Fucking hell Anderson - where did you learn to fly like this? That was fucking thrilling, fuck yeah! I guess payment is in order.
Barkeep! Drinks are on me. Oh wait - we just have this shitty machine here. Finest shit wine it is tonight!
Boucher stands start floating towards the booze dispenser, abrubtly shouting over his shoulder at Emily.
I didn't have fun sparring, or heck even fighting in general like this in a long long time - turns out damn fighting can be fucking fun too when your only goal is not just to blow the other guy up in as brutal fashion as possible, or to be all careful so the ladida ex-Council pansies don't cry you made them bleed a little!
Anderson followed Boucher in, her face smiling slightly.
"Heh, you weren't trying to blow me up in a brutal fashion? The swarm of mines you launched speak otherwise"
She looked at Boucher worried about his physical condition, even though his spirit spoke otherwise. Emily always found this Lionel person to be... odd.
As Emily and Boucher speak to each other, A new figure has entered Martinique bar. He tall blond hair, Eye patch on his right eye. The figure is Pierre Alard. As Pierre enters, he takes a glance around the bar looking for an empty chair, and he walks over to the bar, taking a seat down near Emily and keeping his distance away from Boucher and even avoiding eye contact with him.
Pierre looks towards the barkeep and says, "Give me a glass of red wine."
The barkeeper turns around, heading towards the storage room and comes back with a large bottle with a red covering on top of it, and the middle is written "Fleur Petrus". The barkeeper opens the bottle and pours the liquid into Pierre's glass, and says, "Here you go, Monsieur Alard."
Pierre replies to the barkeeper, "Merci."
Pierre then turns his gaze towards Emily. He is raising his wine glass towards her and says, "For good health and wealth."
Lionel wobbles as his feet hit the floor - his mag boots disengaged as he quite enjoyed the float to the alcohol dispenser. Seems like they finally got the artificial gravity working! The money we have thrown into this place sure has gone a long way Emily, n'est-ce pa?
And this is not an uncommon thing amongst Sirians I must say - I've seen many raised eyebrows at what we Gauls find just, normal? Harmless even? I supposed after decades of doing things a certain way the line of what one considers "brutal" gets shifted greatly within cultures. I mean take it from my perspective - Lionel says enthusiastically as he makes his way back to Emily with drinks. We live in a culture where the Council found it normal to nuke their own people with such an overkill of a yield the planet is almost worthless to this day, where The Union will execute people that disagree with them without a real trial, Confeds saw it normal to gas and annihilate their allies, and I don't even have to talk about the former Royalists within and out of The Union - I am sure you are familiar with what they did to Leeds and tried to do to New London.
Boucher pauses, his expression of apathy doesn't show a hint of regret or anger, just a tranquil acceptance of the way things are.
The entire Gallia just does violence...more...wholesomely it seems...at a different scale than what you Sirians are used to. Believe me when I say it's not fighters and little harmless mines we send when we want something gone or blown up for real.
As he moves back towards Emily mid speech he notices Pierre Alard, toasting her from distance. The Principal is a dominating figure, his eyepatch and blonde hair make him stand out like nobody Boucher can remember. It seems like he has brought a proper human bartender to this ever developing place - a power move to say the least. Their eyes meet - Boucher pauses and then slowly bows his head in a gesture of respect towards the Principal. While keeping his distance and leaving Alard to approach him at his own leaisure out of consideration he turns to Emily.
You are a Corsican now - when it comes to making people gone with almost surgical precision I am sure us Maquisards are merely children compared to what your people are capable of. Something tells me that I wouldn't be standing here if you didn't hold back in our sparring bout! And I have a feeling your towering Principal didn't lose an eye playing with his pets.
But enough about me! I can't help but remain curious - how DID you find your way to the Corse? Why leave the relatively peaceful Sirius behind? You did start telling me on our Nox run through Kusari, but I recall getting too busy running my liner head first at that Golden Chrysanthemum to let you finish.
Lionel seems worried, even more than usual. One of his hands on a reinforced suitcase, the other one on his gun hidden under his long dark coat. The feat he has accomplished took him several weeks, self-exploration and long hours of contemplation about the harsh realities of the world around him. This is almost a tear inducingly hard to get sum.
Psst...Orsini Lionel whispers under his beard when he gets close to the Corsican Director.
[12.05.2021 21:43:32] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: Directeur Orsini!
[12.05.2021 21:43:39] UC~Alfredo.Orsini: Salute!
[12.05.2021 21:43:41] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: What brings you to our Base Principal!
[12.05.2021 21:43:58] UC~Alfredo.Orsini: Oh, was wondering around, thought of passing by.
[12.05.2021 21:44:43] UC~Alfredo.Orsini: How is it going?
