A statement regarding Salvation and Aden Tanner

[Julian McCoy]

Greetings, Commanders.

Everyone's favourite trouble is back once again.

I bring you another transcript from a press conference held aboard my flagship, MSV McCoy's Pleasure, at approximately 06:00AM Galactic Time, this time in the T Tauri system.
I'm again posting it here for wider awareness, since this is all short notice much like the last time. Special thanks to GalNet for actually showing up this time, Vox Galactica too. Perhaps after the last campaign hit the front pages they actually believe I'm worth listening to. At least if they don't run the story, Unity Times will like always.

Transcript follows, my lovelies:

Good morning, I'd like to begin with a simple statement.

I will not allow Salvation to deploy further weapons of mass destruction, nor will I allow Aegis to do so either.
Our focus should be on communicating with the Thargoids, not carrying out further invasions and annexations of their territory.

To this end I am assembling my forces in the T Tauri system, where they will actively intervene in any preparations, made by either side, to engage the Thargoids.
All parties involved need to use some sense and logic, you are escalating the Thargoid conflict entirely unnecessarily.
After all these years of talking, briefing and convincing have failed, I am finally prepared to say that enough is enough.

As much as people would like to believe, the Pleiades, California, and Witch Head nebulas do not belong to Humanity.
The Thargoids have marked these territories with their Barnacles, and therefore claimed them before we did. We are the invaders, the occupying force, and those systems are annexed.
This is the truth.

To Salvation: I will not allow you to continue with your senselessly genocidal attacks against the Thargoids. You are known as The Butcher of Cornsar for a reason, and you know exactly what you did. Both in luring them there, and then ruthlessly annihilating them. My previous 'Dump The Medicine' campaign against you gathered significant support, don't believe for one second that I won't raise more hell the next time, especially after the needless butchery you carried out against my Thargoid friends.

To Admiral Tanner: I hope you aren't as much of a fool as we've all been lead to believe you are, Aden. You know that communication is more important than conflict, and you should've listened to Alba Tesreau when you had the chance. She's a woman of science, and you'd do damn well to heed what she has to say, evidently what she has been saying to you this entire time. You're a military man, you should be very good at using both hemispheres of your brain, so /do it/.

We must all stop this embrace of mindless violence, the so-called 'Patriots of Humanity' who would so blindly declare me a traitor are the very ones who are dooming it to an endless conflict!

The Thargoids do not want us in their territory, therefore we must withdraw if there is any hope of salvaging our relations with them. The vast majority of Starports within the Pleiades and Witch Head nebulas are Ocellus or Orbis-type. It is imperative they are fitted with hyperdrive capabilities as expediently as possible, so that an orderly evacuation and withdrawal can take place.

Please, I implore all of you. Make the right choice, change the galaxy for the better. And take this first step with me into a new age of co-operation, where we can put our individual differences aside for the sake of all Humanity.

Sidenote: Patience Middleton, send me a commline if you get this, I want to talk credits. We'll see who can bid higher for your services.
And that's that.

As usual, you're all a wonderful audience.
Right on, Commanders.

EDIT 07/11/3307: An update on the campaign can be found here.
EDIT 09/11/3307: Another update on the campaign can be found here.
EDIT 10/11/3307: High priority campaign update can be found here.

 

[Mas s_1nhibited]

The Allied Order of Exemplars of the California Nebula consider Salvation a clear and present threat to not only our sector but all of established human space. The current incursion into the whole California sector and other Exclaves is a no longer an isolated attack directed at California freeport, Sirius Corp and their allies but is endemic across the whole region. Salvation is a clear and present threat to not only Alliance controlled systems in deep space but we believe the insurmountable numbers evidenced by last week's incursion will continue and threaten the existence of all existing powers, Major factions and independent colonies within the human "bubble" . Tanner is correct when he says there will be disaster if Salvation infiltrates the thargoid control network with his guardian viral weapon.

Salvation had a choice to use this technology for de-escalation and humanity, or doom us with the crime of annihilation. He chose badly.

