Re: Profit Margin - Phlume/Vilis (0801) Date: 297-1107 14:25
Jago mutes the broadcast from Elta Zaldana. Everybody has heard her offer, and should be aware of what's happening. In her stead, he makes his own announcement.
"According to the Port registry there are enough merchants, miners, and other civilian craft in the system to give the Sword World intruders something to think about. Nothing to really worry one of their ships, except under very fortuitous circumstances, but a couple of merchants can give a fighter or other small craft, such as a shuttle, a hard time."
"Especially bearing in mind that most Imperial civilian vessels probably have better electronics, sensors and computers than Sword Worlds military ones."
He pauses a moment to let that sink in, before continuing, "In my opinion, the offer of letters of marque is mostly for show. The Sword Worlders are in Imperial territory, and civillian shipping would be well within its rights to defend itself against what is, after all, an act of piracy."
In the lounge, Keryn asks, "What is a marque letter?" Then listens as Eneris tries to explain it to her. "Letter of marque. It's a kind of licence for a civilian captain to get involved in action against ships allied to a foreign power. Effectively attaches a merchant or other civilian ship, temporarily, to the Navy."
Jago, meanwhile, continuees speaking. "I have no intention of putting Profit Margin, or her passengers and crew, any further in harm's way than we already are. I will, however, authorise all possible defensive measures should anybody attack this ship."