Devil at a Crossroads

[Noth Squadron]

---

"You misunderstand me, Johnathan of Phoenix."

His eyes squinted ever so slightly, hiding his opinion of what his host suggested in turn. To play another diplomatic quest and convince one of Freeport 11's traders to ban the Corsairs as his clients did not sound appealing. It was yet another risk factor One showed no particular fondness of.

"A bit of vandalism here, some gossip there. The less believable these Corsairs are, the more influence you will have over the local Zoner population. Their discontent means your benefit whether you like it or not."

His words carried a certain kind of passive-aggressiveness to them which quickly, emphasizing the possibility of controlling what the Zoners think of who visits their mighty Freeport. It was, after all, the main reason they met. One continued to speak his mind only after drowning Johnathan in kind words meant to praise him. To spoil the man with the attention he so deserved and rebalance the scales.

"Your own plan is nothing short of an exquisite marvel, mister. To deny these savages their right to basic commodities like that? You are one sly fox, boss. I wouldn't have imagined taking that road myself. If this...Fairchild, you called him? If you let my people play the part in making the Corsairs look bad, then this shrewd, greedy man will have no other option than see what we want him to see: clients who'd prefer stealing from him rather than paying and other traders skipping his humble establishment for safer waters.

It would be a damn shame if his shipments would end up getting hijacked as soon as they touch Freeport 11's hangars, because of some guests who would not wait for the product to reach Fairchild's shelves. As soon as those rumors spread, traders will really begin to avoid him. Nobody gets hurt either."

With this new plan combining aspects from both ideas, One hoped to still push his host in the right direction and to follow the right mindset: that this conflict will flare up even more and very soon. Diplomacy will soon fall flat on its knees and cunning will have to take its place - but only with a limited window.

---