<Sigh...> Here goes:
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...Macavenger:
You're missing the point. Sure, you may know the Aliens, but do they know you? Not
necessarily.
Don't be "thick," Mac. By the very same logic of us knowing them ... they know us. In II, when we studied HC computer files (I think it was when KK captured Yemuro) my fleet discovered -- and transmitted to the other pirates -- the existence of the HC's Alien hostilities and suggested we take advantage of the HC "distraction". Throughout EV -- and especially in II -- humans have marvelled at the "advanced" Alien tech. Of course such an advanced culture could do the same snooping with the HC systems they captured. This represents an obvious "plot possibility" for either the Pirates to attempt to contact Aliens or vica versa. The opening is big enough to fly that Dreden "Big Momma" ship through it! (Skyblade, please notice I finally got the right government with that last phrase.) 
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All the Aliens remember about the pirates is that there was a fleet involved at Levo, using somewhat different technology, which got its arse kicked by rebel council's fleet.
See above. (And "Ouch!" to that last shot.) :frown:
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How do they know that you are in fact a separate government? How would they have contacted you since then?
Also in II ... My fleet broadcast an unscrambled message to the Pirates about plans we found in a captured system's computer. (Our scrambler was broken.) Some pimply faced twelve year old on Barnard could have intercepted that comm!!! Is it not conceivable that such an "advanced culture" as the Aliens could have too???? OF COURSE IT IS! That single comm alone showed them the pirates were organized / opposed to the HC (and therefore, "potential" allies to the Aliens) / and (somewhat) successful against the HC. As for the "how contact?" part, seems to me there was plenty of "contact" in the Battle of Levo...! GEEZ!!! (Keep reading...)
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Why would they in the first place, when your first encounter was decidedly hostile...?
Again, there is plenty of "plot potential" here. Yes, they were "hostile" while they were blasting away in Levo. (I concede that the pirates may not have been perceived as being very ... powerful ... but we were still "hostile" at Levo.) The possiblity already has been demonstrated that the Aliens know we could be effective against the HC. What's to prevent Levo from having been a "first hand probing" of how good the Aliens thought the Pirates were? What they witnessed was WARRIORS, WITH THE HEARTS OF LIONS fighting the vastly superior numbers and technology of the HC (and Aliens). (Flashback to an Alien "hermit crab thingy" leader rubbing his tri-mandible (or whatever) thinking, "Hmmm. I wonder how those funny-looking human "Pirate" things would manage with somewhat better tech? If they're that good with such out-dated equipment, we should 'keep one of our eye-stalks' on them in the future. Just in case....") (Gosh! I'm really good at this. I should get involved in a webstory someplace....)
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...and they likely don't recognize you as a separate government?
Already SMASHED that point...
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If you can satisfactorily answer those questions, I'll consider this more.
Done! Ta-da!!! "Game, Set and Match to KK" (Elvis Voice)Thank you very much.(/Elvis Voice)
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Originally posted by Macavenger:
The only way I intend to "rig" it so that the Pirates lose is with my superior weapons technology and tactical skill. Will that work for you?
Yes. That will work. So just lose the condescending attitude. Thanks. (I mean here on the Discussion thread. You can be as condescending as you want in the story ... at your peril! Arrgh! Arrgh! ARRGH!!! (Did I scare ya?)
<Edit>I was right to get out of MIS. I can't even keep these simple "()" and "(/)" codes straight!</Edit>
- KK
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Courage stands halfway between cowardice and rashness, one of which is a lack, the other an excess of courage." ... Plutarch
(This message has been edited by Kaptain Karl (edited 11-28-2001).)
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