[12.05.2021 21:44:47] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: Oui - Listen, I wanted to show my personal Gratitude
[12.05.2021 21:44:58] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: We really would be in the shit without you
[12.05.2021 21:45:06] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: You know Council betraying us and all
[12.05.2021 21:45:12] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: We really do rely on your connections
[12.05.2021 21:45:22] UC~Alfredo.Orsini: Oui, en effet
[12.05.2021 21:45:27] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: It got me thinking - you do have your business dealings - you aren't losing any money because of us are you?
[12.05.2021 21:45:47] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: We knowhow you operate *laughs*
[12.05.2021 21:45:52] UC~Alfredo.Orsini: Let's say that our massive funds are no longer massive, nor funds.
[12.05.2021 21:45:58] UC~Alfredo.Orsini: *chuckles*
[12.05.2021 21:46:07] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: I would hate our relationship to be - say - unprofitable to you
[12.05.2021 21:46:22] UC~Alfredo.Orsini: So do I
[12.05.2021 21:46:26] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: I have seen what happens to people you find detrimental to your business *laughs*
[12.05.2021 21:46:32] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: Or rather - I have not seen them
[12.05.2021 21:46:49] UC~Alfredo.Orsini: Oui, that's the whole point.
[12.05.2021 21:47:07] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: Well Principal - you know our situation
[12.05.2021 21:47:11] UC~Alfredo.Orsini: *chuckles* Beautiful reputation, isn't it?
[12.05.2021 21:47:25] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: We have money, lots of money and materials we take from the Union collaborators
[12.05.2021 21:47:32] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: But we just don't have what we need most of the time
[12.05.2021 21:47:54] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: our logistics are in the shit, the things we acquire are merde GMS and EFL ores and trinkets we can't use
[12.05.2021 21:48:01] UC~Alfredo.Orsini: Weaponry, ammunition... even food.
[12.05.2021 21:48:09] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: Oui...that
[12.05.2021 21:48:15] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: Money is not what we need per se
[12.05.2021 21:48:28] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: So I was thinking we could come to some sort of an ... arrangement
[12.05.2021 21:49:01] UC~Alfredo.Orsini: Hmm. What kind of arrangement? And are you even authorized for that?
[12.05.2021 21:49:33] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: Well - we take what we acquire and don't need, like credits
[12.05.2021 21:49:45] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: In eschange for your good favour and continuing supply of what we do need
[12.05.2021 21:49:56] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: Guns, Food, supplies, information what have you
[12.05.2021 21:50:00] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: Logistics you might say
[12.05.2021 21:50:09] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: Is that something that would sond reasonable?
[12.05.2021 21:50:19] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: Make out alliance well...more formal as you like to sayT
[12.05.2021 21:50:39] UC~Alfredo.Orsini: Hate to say this but, indeed. The High Command wishes to continue this sort of, alliance.
[12.05.2021 21:50:51] UC~Alfredo.Orsini: Hate to say this, but it is time for us to rely on you.
[12.05.2021 21:50:55] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: Oui - listen
[12.05.2021 21:51:06] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: sometimes it is hard to understand you Corsicans
[12.05.2021 21:51:07] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: lets face it
[12.05.2021 21:51:15] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: our understanding of the world is based on ideology
[12.05.2021 21:51:28] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: belief in doing the right thing as you say
[12.05.2021 21:51:35] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: We have learned not everyone is the same indeed
[12.05.2021 21:51:43] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: And we have to come to terms with this harsh reality
[12.05.2021 21:51:58] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: I would love to just want you to work with us for the sheer belief in our cause
[12.05.2021 21:52:06] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: but let's fucking face it, that's not what your people are about
[12.05.2021 21:52:16] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: and as I am finding out, neither is vast majority of sirius
[12.05.2021 21:52:34] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: It pains me, I dont understand it - but we are here fighting for a greater goal
[12.05.2021 21:52:57] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: So we are willing to work on your terms. We formally pay you for your services - and you keep providing them. Sound good?
[12.05.2021 21:53:21] UC~Alfredo.Orsini: Indeed. We don't operate on ideology. We're here because there is a need - and you know it too well.
[12.05.2021 21:53:50] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: You know Orsini, this makes me sad. It's not just you, it's almost everyone we meet
[12.05.2021 21:53:54] UC~Alfredo.Orsini: Albeit, I am impressed, by the Maquis and the Front, by extension.
[12.05.2021 21:54:00] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: It feels like we are alone in the world
[12.05.2021 21:54:12] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: But being alone in the world will mean we die alone
[12.05.2021 21:54:16] UC~Alfredo.Orsini: Well, what else is there in Gallia? The Brigands? They don't fight for an ideology either.
[12.05.2021 21:54:24] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: No they do not
[12.05.2021 21:54:28] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: Neither do any Sirians we met
[12.05.2021 21:54:34] UC~Alfredo.Orsini: But we do have a code of conduct.
