The Don responded with an amused smirk to the exchange between the other two. He attempted to suppress his grin, completely unsuccessfully.
Good day, De Marco. I must say that your introduction is unexpected, yet always welcome. Please, take a seat. We are glad to have you here.
Alejandro remained content at the moment to listen to the contrasting perspectives of the two. His smile faded and was replaced with a more serious tone as they returned to the topic at hand. His then relaxed demeanor was traded for a thoughtful, but firm, posture. While De Marco and Chenzo, exchanged their points, he decided to leave them the floor for the moment to address each others concerns. When there was a slight break in the dispute, he responded to Chenzo's concern.
While I wish your claim to be true, Senor, I really do, that the Nomads were benevolent to us even in recent past, I cannot say that it is off our past experiences. I have had the... unique privilege of being in the know of military operations in all corners of Maltese space, for years, and being informed of past events by the previous Alpha Explorer Audaz Alarcon. While there were certainly times in which the Spirits have aided us in combat - especially before the increased hostilities erupted - they were far outweighed by the danger and the abrupt conflicts which broke out. Even in those days when we had peace with them it wasn't a restful, benevolent peace like you are envisioning. It was filled with worry, doubt, and even fear whenever they were around. Fear that we might do something that would upset or offend them. Fear that they could turn on us. It was as entrusting a wild, man-slaying animal with your life, that you barely even knew, you could have no way of interpreting their next move. They may have helped us certain times, but it was far outweighed by the danger and unknown that came with them.
I don't have any issue with peace with them - I just don't see it viable for us in neither the short nor the long term. Is the cost accompanied with it a risk worth taking, for what benefits it offers us in the short term?
There was something, though, that he did wish to know more about.
There is... something however. What do you mean that you could contact the Spirits to offer their knowledge on technology to lend to us? Would you have the reputation amongst them to do such a thing? Should you be true in your ability to negotiate with them, I would be willing to... reconsider my stance should you be able to show in your own, tangible negotiation with them that they would be willing to offer as an alternative in technological advancement to Xeno Relics. That they would not just abstain from attacking you directly but that they would listen and be open toward dealing with us. My biggest issue with the Spirits is the unknown, the danger. While it wouldn't change my long term position, I would be more... open to reconsider should you show this possible.
Harabero awaited his response with interest, but also found it suitable to allow De Marco and Chenzo to first continue in their discussion.
