The metallic echo of footsteps carried through the narrow corridor until the group reached the reinforced door of Pacifica’s main conference chamber. The heavy locks disengaged with a deep mechanical hiss, revealing a room of sturdy design old, but well kept. The lights were low, the air faintly warm from the reactor levels below. A circular table occupied the center, its surface scarred by years of use, surrounded by mismatched chairs. It wasn’t luxury it was Unioner practical.
Friedrich Krüger led the Deterrence delegation inside, pausing only long enough to make sure each of their guests was comfortable before he took his seat across from them. His tone was measured, steady, carrying the kind of calm that comes from both confidence and long experience.
“Pacifica may not have the shine of Crete or Malta,” *he began with a faint smirk,* “but she’s built on honest work steel, sweat, and the will to survive. You’ll find no pretense here.”
He set the gift bottle they’d brought on the table with care, the faint glint of its label catching the dim light.
“Your Executor’s Mark will be opened once we seal something worth toasting to.”
The room’s door opened again, the sound of approaching boots cutting through the low hum of machinery. Friedrich looked toward the entryway and gave a respectful nod.
“And here comes a man who needs little introduction among our ranks — Corin Frei, leader of the Unioners, the voice of our workers, and the one who keeps this movement alive.”
He turned back toward Dimitrious and the rest of the Deterrence delegation, his tone becoming slightly more formal.
“Herr Frei will join us for this discussion. He speaks for the will of the Union — I represent our diplomatic wing. Together, we hope to build something lasting between our peoples.”
Friedrich glanced briefly toward Corin, offering him the floor with a subtle gesture, but when the Unioner leader remained silent for the moment observing the guests, reading the room, Krüger leaned forward slightly, continuing.
“Your convoy in Gallia proved what cooperation between the Deterrence and the Unioners can look like. Despite the losses, both sides stood their ground. That earns respect here.”
He clasped his hands together, elbows resting lightly on the table.
“Now, before we drown ourselves in formalities, let’s talk about what comes next. Smaller convoys, tighter formations, and cleaner routes. Our people in Hamburg and Bering are already scouting alternate paths that could link with your trade network. We’ll share what we find, keep it between us.”
His gaze shifted between the Corsair delegates.
“In return, we’d like to hear what your Conclave envisions for this partnership, how deep you see this alliance running, and how we can make sure neither of us draws too much light from the Houses.”
He paused, leaning back in his chair slightly, the quiet rumble of Pacifica’s systems echoing softly around them.
“We all know the cost of being seen. So let’s build this the right way slow, quiet, and solid.”
With that, Krüger nodded once toward Dimitrious, giving the Corsair delegation the floor.
THE SYNDIC LEAGUES
(A co-operative of Rheinland's outlawed trade unions, determined to take the underworld for themselves.)
![[Image: XTF1d6x.png]](https://i.imgur.com/XTF1d6x.png)