer to the Temporal Empire.

Second, FM Strykker, you grossly misunderstand the nature of the Free Systems, and your actions to date have shown that to me in very profound ways. In acknowledgement of your recent attempts to alter the EEF's position regarding the witch hunt at hand, I will not all combustible material to this fire. Instead, I will advise you, very plainly, that any broad action taken against pirates is an affront to the entire Free Systems. Case and point, "to the pirate families." I am telling you, irrespective of your actual intent, that this is an affront to every Free Systems citizen. Whether or not you understand how is currently irrelevant to me. In your future negotiations with the captors of your men, I advise you deal with them directly as to how to lift this proverbial curse placed on you and your men. Again, I also encourage you to speak with the Temporal Empire for further guidance regarding this matter and I wish you the very best in this endeavor. I merely wish to convey the point that your diplomatic approach towards this matter has been inadequate as it has not been tailored to your audience. General Vulfyrm's approach, moreover, has been even worse and counter-productive.

Third, you completely misunderstand the nature of my involvement in this matter. The messages you have been receiving from me on this occasion have not been through Maehl Holdings (**ooc note, see the signature on all my correspondences**). No IRLCs are involved in this matter. As I now understand your perception, how it affected your actions, and I have made clear to you my position, we can now move on.

Fourth, I did not claim there are no pirates in the Free Systems. In fact, I think I made the opposite claim. I claimed we haven't been the victim of piracy. And you are correct, the Free Systems' citizens were in foreign territory when the transgression occurred. I will, in turn, correct you. The McConnels were Free Systems citizens. I will, for the purpose of clarity, explain the nature of our citizens upset. They were promised free haven by your troops, and then betrayed. Had it been a mere attack, then perhaps the transgression would have been forgiven and/or ignored. Or at least handled differently. However, the EEF under General Vulfrym promised protection, and then failed to grant it. Furthermore, they were instead given over to the Quall N'Drone. Whatever your perspective on this matter, which I will not attempt to invalidate, the perspective of the people you are dealing with consider this transgression unforgivable. Were our positions switched, would you not feel the same?

Your appeals have been forwarded to the Temporal Empire. I wish you the best in your interactions with them. If, for whatever reason, you wish to make any additional requests of me, or require more information and/or explanation, my communication lines are open to you.

Yours sincerely,
Su Maehl

Field Marshall Stykker of the EEF,

Our sources may be mistaken but they have advised us this is not the first time the Kias you call Vulfrym has been wanted for crimes that under EEF law would result in summary execution.
First unleashing Church of One on fellow colonists during your Border Wars and again when he targeted other EEF officers including a little bastard named T.J.

Vulfrym is wanted by the Dauhnb Queen Army for the crime of creating a Temporal Lock, for his dealings with the Ancient Evils, and for illegally Time Shredding.

Seperate from that the Pirate Families have declared vendetta against him.

My masters in the Temporal Empire do not wish to tell you how to run your own sector of space, but you feel that you must tell us how to run ours. You have disrespected our diplomats through ignorance. When our diplomats met with Subcommander Johnson we knew He did not exist yet we gave your representative respect. When Nikki revealed herself as the bastards behind the hologram we did not accuse the EEF of trying to lie to us or manipulate us. We understood there are reasons why some things are so.

The EEF has always had free passage through are sector not because my masters are lax and spineless but because we respected your goals. But that trust has been shattered by EEF soldiers.

You put blame for this incident on OUR representative? He was forthright when your ships threatened our citizens. When your soldiers tried to Sneak past our blockades? When your soldiers were involved in weapons smuggling to our enemies in GAST?

Your hatred of Su Maehl is obvious, yet unfathomable when he has done nothing to you. Nothing except assert that you have no right to HUNT and kill people in our sector of space. It wouldn't matter if he were a lowly clerk, he should not have needed to tell you this.

You are a wise man Jeremiah Strykker. You will see the truth of these statements.

