The Connacht Summit

[StellarViss]

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Albert remained silent as the minister spoke about the gold distribution plan, mulling over the possible problems and logistics required to pull off such an operation under the Crown's nose. As he listened to Lathrop's opinion on Rheinland, he nodded at the mention of the treaty but eventually interjected.

“Sorry, Mr. Lathrop, but I must disagree with you on the topic of Rheinland. While the Guild currently has a treaty with their military, it was only possible because Großadmiral Henze is a sensible man willing to avoid bloodshed. They may yet move in to support the Crown against the Assembly, although I hope you're right.”

He paused, taking a swig of whiskey before continuing.

“But you are right about Liberty. They probably won’t be supporting Bretonia, at least not militarily. It's more likely that Liberty will try to contact the Republic in some capacity at some point, but that’s just my guess.”

The Guildmaster shifted in his chair, leaning forward and looking at the director.

“Then we have Kusari, the wildcard. While the Kusari government has little empathy for the Crown, especially after the war fought over the Tau star cluster, they still need gold—particularly Kishiro, whose main product, optronics, requires it in obscene amounts. Minister, you may see them intervening in some capacity. But as you asked, Mr. Lathrop, the Guild has had no major issues with Kusari, and we have worked with Kishiro on multiple occasions.”

“Your concerns are more than valid, Director. Moving large amounts of gold through their blockade in the New London system would be difficult, and they will catch on sooner or later. It may be wiser to collect the gold outside of their jurisdiction in the Omegas or the Taus—maybe both. As for what they will do without evidence? Not much. But I can see them outlawing us again or even outright banning all gold not transported by those rotting Crown corps.”

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