clif_lawrence1977
	1. I have said many times that one of the things this game is lacking, is the element of intrique. A simple rule going in to place that would not involve reprogramming. Simply that any peace negotiations must take place at an agreed upon location and that the affiliations/groups involved must actually send a postion there. An operative with the word, "ambassador" as part of his name. Or Even the Governor himself. Yes, someone could use this opportunity to gather information. And, I'm sure they will, ie James Bond. But if caught, they face not only execution, the loss of thier ship, but the public ridicule of their affiliation. In other words, you can't trust them. Email has made this part of the game, too easy. I can write someone in the Darkfold, a safe, but real deal. Its too easy to say yes or no. But to send an ambassador that you've paid stellars for, on a ship that might be boarded and captured....thats role playing and thats intrique. 2. We still have to find a way to fairly buy back a ship flagged as a pirate. Maybe 1/2 the ships worth and a 2 month real time waiting list before that ship can be "unflagged", thereby rendering it useless, "except"for pirating. And we'd know who did it then. clif
Steve-Law
	Communication is available today to talk to someone across the world (or across the solar system in theory). If you want to conduct talks remotely it's possible, can't really put a rule on it. However, if affs insist IC that any deals/talks should be made in person, then that's entirely realistic. The other party must accept or lose the chance of the deal.
Thali Rahm
	Some time ago one put forward an idea of building embassies in starbases of other affiliations. I liked this idea and it could be used for a number of role playing issues and such. The idea back then was that the owner could place items and even troops to defend the embassy, I also guess you would be able to spy from them. A possibility would be that you would need to have an embassy to be allied to another affiliation.