FN-999 (restored)
The real real Nines.
GREYMAN’S PLANET
Tags:
Lander Stalwart
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Masao
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A'Runda
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Matthew of Valendale
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Shuklaar Kyrdol
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Achilleon Utraen
All things considered, the meeting was going surprisingly well.
With continued dialogue guaranteed, FN-999 felt far more comfortable to speak honestly.
"Your words could very easily be interpreted as a threat against the dayimo's life." warned FN-999, his helmeted gaze glaring directly at Masao.
"Which makes his position all the more understandable. The Farworlds Alliance brings forth a representative who calls for open revolt against the dayimo's authority. Caragach has brought him here not as a puppet, but as a victimized authority who has evidently not been given the chance to fairly present his case."
"This is why Representative Matthew's independent commission is absolutely necessary. Instead of leaving the dayimo's fate to be manipulated by a group of radical teenagers and outcasts, he must be fairly judged by professionals and his peers. Caragach will stand by any decision that such a commission makes. You have my word."
The Marshal was not lying. The commission that Matthew had proposed was in his mind the best compromise he could think of, acknowledging the depth of their differences while allowing Caragach official justification to play a role in Veridian affairs. All that remained for him to address was the particularly irritating Mandalorian who seemed to be trying to goad his delegation into waging war on the Commonwealth.
"After all," continued FN-999, shifting his gaze to address the full audience, "Neither of us will benefit from any armed conflict between our peoples."
This was perhaps more of a white lie from the Marshal. It was true that he did not seek immediate escalation to a hot war: Centerra's resource potential greatly surpassed that of Caragach, and even with their recent separation there was no ruling out the Wild Space Rebellion returning to aid its onetime ally. However, a more limited conflict using proxies in Veridia or elsewhere would prove far more advantageous to the Commonwealth. By relying on local actors, Caragach could stretch the Farworlds Alliance's resources thin, forcing assets that could be used against the Commonwealth to instead actively police its own territory. Consequently, Caragach would be free to invest more of its resources into its industry and strengthening its ties with Mahporeem and Vandemar, ensuring that by the time the Farworlds dealt with the Commonwealth's proxies, they would be facing a true equal in battle.
Ultimately, it would all take time. Months, if not years, that could not be wasted in costly sieges or defenses. So FN-999 returned his attention to Shuuklar, recognizing the Mandalorian as his main military threat.
"Do not mistake our gestures of diplomacy for weakness." warned the Marshal, his tone stern and humorless. "Our forces remain on high alert, ready to eliminate any invader who steps even a single foot into Caragachi space."
"I will openly acknowledge that at this moment in time, the Farworlds hold an advantage in numbers and firepower. We could not hope to besiege Centerra even if we wanted to."
"Defensively on the other hand, I am fully confident that the Commonwealth's fleet and ground forces are capable of inflicting grievous losses. I will not divulge Caragach's exact strength or plans, as I am sure you would hesitate to do the same. However, it is safe to say that none of you have fought an army like the Caragachi Armed Forces."
"In short, we seek peace, but we will not hesitate to wage war to defend our ideals or avenge broken promises."
