[Diplomacy] Urgent Assembly Video Conference

"Mr. Fellini," Deyn began after the others had paused, "one may believe from the impression that you've given that your colony has led a rather tumultuous past with limited supplies and questionable stability in terms of location, production, safety...if you do get established here, give us your outlook on what your colony might build up to, at least ideally. What do you hope to see your colony achieve in a year, five years, ten years? Tell us about your population, your economy, your [I]military[\i]. Now, and in the future."

Fellini nodded thoughtfully and took a moment before he spoke "Well, many of my people have become very attached to the ships, so one thing i can say is that its very unlikely we would ever try and colonize a planet heavily. Our ships are hugely connected to our culture and way of life and we are a very traditional and culturally centered people.  Though even without a real colony world like  Cascadia or the other colonies in this system, without the constant threat of pirate attacks we could redirect much of the effort of our innovative engineers from producing weapons of war, to producing new technologies and better versions of our V.R and A.I tech. As a people grown in hostile environments i could never see Zeon moving away from constant innovation of our fighters and mobile armored suits. I see Zeon growing its fleet, finally being a real colony again. With the power to help other colonies and take a real part in the politics of the sector."

Chase sat silently in thought, closing his eyes for a long time after he listened to what Fellini had said debating what his actions should be in cautiously approaching the acceptance of Zeon, which following what Hanzo had said he knew that all colonies would eventually have to do. His eyes opened as he began to speak.

"I cannot simply send Zeon away in good consciousness however, we have no reason to trust them despite their claims. I suggest that until Zeon has had a chance to prove themselves that they only be granted limited access and trading rights within the Crest Sector. I would at least consider not granting trade agreements involving firearms, explosives, high grade metals that could be used for development of other such weaponry to ensure that we are not providing them with power to use against the sector."

Fellini smiled wider than before and nodded "I would agree to those restrictions, its only right my people and i have to prove ourselves before we truly be considered part of crest. "

William smiled and said "Well, someone willing to agree to trade restrictions so readily seems to be trust worthy to me. I agree that Zeon should be allowed to stay. It sounds like they would be staying with Cascadia at least for the time being, if I'm not mistaken?"

Fellini nodded "if they allow us i suppose it seems like a fair idea. I would never want to impose of course, we could stay in the free lanes between the systems as mentioned before."

Nonsense Mr Fellini, Cascadian space is open to you

"Building off of what Mr. Chase suggested, perhaps we could draw up some regulations and ceasefire terms that would be agreed to - for a period of time, at least - for everyone's benefit." He furrowed his brows for a moment, thinking. "It's only fair to take the perspectives that we're all at risk, here. Not just ourselves, but Zeon as well - there are opportunists who would take advantage of a struggling colony. So, Mr. Fellini, here's an idea, just to mull over - might you be willing to accept, amongst the terms of trade regulations, some military oversight from your new allies to ensure the safe development of your colony?"

Fellini sighed, thoughfully closing his eyes for a moment. Would his people like that idea? Probably not, but at this point he couldnt afford to make the people of crest not trust him, so he would try and make a compromise. "I would be willing to accept that, but as my people only know much about our contact with Cascadia, and Cascadia has given us food, and rights to be in their territory. I request the military oversight be mainly-if not fully- from cascadia." He smiled and sighed "My people may not like the idea of military oversight, but I think they may be a bit more inclined to it if it's from people who have already shown us good will."

Hanzo would straighten:: further more the question should be asked if Cascadia will allow other military oversight of anything within its space, and that answer would be a firm no. If crest as a whole wants a probationary period for zeon to have full access that is fine. And we will honor their request that WE provide oversight but there wont be any other military presence in cascadian space. It IS after all Cascadian territory and falls solely under our councils law and control. Would you elaborate on what oversight you 'd suggest and i assure you it will be concideted

Chase furrowed his brow.

"You have been adamantly protecting the newcomers even if it means defying the ruling of other colonies and the assembly, Hanzo. Tell me, what gains are there in your actions?"

Deyn nodded in contemplation, fully hiding any expression he might have had behind a perfect political poker-face. In truth, he was glad that his question had struck just the right chord to initiate some real discussion of the relationship between Cascadia and Zeon. It was more of an errant thought than a hard-line proposal, but perhaps it would shine more light on the reasoning behind Cascadia's actions. At least from Deysha's perspective, it seemed that there was more than the other colonies realized thus far. He waited patiently and wordlessly to see the response to Chase's question.

Simple. They entered Cascadian space. We fully understand there is a concern and we will consider everything that has been stated . But as i pointed out the Zeon fleet entered directly in cascadian space and have not entered any other colony controlled space. And as for defying rulings, we have not and will not defy what has been decided for the communal space between the colonies, but the assembly does not hold sway inside any of our sovereign territories. The assembly was created to provide community here in the sector not to create a single governing body. As i stated we will consider the military oversight suggested with cascadian space but we will avidly enforce the open space and trading regulations proposed on Zeon. As for what gain will we get ???? We are not so shallow as to offer help and the hand of friendship for somthing in return.

