Apparently that was where the limit was. Hall receded, for now. He believed that he could only worsen his position if he continued, especially if he did not contribute. O'Brien was a stronger leader than he had thought. At least the probing was successful. Now he had to make a contribution to her masterplan, but not one too great, as by that he would show that he has bowed to her tyranny.
"Although we are slightly lacking in warships, my fleets do have a few units of marines stationed, for whom there has, fortunately, never been a use so far. They are thus not very experienced, but they can aim a rifle better than most pirates. I could order a general mobilization on Planet Cambridge if they are not enough.
My fleets also contain a number of logistics ships, slightly aged, but rarely used. I could provide you with some, but first have in mind that my fleets will no longer be able to perform any offensive actions if you take more than a quarter. Here are the details."
As he has not revised a lot about the details, he gives a sheet of paper to O'Brien via Commodore McIntire, as Hall is not the closest to the Fleet Admiral. Also because he likes being served, and McIntire would certainly not avoid passing a sheet of paper, as that would be rather impolite.
![[Image: 396AUfe.png]](https://i.imgur.com/396AUfe.png)