We are one of the many hidden and outspoken critics of the war and have campaigned peacefully against Aegis and the wholesale slaughter for many years with no expectation of reward or recognition from either the Thargoids or humanity.

But we also recognise that the native Thargoid species has only ever reacted against aggressors and the corruption which seeks to profit from trade in death. We have used our political influence and knowledge to attempt to gently educate humanity in this regard while not impeding freedom of choice for any according to the Alliance doctrine of liberty for all. We put aside our differences with the scientists and Warriors of AEGIS recognising this is an act of defiance against their compromised leaders and heed the call of the Major powers to condemn Salvations acts of Atrocity.

The time for inaction has past.

The bravery and foresight of Admiral Tanner in taking the first step in protecting our way of life should not be ignored. He is protecting the citizens of the Federation in his way, we will protect the people of the Alliance in ours. We will join hands with him and all, regardless of which side of the Thargoid divide to stop this war criminal before it is too late.

We will assist in the effort to remove Taurus Mining Ventures from power peacefully as is our way.

Join us

 

[Henoch]

What is this here?? Pure Roleplay?

Once when the Thargoids were introduced to ED, I was the first - and by the time a lonly - one who would try to make contact. But I had to realise that "Hello, we come in peace" was not implemented in this game. The community should have had the choice to communicate with this alien race. But it was not implemented in this game! So I don't know how to handle your RP above. Ok, you have made a stand against Salvation. For me, as the course of the game is, there is only one solution to this dilemma: to support Salvation and not Aegis.

 

[Julian McCoy]

What is this here??

If you look at the map for the T Tauri system, Commander, you'll find that my forces present there are quite real.
I am trying to create positive change in the galaxy, all I need is for people to listen.

We will not get the communication we seek unless we fight for it.

 

[Henoch]

If you look at the map for the T Tauri system, Commander, you'll find that my forces present there are quite real.
I am trying to create positive change in the galaxy, all I need is for people to listen.

We will not get the communication we seek unless we fight for it.

So you are ready to fight against Salvation or against Cmdrs who will support Salvation - in-game and in open?

 

[Julian McCoy]

So you are ready to fight against Salvation or against Cmdrs who will support Salvation - in-game and in open?

I am ready to fight against both sides, to hold them to account for the atrocities they've perpetuated.

 

[Henoch]

So you are up to commit in game suicide?

 

[Julian McCoy]

So you are up to commit in game suicide?

You're so certain that the effort will fail, you haven't considered any possibility of success. Those in power cannot provide us alternatives to the status quo unless they see that there is a clear mandate to do so.

The results of the previous campaign destroyed over one-point-five-million tonne-canisters of Salvation's weapon components. Even though he might not admit it, we definitely had an impact on his plans. I can only hope that our campaign is the reason he hasn't yet deployed his weapon again.

There are many tools available to us to seek change or to impede the progress of others. It does not all have to be about literal 'fighting'.

 

[Julian McCoy]

Greetings once again, Commanders.

I'm just here to file a public copy of my internal campaign update that was disseminated among those participating in the operation in T Tauri roughly twenty minutes or so ago.
I thought I'd keep you all up to date as well, aren't I fabulous?

Anyway, update follows:

Campaign update, 09:15AM Galactic Time, 07/11/3307:

To all:

As of the time of this update, we have - tentatively - partnered with the Hind Co-operative to force an electoral challenge against Aegis Defense in the T Tauri system. While this isn't our ultimately preferred outcome, it should provide a suitable delay to keep all parties involved busy so that an armed conflict cannot take place.

Our preferred outcome would have involved mustering the Co-operative's forces enough to begin a challenge against Taurus Mining Ventures for control of Hind Mine, and therefore T Tauri itself. This would mean that no parties involved in the Salvation vs Tanner dispute would claim to control whatever is allegedly aboard the station, and all related documents and equipment could be submitted for independent auditing.