"Whether or not they have violated the space of other colonies is beside the point. They decided without any consultation of the existing colonies to move their entire fleet into the system to reside. Any force that size, especially one so willing to express their confidence in military strength, that without notice of any kind moves into a Sector would be considered a threat by the inhabitants. My concern is not of your sovereignty from the Assembly, but of your decision to fully trust these individuals despite the risks involved."

cascadia is well prepared defend itself if need be. But treating a people in need of help as if they are an outright threat is completly wrong. Trust is a risk as is any endeavor in space . But always being overly weary and distrustful is more costly than fostering new friendships.

"If they were in need of help there are means of sending distress signals without access to the Datanet. We would have been more than willing to send a ship outside Crest borders to provide them with whatever it is that they were in need of, whether that had been supplies or military defense. That however, was not their approach which is cause for a great deal of concern about their true motives. Your lack of caution, although it has played a significant role in helping the surrounding colonies, is one of your downfalls. If your decision is in the wrong, it will be your people to suffer first."

Cascadia has many safeties in place to ensure we make proper decisions . I wont disclose what they are but their information is helpful. For instance the only ship in the zeon fleet that has long range communications abilities is the massive capital ship, and said long range comm array seems to be severely damaged. Thusly they likely communicated as soon as they were able. Why Mr Fellini has yet to mention this i do not know, i assume it is to try and conceal a serious tactical disadvantage

Chase leaned forward as pain shot out from his chest. Nonetheless he remained composed as he continued.

"To clarify, I am in no regards trying to interrogate you I am simply concerned for the security of the Sector." He paused and turned his attention to Zeon's representative. "Is their report true Fellini?"

Fellini sighed and nodded "yes it is true, I didn't mention it because after the initial message and the responses I received, I though that it would seem like a poor excuse.

After watching the exchange, Deyn did some hasty thinking. He was absolutely sure that Alexander Chase and the rest of the Novalysian government was onto something in their response to Zeon...and he wasn't yet sure whether to fully trust Cascadia's good intentions with the safety of millions of people by letting a fox into the hen-house, so to speak. Regardless, he couldn't let it show that he was just as distrustful of the newcomers as Mr. Chase.

"Perhaps what would be best is not 'military' oversight, per se. Pardon me, I was thinking out loud." He offered a smile which looked unusual on his gruff face. He saw the disparities between Zeon and the others and honed in immediately. "But I truly do think that the only way to building trust is step-by-step, face-to-face. Chairman Fellini and Councillor Hanzo," he made sure to specify both Zeon and Cascadia, "how would you feel about accepting ambassadorial delegations - not military, but purely diplomatic - to come and visit the Fleet of Zeon? Just as a gesture of goodwill from our peoples to yours. I'm sure we're as eager to get to know you as you are to get to know us." He gestured sincerely, waiting to see if they might accept this much less abrasive idea.

Fellini smiled and nodded "the capital ship of zeon is open to your ambassadors if cascadia wants to allow them through cascadian space"

Deyn seemed pleased with Fellini's positive response. "Excellent, Mr. Fellini. Mr. Hanzo, do you have any objections to neutral diplomatic parties so we can all have another go at our introductions?"

That in no way goes against cascadian law so of course they have access

Chase breathed sharply as the pain from his wounds increased under the stress of a conference after just stabilizing. His brow furrowed down as he tried to shift positions in the small hospital chair. The sound of footsteps came from behind the camera as Chase shook his head. The sounds silenced completely thereafter as he listened to the proposal.

"What are the specifics of the laws you mentioned Hanzo? Although it may not pertain to the other colonies, limiting military personnel from entering the system greatly affects the number of representatives Novalyse has to provide."

Fellini noticed chases condition and asked sounding actually worried "are you alright mr.Chase? You seem to be in pain, I've seen my fair share of hospital beds I know what pain looks like."

Military forces are fully prohibited in Cascadian space unless invited, all military personel would be treated as diplomatic personel are, they will have a cascadian escort with them at all times time and have any and all weaponry and possible communication devices conviscated and will have access to monitored communications protocols. All military vessels are required to transfer passengers to cascadian transport at the territory boarder.Once we open our boarders to tourism in the near future new regulations for incoming travel will be introduced. but for now these regulations are in place to protect cascadian trade secrets, namely Cascadium and the metal growth technology

Chase was surprised at the concern Fellini was showing for his condition, despite his diplomatic stance against his colony.

"I will live, a gunshot to the chest isn't the most pleasant of injuries," he said, turning his attention to Hanzo. "Considering recent events, stripping all weaponry from military personnel seems out of the question. In the event that an incident were to occur, no disrespect I assure you, but new legislative protocol will not allow me to entrust the lives of out citizens in your hands."