As he listens to Burton, Massimo's emotions begin to fade away. Voncloud is on it's way to Curacao alongside any peaceful resolution on the matter. There's no turning back. The Black Sails' moment has come, to stand high against oppression, against fools, for the Empire.
With his thoughts being its own once again, plotting the next move comes natural: Signor Burton, we weighed every possible outcome before we became your host, and we're glad it ended up this way. A challenge lies ahead for the Black Sails, one we will bravely face without any doubts. Leaning back on his chair, with his right hand on the table and his fist clenched, Valor is what made us who we are. If we must stand against our own brethren, in order to prevent their downfall, then we shall do so without flinching.
Here is what I propose: The Black Sails shall dispatch a battlegroup to the Omicrons in order to commence operations. All that we require of Phoenix is access to your assets in Omicron Theta and Omicron Delta in order to establish forward operation bases in each sector. As for our capital ships, drydock capabilities are also mandatory in order to sustain prolonged operations. Once initial combat capacity is achieved, a security perimeter will be enforced around Phoenix installations, deterring any possible takeover these fools might attempt, with Pygar being the main focus. In the next phase, the Black Sails shall rain hell against the so called Theta Treaty signatories, with the Zoners being our first priority. By doing so, we shall attempt to erode their support for the Deterrence and the Brotherhood, making them reconsider their life choices. As a bonus, terrorizing them will also secure the resources needed to sustain our operations, so Phoenix won't be overburdened by our presence. As for our Corsair brethren, we do not intend to fire the first shot. If they shall, then what a glorious battle it shall be. Going against your own kin for a bunch of power hungry Zoners isn't something we shall take lightly.
Massimo stops for a moment to refill the glasses with the last drops of rum. The meeting wasn't long, but it was intense, and rum is a top notch nerve breaker, unlike Voncloud's tea. "Maybe I should share this with him if we'll ever meet again", Massimo asks himself in his thoughts. Finishing the bottle also comes right on time, as the final details are put in place.
Signor Burton, my proposal might look like it's one sided only for Phoenix, but it isn't. In the future, The Black Sails shall require Phoenix to contribute to the wellbeing of the Corsair Empire, but the shape and form shall be mutually agreed upon once a clear strategical approach will be enacted, depending on the frontline situation.
Speaking of nerve breakers, cigars are better than rum. Such a pity Voncloud prefers infusion over rolling. Preparing for Cristian's reply, Massimo leans back on the chair and lights up another cigar, anticipating a shift of attitude in Burton's approach upon hearing his request in exchange for The Black Sails' support. He's sure Burton didn't came here with the illusion he will benefit from a charity, but Massimo's aware that Corsair requests might be taken a little bit too deep by Burton, due to their latest negotiations with the big Corsair factions.
Christian nodded slightly "I'm glad we heard each other. Time shows it is a rare sight in this corner." and though Massimo's offer takes a course of radical escalation, Phoenix has no choice but to go all in. "We would like to take your offer. But still..."
He drank the remaining drink in a gulp and set the glass on the table "Do not underestimate our contribution to the common cause. Our people already deal with these madmen on a daily basis and do their best to put them in their place." his gaze crossed to Massimo and there was a note of steel in his voice "We are willing to cooperate with the Corsairs and do not consider them as the enemy. But we will do everything we can to make sure that the fools who have started wiping their feet on their partners wash their blood for all the killing of civilians." afterward, as if on cue he changed his tone to his normal one, sat back in his chair, and continued. "As for the other Zoners, I don't have much sympathy for them. They've sided with those who kill civilians for fun, despite mutually beneficial cooperation earlier, concerned only with the immediate gain." he leaned back in his chair and thought for a moment. "The only thing I'd like to single out is the NCC Zoners who reside on Pygar. They've been held hostage to the situation, at a time when all the groups that have recently begun trying to impose their policies on the region - such as Med Force Enterprises or Omicron Supply Industries - must be feeling what the deceased on Freeport 9 felt before they died."
"As far as providing your group with everything you need, you should have no problem with that. Every station under the Zoners flag is under our administration, and Kadesh and Athens under direct management." he spread his hands "It's all about crew needs and repairing smaller vessels" his face frowned "As for repairing capital ships, that will be a little more difficult. Something small can be done on Corfu or Kadesh, but anything more serious can only be repaired on Livadia and the queue is monthly" he smirked slightly "but I suppose we can find a way out of it if we need to."
Christian had mixed feelings, but with the ease with which the other Zoners forgot about the deaths of their fellow Zoners, more so helping their war machine would simply end the existence of Zoners in lower Omicrons and Omegas. He looked up at Massimo "Technically speaking our bases would be ready for your deployment immediately. Everything else is in your hands."
Just as expected, Massimo noticed a slight change in Burton's approach. Not for the worst though, but more a cautious one. A bit too late for that, but he's in luck, as the Black Sails do not intend to double cross Phoenix. It's just business, that will benefit both sides. Signor Burton, time will prove that we are honorable partners, unlike some of our brethren who fell into disgrace. As for your fellow Zoners, do not pity them. The Black Sails will bring them back with their feet on the ground.
On the other side, Massimo is very surprised of the openness showed by Burton. Allowing unhindered access to a warband of Corsairs to their installations throughout the Omicrons in the current circumstances is a remarkable achievement. On a second thought, this could be justified by the terror the Deterrence has put them through, and Zoners surely ain't known as being fierce warriors. Tidy. The Black Sails will get the most out of it in their attempt to restore the might of the Empire.
Leaning back on his chair, Massimo addresses Christian: Let me appreciate the trust Phoenix placed in us, signor Burton. You shan't be disappointed. The Black Sails will commence deployment preparations immediately. I will also dispatch liaison officers on each Phoenix asset to coordinate further operations. As for Livadia, have no doubts. In case of open hostilities, I expect the monthly queues will be bypassed by war time priorities.
Massimo tops the remaining rum, then proceeds to stand up : Signor Burton, look around you and steel yourself. This is all we have, but it will make do. This path was laid for us, and we can only take it.
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