To: Xeno Alliance high command

[Sally]

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User ID: Cpt. Michael Bartlertt.

Target ID: Xeno Alliance HC.

Subject: Deal.

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To whom it may concern;

Provisional captain Michael Bartlertt speaking, on behalf of the crew of the formerly insurgent Secondary Fleet of Battleship Pretonius.

We've been monitoring the situation over the last years in the region ever since the fall of Veracruz and the inevitable demise of the Insurgency, keeping a low profile and a safe distance. In an effort to wage war against the Republic of Liberty -with little success so far- we're slowly but steadily dealing with a white elephant; the Arbiter-class battleship we're crewing lacks proper maintenance and enough bodies to keep it operational and combat ready, to the point where it's becoming a compromise rather than a safe bulwark for my crew.

Those of us that still remain onboard have decided that the most sensitive and first plan is to seek harbor among the ranks of the Steel Circle from the Liberty Free Republic, we've heard the news about your victory against the Liberty Navy and the successful removal of Robert Peary from Ontario, a victory worthy of founding a proper nation.

But not without costs, I'm sure of it, even with the high morale, every vessel lost and every dead volunteer are a heavy weight to drag forward, after such we're fully aware that your colleagues among the Circle are likely not looking forward to increase the upkeep of their fleet with another heavy asset while the Liberty Rose is likely going through heavy repairs after that battle. However our vessel, an electronic-warfare Arbiter-class, is still flight ready, and the damage assessment determined that repairs on a dry-dock wouldn't take longer than three months with the right team of engineers, most repairs come from a lack of proper maintenance and damaged systems due to lack of upkeep rather than from heavy combat. We've contacted the Xeno Alliance because we're aware that your group has a voice that many among the LFR will listen, we'd like your people to act as a mediator to facilitate the integration of our crew among the secondary fleet of the LFR. However, if no agreement can be reached then I'm afraid we'll have to scuttle the vessel and place demolition charges to destroy it, a fate unworthy of any capital asset in times of war.

We will await your response, hopefully something of benefit to the Liberty Free Republic can bear fruit from these talks.

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Cpt. Michael Bartlett, Battleship Petronius.

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[Reeves]

☠ Incoming transmission.
☠ Signal source: Free Republic relay, Liberty
☠ Opening video feed...

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Sender: Alliance Commander "Cobra"
Recipient: Cpt. Michael Bartlertt
Subject: RE: Deal

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I raised your case before the LFR Council.

The response was almost unanimously negative. A warship and crew that have spent years hiding doesn't bode well for the kind of situation that we now find ourselves in. And it doesn't exactly lend itself to any kind of impression of bravery or loyalty.

Naturally I could have been more persuasive. But why should I be? I don't know you and have no reason to trust you. You're just another wayward warship captain with more tonnage than talent.

You can keep your block of steel and dead dreams.

We'll manage.

"Liberty or death."
-"Cobra"

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☠ Transmission signal lost.