"War means fighting, and fighting means killing."
– Nathan Bedford Forrest
Willow stalked into the Norfolk Shipyard officer's lounge, still more than slightly furious over having to check her cavalry saber at the door, when she found the object of her attentions.
"Blackburn, we need to talk. It's about my sister and the kit she's outfitting herself with."
Poor innocent Mike Blackburn was stuck facing down one hundred and eighty centimeters of someone who made a career out of intimidation.
"I take it you've seen me in Black Asp considering the Commune snuff films I've been producing, directing, and starring in on location in Omicron Delta. I've had another ship like it... procured for Teresa to use to slap people down. Sound interesting?"
Prior to the arrival of Willow, Michael filled out some papers regarding the details of the future operation against Gallia. The plan, the points and everything else had already been filled in accordance with the way he had discussed at the meeting in Coronado. A couple of minutes before the appearance of Willow, Michael had time to finish everything and put the papers in a safe place. And now he just rested.
As for Willow, Michael did not expect a civilian at such a late time - it was 1 o'clock in the morning, Michael was preparing to go to bed after he had rested from recording all these documents: it was necessary to give a breather to the brain, and not to rush into bed. But Michael could not be impolite to say that it was time for him to go to sleep. If someone comes and asks something, then he is ready to listen and give answers. He knew that Willow was Theresa's sister, who now still in the Sixth Fleet. He was always ready to listen to the relatives of pilots who were in this fleet, because he commanded this fleet. Michael stood for a while, looked at Willow, and then said: "Sit down."- Willow sat down on a loose chair. Michael sat down in his place, from which he got up when she came. To begin with, I would like to say that I do not watch news or something like that. The films are not very interesting to me - now there is no such stupidity, you must understand me. It is easier for me to read the reports of the military - there is more truth there. Nevertheless, I'm listening to you - what do you want from me, I still do not understand?
"Buddy. I'm here because I need you to sign off on the handoff of one of these fancy Gallic heavy miners to Teresa. It's what she's trained in for years before she signed on with you guys. We're having it refitted in... well, I'm not at liberty to say."
The pilot of Black Asp looked over the table, before shrugging. "If you like how it fares in void combat, I may be able to arrange a few more ships of its kind, as well as a few willing specialists to properly maintain them, finding their way over. I'm sure someone of your talents can explain it to the men as you having an understanding with the Council Sla..." She caught herself before realizing she was repeating a fairly recent episode of SUPERDUPONT which she had found amusing.
The nice young lady bereft of her cavalry saber shrugged again. "Well, I can get you the goodies. But first, let's give Teresa the trial run."
A pause. "You may be asking yourself 'Why would she be doing this?' and the answer is that I have no desire to live under a jackboot. Also so my sister has the tools she needs to be successful, but mostly the selfish one."
"Nevertheless, the main doubts are caused only by the fact that the ship belongs to Gallia. This will be a problem for engineers, and just paperwork with the top command of the main fleet: I do not want superfluous questions in the style of "where do you get this ship from?" However, if you can arrange the delivery of the ship and its registration, then I will try to establish contact with the high command. You should understand that such ships require a lot of paperwork."- Said Michael.
"I was under the impression you were in charge here. One moment."
She pulled up a helpful printout of the Laws of Liberty with a certain section highlighted, in anticipation of that concern being cited.
"I'm quoting. Pilots gain authorization automatically with the possession of Liberty Navy, Liberty Security Force, or Liberty Police Incorporated identification papers. "
A subtle bit of misdirection on her part; she was quoting the part about Liberty equipment not unlawful equipment, which actually read "[LN], 5th| and all Liberty Security Forces ships may use any technology required to fulfill their duties." A bit of creative interpretation on her part would make her claim the two passages translate to "Liberty Navy can use whatever the hell it wants" when pushed.
"Being as you are a duly appointed representative of the Admiralty, you can authorize it with a single signature. I have the people who can put in the replacement internal components to make it more in line with what your techs are used to. I'm thinking a Plasma Array."
"Also, hot tip, we've got something really cool coming up. I think you'll be hard-pressed to complain when you see it in action."
"I see you have prepared",- said Michael. -"Well. Then let's give an example of the war between Liberty and Rheiland. During this war, we did not use civilian ships from Rheiland state, although I am sure that at that time there were organizations that dealt with the resale of ships. Now let's move on to the war with Gallia. There are those people who are ready to buy ships from them and sell here in Liberty. If it is a question of selling a "civilian:civilian," then I have nothing against it, but you are offering a sale "civilian:military person", and this looks different otherwise - the sixth fleet is not the only one, there is still a higher command that will be ask unnecessary questions. Yes, I have the authority, I can sign this document right now, and we will disperse. But the point is not how simple it all is, but how difficult it will be afterwards. As for the engineers, then I'm grateful for your help. But there is still paper red tape, this will have to be delayed",- resumed he. -"So, I'm ready to sign your contract the way it was said - you provide engineers, I provide the necessary papers. I would also need all the possible data about the ship, it will play into the hands. Do you agree?"
"Are you sure about that? I am fairly sure that I heard of at least one person running around with Rheinland toys." She paused, a tic she would have to get over at some point. "But I understand your concerns. Rest assured, I'll be able to handle that. You handle the paperwork, I'll have the boys outfit Teresa with the toys. You'll get the chance to pore over that information at your leisure as soon as the ink's dry." She affixed him with her patented "help me help you" stare and waited. From the looks of it, Teresa would get her toys and she would have the gratitude of highly-placed Navy personnel. A win-win in her book.
"That's agreed. Your tasks include the preparation of the ship for flights to Liberty, as well as complete information. In turn, I will notify all fleets that we will use this type of ship",- said Michael. -"Do you still have questions?"
"No, that should about cover it. I'll tell the guys to prepare the ship and its loadout now. I hope you like Flammenwerfers, because that is what we can outfit her ship with. Give Teresa my best when you see her, all right?" The Senior Staff Liaison returned to her papers. "Actually, question. Have you seen a certain Luke Briggs around anywhere? He had a matter to discuss with me."