So far there have only been minor border skirmishes along the multiple spheres of influence in the system, and I have not been informed of any direct attacks against my diplomatic delegations aboard either Hind Mine, Musashi, or Bastien Botanical Site. I hope that it both stays that way, and that we have a chance to make further progress in our talks.
(Read that as: I hope Taurus and Tanner actually send representatives to talk to us, so that the delegations aren't left sitting in their respective stations' bars for another seventy-two hours, apparently they're all having fun though, so who am I to recall them? Also don't tell them I said that, I want them to think that I think they're busy and hard at work... Wait this is 'to all' so they'll probably get a copy too, damn, okay, nevermind.)

Swiftly moving on, all of you stay safe out here, this could get very difficult very quickly - and we'll likely be somewhere in the firing line.
- McCoy.

I hope that keeps everybody informed, but you know, tell your friends and associates to read this thread on the bulletin board system and all that.

Have a safe day, my lovelies.
Right on, Commanders.

 

[Henoch]

[snip]

The results of the previous campaign destroyed over one-point-five-million tonne-canisters of Salvation's weapon components. Even though he might not admit it, we definitely had an impact on his plans. I can only hope that our campaign is the reason he hasn't yet deployed his weapon again.
[snip]

So you have attacked and distroyed player ships which transported Salvation's modules?

 

[Julian McCoy]

So you have attacked and distroyed player ships which transported Salvation's modules?

That is correct, I coordinated personally with several leaders of groups with... Less than savoury service records, whom owed me favours, to enlist their assistance in either routing or destroying those carrying deliveries to the Cornsar system for Salvation's weapon. I am informed that most chose to surrender their cargo for destruction, rather than be destroyed themselves.

Additionally, we enacted a blockade of the landing pads at the megaship Heart of Taurus to prevent the cargo being purchased whilst explaining to those who would listen why we were doing so, at the same time purchasing and destroying the cargo ourselves.

That campaign, which I orchestrated, was code named 'Dump The Medicine'. It was even so popular as to be featured on GalNet at this link.
You can find more details about it here, Commander, I hope you enjoy the read.

However, for the record, none of this is my preferred course of action.

 

[Mas s_1nhibited]

So you are up to commit in game suicide

As the only vocal occupants of California Nebula. we are up for losing our homesystem first in line, so voices for and against the war and aegis can have their say. but we personally wont tolerate Atrocity. Everyone has the potential of losing everything should salvation succeed. We hope T Tauri will become a voice for the unheard masses seeking peace and that someone somewhere is listening to our cry. A vote for Hind coop is a vote for peace.

So come make your vote (when it begins)

 

[Julian McCoy]

we are up for losing our homesystem first so voices for and against the war and aegis can have their say. but we wont tolerate Atrocity.

I wasn't going to go that far, but you California nebula people know what you're okay with, I suppose. This is why I'm glad to have you all on my side.

 

[Gwallt]

I wasn't going to go that far, but you California nebula people know what you're okay with, I suppose. This is why I'm glad to have you all on my side.

All..? I really don't think that's the case

Great to see the RP, misguided though the objective is. There is a war coming, and you will play the role of space Neville Chamberlain. Hope you have fun...

 

[Julian McCoy]

All..? I really don't think that's the case

You got the idea of what I meant though.

This is me just straight publishing to the BBS without consulting my press team, or my publicist, so I'm being a bit more... 'Raw' than usual.
Boy, are they all going to be very cross when they find out.

 

[Julian McCoy]

Greetings again, Commanders!

It's me with yet another campaign update, again disseminated internally but I'm posting it here for general awareness.

Update follows once again:

Campaign update, 13:00PM Galactic Time, 09/11/3307:

To all:

So, that didn't exactly all go to plan did it? Allow me to explain why.

