Council of Elders

[McNeo]

Juan was silent, and wore a blank look on his face for the whole time. His gaze on Ares never faltered, and as the council settled down, Juan intervened.

"Maybe we could help you. It is true, we have fleets of ships ready to invade. But, they are all engaged in the supply of our people."

He paused as the other Elders frowned, with the exception of Ares, who looked curious.

"If you could guarantee a food source for us, say, a few Biodomes and a planet such as Stuttgart or Cambridge, both major food production centres for Rhineland and Bretonia respectively, then I am sure Pedro and the rest of us could afford to be less cautious with our fleets."

Another pause...

"If the SCRA could capture one of those targets after Rhineland enters the war, then our fleets would assist you in your revolution."

The magic words. Ares smiled happily, while Pedro stared at Juan, and the rest fumed. Such a commitment, with the NovaPG and AW banging at the doorstep.

"Of course, there are conditions. Other Corsairs in our great nation, such as, but not limited to, the Benitez's will be treated as we, the Brotherhood, are to be treated. The SCRA must also have a small bomber garrison on Crete consisting of some up-and-coming pilots and yourself Ares.
When the homeland and its surrounding area is secure from the combined power of the Outcast alliance, and we have enough food to last for the forseeable future, then we will have enough forces for your invasion. After all, if we were to invade now, we couldn't pull back our forces if the homeland were attacked."

Ares opened his mouth to respond...