Xeno Alliance Leadership and Hellfire Legion Leadership "talks". (AO)

[wainwright]

Richard sipped his drink as he took stock of what was now on the table. This was it. This was the moment the Legion could finally move away from the ghosts of the past and take the first tentative steps in making Liberty a better place for everyone.

The Xenos were sceptical, that much was certain, and Jones had his hands full in getting the rank and file of the Xeno movement to accept what was being proposed here. Jones himself was obviously eager. So many years out in the cold, fighting the entirety of Sirius, had left its marks on this man. But he was still able to embrace the possibility of change. If anyone was going to bring the Xenos forward, this was the man to do it. Coral, so quiet now after her original nervous entrance, was seemingly somewhat stunned at the events unfolding before her. She was the kind that would need little encouragement to embrace the changes. Obviously fiercely loyal to Jones, it seemed likely that she would accept what was happening out of devotion to her leader.

Richard nodded slowly, pursing his lips slightly as he considered his response.

"Mr Jones, it would appear we stand at the brink of a momentous occasion. For so long have we all fought, against the odds, for what we have achieved. Here, now, we can direct our peoples along a new path. One that offers more than I think we can possibly comprehend. Your terms are indeed acceptable. In fact, our Lord Commander has just issued new standing orders concerning the interdiction of smugglers, drug traders and slavers."

Now came the tricky bit. Knowing the past history of the Xenos, and all they stood for, and against, he knew this could be a potential deal breaker. If the Legion was to stand for anything though, this compromise from the Xenos was necessary.

"There is one thing I would ask, however. While we understand your devotion to the masses of Liberty, and the need for Liberty citizens to be placed first in the eyes of the Government and corporations of Liberty, there is one request we must make of you. We know of your feelings, and actions towards traders not of Liberty origin. We, the Legion, also believe that Liberty citizens must be placed first. There is, however, the need for Liberty to still trade with her allies and neighbours, and we wish them to be able to do so. Resources are stretched within Liberty, and we must acknowledge the need to bring these in from outside of Liberty's borders. What I would request is that any non-Libertonian traders, that are being escorted by Legion ships, be allowed to continue about their business unmolested. Any non-Libertonian traders that we are not escorting, however, are obviously outside of this agreement. Liberty's well-being must come first, after all."

Trying to gauge how the Xenos were taking his proposal would be a mistake, so he ploughed on, for he had one ace yet to play.

"I understand this will require quite a shift in the mindset of most of your men and women, Jonathan." The use of the Xeno leader's first name was a risk, but at the same time he hoped it would reinforce the new friendship Richard knew would be required between their two groups. "I do, however, have one more thing to offer the Xenos, and the people of Liberty. I made reference earlier in our discussions that we need you to be our voice. Well, we have a message that needs to be carried to your people. The Legion, as I intimated, wishes to be seen as protectors of Liberty. We are very aware of the conditions many of Liberty's citizens have to cope with on a day to day basis. They have little hope, and little opportunity for creating a better life for themselves and their families. I need you to go to the people and tell them we have something for them, should they wish to reach out and grab the opportunity. We control a system on the borders of Liberty space, I am sure you are aware. What you are almost certainly unaware of is that within that system lies a planet. An inhabitable planet, if somewhat inhospitable given its unpredictable weather patterns. We wish to offer those who wish to make a new life on Guadalahara the opportunity to do so, with the full backing of all the Hellfire Legion has to offer. I truly hope that we can reach agreement here, and give ourselves the opportunity of a brighter future. Together."

He stopped talking then, and studied the two sat at the table with him. That they hadn't yet walked out was a good sign, he hoped.

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All the old knives, that have rusted in my back, I shall drive deep into yours.

Betrayed