I've been in contact with several other delegations who have been intent on allowing Admiral Tanner to take control of Hind Mine, which is as you all know, our backup plan should things with the Co-operative fall through. This explains the sudden rise of both factions, as we were both inadvertently working against eachother whilst not knowing the other was actually doing so, leading to this current conflict. As of this time our plan remains the same, but that could change rather quickly so keep an eye on your briefings and supervisors and whomever else disseminates information to you should plans change.

Our primary goal here is still to both prevent Salvation - and by extension Admiral Tanner or Aegis as a whole - from launching off more weapons of mass destruction against the Thargoids, and continue to push for meaningful, public and transparent attempts to communicate with them. A good starting point would be Aegis themselves releasing all documentation concerning previous attempts made at communication, before we got to the point we are now. A simple release of such information would allay a large number of fears of corruption, and prove that Aegis is indeed actually interested in peace as opposed to Salvation's genocidal violence.

If Taurus or Aegis start shooting at eachother before we have time to make any more concrete moves, then I'll broadcast an emergency update to all involved to coordinate a response. So watch your communication channels.

Besides that, I hope you're all staying safe and well, it hasn't descended into a massacre or a warzone as quickly as I had anticipated so I am pleasantly surprised for once.
We've got enough supplies to last us a while, the fleet is all stocked up on fuel, and I'm getting very peckish - so that's all for now folks. Watch your backs, everyone.
- McCoy.

Sidenote again: Alba Tesreau, I also want to talk to you if you get around to reading this. I already have some workable theories of communication, including several potentially deciphered permutations of Thargoid binary notation, and applications for reverse engineering such notation to transmit a return message. Let's compare notes, the worst that can happen is we're wrong, right? But it can't be any worse than being stuck in this infernal deadlock.

Stay safe everyone, and remember, a vote for Hind - or a reformed Admiral Tanner - is a vote for peace.
Right on, Commanders.

 

[Julian McCoy]

Greetings again, again, Commanders.

Here's my emergency campaign update, disseminated internally around ten minutes ago given the declarations of war that have flown across T Tauri within that short timeframe.

Transcript follows:

Emergency campaign update, 11:00AM Galactic Time, 10/11/3307:

To all:

As we feared, things have immediately escalated. I'm hearing scattered reports that conflict zones have formed across the system, and well, exactly what we were attempting to prevent has come to pass. I must choose the lesser of two evils, I know that not all behind me will agree with my decision, but I have done all that I can to prevent us having to make this choice.

There is vast speculation concerning the motivations of Admiral Tanner, and the Aegis organisation as a whole, and given all available evidence I believe this choice to be the correct one. Only with our guidance and support can Aegis be fully reformed into an entity seeking peace, with defense as a secondary option of last resort.

As of the time of this announcement, a state of war officially exists between McCoy Spaceways and Taurus Mining Ventures. All ships are ordered to engage along those lines, it is ultimately your decisions if you choose to follow them or not, but this is our best chance and I implore you all to support Aegis Defense in this conflict.

Thank you to all those of you who trusted me enough to put me on this pedestal, and allow me to carry out the actions that I did to try prevent this.
Now, let's show Salvation exactly what McCoy Spaceways and their allies are made of.
- McCoy.

That's all for now, all I can do is pray to whatever Gods may exist that I have made the right decision.

Stay safe out there, all of you.
Right on, Commanders.

 

[Greyskin87]

Too bad we could not prevent this conflit.

But there are times where you cannot simply stand by and watch others make decisions, make sacrifices to change the course of history.

Sometime you have to act, pick a side. This is such time. Today we go to war.

Let's hope that afterwards Aegis will be prone to listen to us, reforming itself after the public inquiry and giving credits to people like Professor Tesrau.

See you in the fight, Commanders.

 

[Falcon91]

Our focus should be on communicating with the Thargoids, not carrying out further invasions and annexations of their territory.

Guardians tried this, it didn't work, the goids seem to only know the language of war once they want area's of space or encounter people in the area's they want.

 

[EdzUp]

They all are as bad as each other Aegis recognising they only attack agressors decide to market targeting and weapons

Salvation takes it one further and adds a system nuke to the mix