You would be wiser still if you executed your pet Kias before he finishes his evil plot.

Cecil Hornbow
Interpreter

Mr. Hornbow,

You have been misinformed by your sources to a point. Firstly the EEF does not have laws, we are a military not a government. In fact we do not invovle ourselves in Colonial politics. It is our duty to protect the Colonies from outside threats and only when asked by a ruling body of any given colony do we intercede in a crisis. It is also our policy that past crimes not be held against anyone joining the EEF so long as they maintain there oaths while in service. In fact we often take prisoners who have agreed to serve in place of jail time. The actions you mention were carried out before the Lions of Earth and General Vulfrym swore oaths to serve the Colonies as the EEF does. Due to special circumstance he and many other Lions were pardoned. I am well aware of the feud between T.J. and Vulfrym, far more aware than I'd like to be in fact. They have both agreed not to pursue it while in service, however. So far as I know this has been the case. And so long as it remains the case their personal grievances are not my concern.

Please explain to me how I have told the Temporal Empire to run its sector of space? General Vulfrym acted rashly regarding the threats made against him. I had hoped to reach an agreement or compromise over the matter. Clearly that is not possible. Therefore as far as I am concerned this matter is done. You will not help us to secure the release of the captured Lions of Earth or Blackheart Security personal so we will find other avenues outside your space to hopefully recover them. And should any pirates make attacks in Refuge controlled space they will be dealt with according to local law. And as we are not welcome here we will not return.

I find it interesting that you bring up your dealings with Admiral Niki. Tell me, when she spoke to you did you take every opportunity to explain to her that you had no actually position or right to be part of the talks that were happening as Mr. Meahl (Who I assume you mean) has done while we've discussed this matter? He has assured me that he has no elected position, no appointed position nor is he working under any sort of contract. He has spent as much effort telling me he has no authority to tell me anything as he has telling me things. If a diplomat will not identify himself, how can he expect to be treated as one? More to the point how can you expect others to to treat him as one? But honestly that is a point I have made already.

I never once said that your masters were weak or lax. In fact I said the rest of the known Universe is afraid of them. I stated that for reasons of their own, they have allowed piracy to flourish in their space and that for fear of the Temporal Empire no other power in known space has ever attempted to do anything about it. I think that is a fair statement though clearly lacking in details.

To your last point however. I do not hate Su Meahl. Mr.Hornbow, you do not know me. Please do not assume to know my mind. As I do not assume to know yours. I am admittedly frustrated with his evasiveness regarding many things and the several threats he made against three members of the EEF who were trapped on the front lines of your civil war and who had nothing to do with the matter being discussed. I am only thankful that the your Queen and even the rebels of GAST were kind enough to bring them back unharmed. Which reminds me I would like to again extend my apologies regarding Corporal Jenkins's behavior. He is not an entirely well adjusted man to be frank.

I certainly don't know anything about weapons being taken to GAST. I would assume that the seized Blackheart ships carried them? Am I now to be held responsible for the actions of Blackheart Security? Who in fairness is a weapons dealer and I would think free to sell them to anyone willing to pay.

Regardless, if you have proof of these crimes you accuse General Vulfrym of why has none of it been presented? Why has the Temporal Empire not lodged a complaint with the Colony General?

Field Marshall Strykker.

https://darkrefuge.forumotion.com/t480-temporal-empire-list-of-most-wanted

Consider your complaint logged Field Marshall.
The Temporal Enforcement Agency has logged these true statements by your pet Kias. He has admitting planning to train more time shredders. I am sure you know understand where we are coming from.

Cecil Hornbow
Interpreter

Mr. Hornbow,

Rest assured that I will discuss this attempt at blackmail with General Vulfrym. Such an action is both counter productive and violates the EEF code of conduct regulations.

However you have yet to show any proof of the original crimes you accuse him of. Which he has denied committing. In absence of proof no action can or will be taken regarding your earlier claims.

Field Marshall Strykker.