Well, you could write a story about meetings with Bundschuh representatives on a Freeport, for instance.
Describe their discussions.
"Right... we'll help you against the RM, we can't financially keep up our piracy solo any more."
"...No, thank you, we don't want to make contact with your Outcast friends... it would cause trouble with some of our... 'suppliers', you see? I'm sure you're in the same position, ja?"
EDIT: 'Allied' to 'friendly' instead of 'neutral' might make sense. Aiding each other by non-military means.