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Chapter 56[]
Can you tell me where can we start over?[]
Office of the Khan
Sudeten, Clan Jade Falcon Occupation Zone
March, 3066
Marthe Pryde didn't need the documents explained fully, just enough to know what the technical language within them meant.
Clan Eugenics has been breeding for intelligence for centuries.
The extensive technical details involved were, on a level, refreshing-the survey data, maps, soil and water analyses, local flora and fauna documentation, it was all very exact, precise, and precisely what could be called 'strategically valuable information'.
Reflecting two things:
1) That the Kowloonese who prepared the documents knew what they were doing and what they were potentially giving up.
2) That Elizabeth Ngo, and presumably her military people, knew exactly how to attack, or defend the proposed enclave, the terrain weaknesses and strengths, the resource levels needed to hold it, and the development potential for population growth.
The text of the other portion of her terms for the trial were...confusing. It wasn't a document that suggested that the Kowloonese expected to win at least, at first.
The Hue enclave would be expected to send representatives to participate in planetary government-that section explicitly placed how those representatives were to be seated, in the hands of the Clan. Clan interests would be at least recognized and could be pursued via local government.
Which would also set tariffs on the trade-effectively giving the Clan a voice in what goods get taxed, and by how much, while also freezing out merchant-clans like the Diamond Sharks, since the agreement was exclusive.
Safe conduct for Jade Falcon traders was guaranteed under the treaty's terms as well.
"Treaty." she said aloud. It sounded right. "This is a Treaty."
Jade Falcon merchant traffic would gain access to Kowloon's shipyards, at pre-negotiated rates, for maintenance, fuel, and upkeep...and Jade Falcon certifications would be accepted regarding the safety and completeness of their merchant traffic.
Falcon personnel taken prisoner in combat elsewhere would be repatriated through Hue, with the stated expectation that Lyran personnel being returned to the Commonwealth also pass through that port.
The immigration, and Emigration clauses were a little hard to accept. It would mean the possibility that Lower Caste who did not wish to serve the Clan would have an open channel into spheroid jurisdictions. The filter also meant that Spheroids seeking to join the Clan voluntarily had a legal path to do so.
Being honest with herself, Marthe wondered if there would BE any reverse traffic-spheroids who were not spies-seeking to join the Clan. The fact that this document included provisions for dealing with fugitives and clear definitions of terms like 'Sanctuary' and 'Asylum' as well as 'exceptions to free movement' that could be tightened or loosened?
It was a blueprint for an attempt at international stability.
She frowned to herself, and made a few notes and changes. "Send this back, see if they will agree."