To: Soshi-Sha of the Nouka

[The Nouka]

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Signal Loss: Average
Encryption Type: Symmetric Key
Sender ID: S-sha_01
Recipient ID: WSL_012
Location: Unspecified

Subject: RE:RE:RE: Passage through Kusari.

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Konbawa, Seabourne-san.

I was not aware you were contacting us personally, that.. *The speaker can be heard lighting up a cigarette* that changes everything. I must admit I'm somewhat disappointed, but still interested. I can perfectly understand your position, as long as you can understand mine.

*The speaker paused, and exhalled*

Miscalibration was caused by that misunderstanding. I was not aware it's just the safety of Breezewood we were talking about. Let's try again, shall we?

Ten percent will stay. We will not force you to pay for an empty ship, however. Trust me, captain, scarring your profits away is the least thing I would want to see happening. ... Should you find yourself in that unfortunate position, where your ship is generating pure operating costs, just contact us. Believe it or not, in our line of buisness, we also have to move goods from time to time. Take your time to think about it...

Now, the obligations. Yes, this is precisely what we expected, and are ready to offer. No fool will scratch the hull of your lovely boat. The channel will remain open for you, should you ran into any trouble. Also, like i have said earlier, this arrangement stays just between us, you have my word for that... Only us. Remember that. We will make sure that the warmongers of the Reformed Empire will not cause you any trouble.

Lastly, I'm afraid you will have to try a little harder to convince me to change the form for payment of your obligations. You see I am, just as you, testing the waters here. Seite-wa koto-o shisonjiru. The whole point of that arrangement is to see weather you will keep to your words without a gun aiming at your head. If reports are too much of a hassle, I can let this fly, but the credits will have to roll trough the Neural Net. Safely, of course. Should you prove a reliable client, we will negotiate a better deal, and offer more ... sophisticated services.

Your turn, captain.

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--- MESSAGE ENDS ---