Krüger listened closely as Dimitrious laid out the framework the give, the take, the boundaries that kept dignity intact on both sides. He didn’t interrupt. Didn’t smirk. Didn’t posture. When the Corsair finished, Krüger nodded once, firm, deliberate like a man setting a rivet with one clean strike.
Then we understand each other, Señor Dimitrious.
His fingers drummed once on the steel table not impatiently, but as if sealing a conclusion in his own mind.
We never intended to reshape your relics, nor pry into the soul of your craft. We know what Corsair ships are lineage. Heritage. Steel shaped by memory and tradition. That is something no outsider can imitate… nor should.
Your components will be handled with the respect they deserve.
Your engineers will be the ones guiding ours, not the other way around.
And the Organizer platform will be integrated under your supervision, to your specifications.
He leaned back slightly, but his gaze held steady not challenging, simply honest.
You’ll find Unioner workers are quick studies. We build with our hands as much as our minds. Your people will teach us to handle Corsair sub-assemblies; ours will show yours how to mount and maintain the Organizer battery. That exchange real work, real sweat will make Stage Two the backbone of everything that comes after.
A slight breath, almost a chuckle the kind that comes from genuine appreciation rather than amusement.
And impressing your Elders? We intend to.
He placed a hand briefly against the datacore he'd offered earlier, then withdrew it, leaving it on the table between them like a marker of mutual risk.
You say you’re ready to sign. Then the Unioners are ready to seal this as well.
Krüger lowered his voice just enough for the weight of the moment to settle.
One step at a time. One ship at a time.
And when Stage Two is complete… then yes we build something bigger.
Something with your legacy and our industry woven into the same hull.
He nodded, slow but resolute.
Bring the document. we will sign.
He watched when the secretary brought the documents.
Here are documents now with witnesses here, we will sign.
[b]PARTIES:[/b]
• The Alster Union (“Unioners”)
• The Deterrence Conclave of the Corsair Empire (“Deterrence”)
[b]PURPOSE:[/b]
To formalize cooperative industrial, logistical, and defensive efforts between the Unioners and Deterrence, beginning with shared hardware implementation and culminating in joint shipbuilding projects.
[hr]
[align=center][b]SECTION I — GENERAL PRINCIPLES[/b][/align]
1. Both parties agree that this cooperation concerns [b]hardware exchange[/b], not transfer of sensitive technologies, relics, or classified methods.
2. Both parties respect each other's engineering heritage, cultural practices, and industrial sovereignty.
3. All joint projects will be conducted transparently, with designated liaisons appointed by both sides.
[hr]
[align=center][b]SECTION II — STAGED COOPERATION PLAN[/b][/align]
[b]Stage One: Logistical & Convoy Alignment[/b]
• Mixed escort operations permitted (excluding capital vessels unless jointly sanctioned).
• Profit distribution follows mutually agreed ratios per convoy.
• No interference with each other's supply lines or smuggling routes.
[b]Stage Two: Hardware Exchange & Integration Program[/b]
1. The Unioners provide Deterrence with the [b]Organizer-Class Battleship Secondary Battery schematics[/b] and installation crews.
2. Deterrence provides the Unioners with selected [b]Corsair-designed sub-assemblies and structural components[/b].
3. A supervised engineering exchange is established:
• Unioner engineers will work at Tripoli Shipyard under Corsair oversight.
• Corsair engineers will operate on Pacifica Station to instruct Unioners in handling Corsair components.
4. All Corsair hardware remains the property of Deterrence and cannot be reverse-engineered without explicit permission.
[b]Stage Three: Joint Production Negotiation[/b]
• Upon successful completion of Stage Two, both parties may open discussions for [b]cooperative warship construction projects[/b].
• Designs will incorporate Corsair philosophy and Unioner industrial methodology.
• Output may be fielded by both factions against mutual enemies.
[hr]
[align=center][b]SECTION III — SECURITY & DEFENSIVE PROVISIONS[/b][/align]
1. Both parties will maintain open harbor access except during high-alert wartime conditions.
2. Neither party will share the other’s hardware, designs, or operational data with third parties.
3. Any threats posed by Hessian or Outcast forces will be treated as shared security concerns.
[hr]
[align=center][b]SECTION IV — RATIFICATION[/b][/align]
This agreement enters into effect upon signature by the representatives of both parties.
[table]
[tr][td][b]For the Alster Union:[/b][/td][td][b]For Deterrence:[/b][/td][/tr]
[tr][td]
Name: Friedrich Krüger
Rank/Role: Unioner Representative
Signature: ______________________
[/td]
![[Image: XTF1d6x.png]](https://i.imgur.com/XTF1d6x.png)