The Duchess

[jammi]

"So far as I'm aware, the privateers continue to do what they're best at. We're subsidising bounties on Gaul vessels in the Taus as well. Asymmetrical warfare won't replace Stokes hull panels when Leeds falls though." Cromwell lent forward and swiped at the projection. A new sheet of figures slid into view, with this one containing a lot more red numbers.

"Estimated production outputs." He pointed to a sharp plunge. "The Leeds economic cliff. If the planet had fallen without any preparation, we'd be forced to surrender within two weeks. Fortunately, BMM have been openly or covertly evacuating and outsourcing assets for the last three years." At this point the downward spiral diverged - one tapering off and levelling out, the other continuing to fall.

"Sprague looks to be a promising replacement, but it isn't the miracle solution many of your fellow politicians believe - or at least hope - it is. It'll take years to bring it up to speed. We need Kusari for survival as much as they need us for recovery." He pinched the end of the cigar out using his mechanical hand and dropped it into the ashtray. "I also have another strong bargaining chip that may make this a far more attractive proposal in Westminster."

"I've been in communication with my counterparts in both Samura and Kishiro. Naturally neither knows about my correspondences with the other. Both are petitioning their government on my behalf for a resumption of trade rights for all Bretonian assets. The Kusari junta have already responded favourably according to the CEO of Kishiro."

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