Xanjer walked to the gazebo where the two men used to meet. Mr. Noburu was already waiting for him, pouring hot water over the pots to keep them moist.
"Excellent news, Noburu-sama.. We've gotten word from human resources department and they say that at least three of our pilots are committed to the cause." "Good good.. I was getting worried. We need them to come through if this endeavour is to be succesful. And what about the labs at Freeport 10?" "I haven't gotten around to that yet. I know it's not the best solution, but for now we are still working out of the docked gunboats." "You mean we still have those?? Baka! I told you to get rid of them! We cannot afford any complications in our relationsship to the Order."
A short silence fell upon the gazebo. Xanjer looked down, with a mix of embarrassment and pride in his face.
"I understand.. I just cannot bring myself to let go of a ship I hold so dear. We have managed to replace all the other ships though, so I'll prepare the necessary documentation and contact Mr. Golanski as soon as it is in order." "Hmff.. I just hope your decisions won't affect the company in an adverse way. Things are already strained as it is. Now.. Did the pilots find a suitable location for the new HQ?" "We spent quite some time exploring the options, but unfortunatly the reasearchers missed some quite important details, Noburu-sama." "Huh? Explain yourself, Xanjer.." "You see.. We were told by Intelligence that according to Hessian regulations, we should under no cicumstances acknowledge the space as being under Bretiona rule . But on the other hand, Bretonia claims superiority and will not allow any settlers without permission. Lastly, there is the Corsairs, who might pose a threat if we decide to align with any of the two former parties." "And all this means what?" "Basically, we couldn't clarify the situation and file the proper paperwork before the engineers had begun construction. So now we are a sitting duck in a pond full of piranhas.." "Dame.. This is a catastrophe!"
Noburu slapped his hands together and covered his face with both palms. The old man seemed exhausted and like a branch, bent by the wind, you could almost hear his will crack and break.
"Perhaps not all is lost, Noburu-sama.. A kind BMM employee contacted us and clarified a couple of things, so we may still be able to rectify this situation. I will try to get the paperwork done as soon as I can and contact the Bretonian authorities." "Huh?" "Yes, it seems that Lady Luck has cast her gaze our way for once. Let's just hope it lasts.." "Indeed, Xanjer. Let's pray that we'll get through these dark times so we once again can see the sun rising over new horizons."
Xanjer nodded in agreement. The two men sat quietly for a while, thinking about the tasks that lay ahead. Enjoying their tea, not one more word was exchanged before they said their goodbyes.
