Intermission

[BobMacaroni]

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Harabero glanced around at the other members present, searching to see if they had anything to say. With no response by the others, the don broke the silence.

I agree with the increased defense grid. There can never be enough weapons dedicated to defending our homeland, and a stable secure defense network at that. Given recent events, some of our current technology may need to be reupdated and reestablished. However, would a minefield be the best way to achieve this? While it would cut our enemies off from us, we would also have the reverse situation; it would also cut us off from the outside. If, for example, the Corsairs were to set a battleship squadron outside the exit to Omicron Theta, we would have a very difficult time to break through, on account of the slim passageways and brute force required to break a blockade in a constricted fighting ground, while it is proven our forces rely and excel on open space, with plenty of room to maneuver in.

Even still, the minefield you are proposing would be enormously expensive for the cost required, in return for the benefits given. I believe more defense platforms and perhaps checkpoints set around the jump holes would be more cost effective, easier to fund and maintain, and would run less risk of our dependence on several different factors to succeed. If given the means to do so, it would also be easier to advance it into a more sophisticated defense grid, as a jumping off point. We would be more flexible to facilitate several different options afterward, depending on what happens.

Rheinlanders in any form will not be allowed to enter Omicron Alpha. Period. Should they consider themselves willing to supply us in exchange for goods - which I personally find highly unlikely, though it would be a boon for us if they did - I believe the best option would be for an exchange to occur on neutral grounds, in the Omicron Theta system. Perhaps planet Pygar? We would be fools to invite potential adversaries into our living room. While you did say they would be checked, they could not be blindfolded, their pilots would still know of what we have. I would feel far safer for to keep them in the dark. I will not permit any of them to directly enter our territory.

One last thing - you stated that they have no ill intentions towards us other than self defense - I would argue against that. Their reputation with all other Sirian factions depends on their hostility towards us, not to mention that their militaries are against us for who we are in itself. They hate us because we are Maltese. They would kill us - and they have - for no other reason than conquest and prejudice.

The stars began to shine as the festivities faded and dispersed. Soon they would finish the meeting, and implement what they have discussed. However, Harabero wished to hear anything else that was to be said before they concluded the matter.

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