[12.05.2021 21:54:35] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: it's money this, favours that
[12.05.2021 21:54:45] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: That is true, you are honorable in your own way
[12.05.2021 21:54:53] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: I know if we invest in you you will deliver
[12.05.2021 21:54:58] UC~Alfredo.Orsini: Of course.
[12.05.2021 21:55:00] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: I can't say the same about the Sirians we meet
[12.05.2021 21:55:16] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: So I rather rely on Gauls primarily than on them.
[12.05.2021 21:55:28] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: It is settled then - I will meet you at Martinique
[12.05.2021 21:55:33] CONSOLE: Possible cheating detected: niles_billiams
[12.05.2021 21:55:40] UC~Alfredo.Orsini: Indeed. This agreement is favorable.
[12.05.2021 21:55:43] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: with me will be a suitcase of unmarked bills.T
[12.05.2021 21:56:16] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: Whether you use it to bolster martinique or your own ends - hey, that is up to you. It is harsh reality of our world.
[12.05.2021 21:56:24] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: But we have to live in it if we ever wish to succeed
[12.05.2021 21:56:43] UC~Alfredo.Orsini: And in exchange, I will bring you a token of gratitude. I do not know what kind of exotic or experimental weaponry there is
[12.05.2021 21:56:48] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: I will see you there, and I hope you can at least pay for the drinks this time once we collect the funds *laughs*
[12.05.2021 21:57:05] UC~Alfredo.Orsini: Hehehe. I will pay you and your amis the entire drinks.
[12.05.2021 21:57:08] [FLG]Baffin.Protecteur: Glad we came to an understanding Principal - I shall see you at our base.
[12.05.2021 21:57:09] UC~Alfredo.Orsini: N-not with that money.
And can't feel more but defeated sadness in his heart. Why can't the world operate on HIS terms? Where what you believe in is the only currency and motivator. Where you do what you feel is right, where you are willing to go to hell and back again for your beliefs and your beliefs alone?
He remembers the harsh lessons he learned. You can ignore reality, but you can't ignore the harsh consequences of ignoring reality.
However much it saddens him the world is not an idealistic place. He learned that the hard way, when the Council threw away him and so many people he loved like a loyal dog you put down when you no longer have a need for him. He learns that every single day when dealing with Sirians...their tentativeness, focus on profit, money and blissful ignorance of the evil that is brewing in Gallia. His contact with countless Sirians made him rethink his relationship with the Corsicans. He saw what he couldn't see before - they do act as you friends, but in many ways they are driven by greed and their self-interest. At least they follow their code and always act with honor - in their own predictable and often heartlessly brutal way.
We need them, yes, we need them - and unlike the Council cunts that were shifty snakes that compromised their values at least we know what they stand for, and can rely on them. It is time to play them at their game - this is a huge step for Boucher, a step down from his zelaous ideological view of the world, coming to terms with harsh reality of what needs to be done so The Maquisards can reach their goals.
I have brought what we have discussed Principal. Hope that brings us to a...formal understanding.
Hand on his gun, he lets out a big sigh after sliding the suitcase to the principal under the table. The Maquisards have little use for hoarding money, their numeous raids acquire large sums of valuables, cash and materials. That they have no direct use for after the Council took away with them their logistics. He knows the money will go a long way, and strenghten what needs to be strenghtened, and this is what makes the Corsicans tick. But he can't shake the feeling of his chest collapsing in on itself, as his coming to terms with how the world works hits his soul like a speeding train. While feeling heavy yet at the same time light and relieved he looks Orsini straight into the eye and with what could be only described as a headshake heavy absurd smile he lets out:
Now...how about that drink principal - I believe you are buying?
After handing over the money there is a polite yet nervous conversation between the Principal and Boucher. When the conversation nears it's end and emotion from the transaction dissipates and Lionel pauses, stands up and starts shaking the Principal's hand and with a resigned yet determined demeanor lets out:
Principal, I respect you. Over the last several months and years I was forced to understand how the world works. And that includes you Corsicans - especially you Corsicans. I have done my job, but I hope you will forgive me if I will retreat into my black and white idealistic shell a little. I don't want to mean any disrespect - but you remind me of the harsh reality of what makes "normal" people that don't run on pure ideology tick, and I am just not ready to accept it fully.
He lets go of Orsini's hand and adds:
I am not the best man to deal with logistics anyways - and assistance with logistics is mostly what we require from you, and what this large sum is for. I personally loved the sparring bout with Anderson - but it will not be me who will deal with Corse in any sort of official capacity any longer after this for my judgement is too clouded by my beliefs. I will be always reminded that you see the world differently after today, and I would love to preserve my purity just a little longer. Louis Fontaine who will be advised by Balian Remi both have my full confidence, and from now on have complete power over The Front's stance and any major decisions regarding yours and any other Corsican factions. They will do a better job than me anyways - you are in good hands and what they say goes. Treat them well, and I will see your people around principal, in whatever capacity you and the people I fully trust decide.