To Mr. Scott MacFarlane, Bowex (ONLY)

[Diomedes]

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To: Mr. Scott MacFarlane
Subject: Contract Possibility
Origin: New London


Mr. MacFarlane,

After the convoy, I sat down with my officers and we had a good talk about your offer of work with Bowex. Some among my crew even expressed interest in moving to working full-time for the company.

For my own part however, my place is here on board The Kristol. After years in the army, flying as a trader with the junkers was the best way for me to open markets and set my own course. I'd like to see that through. However, myself and the entire bridge agree, contracting with Bowex makes sense and hopefully we can mutually benefit from it.

Given the Kristol's capabilities, I am willing to propose a number of areas we could help Bowex:

1) Direct convoy security with added cargo space. Much like how the convoy ran this past weekend we can provide extra carrying capacity and a gunboat's worth of firepower.

2) Indirect convoy security. Given our look and standing, The Kristol could run ahead of a Bowex convoy either empty or carrying dummy cargo. We'd be able to spot potential pirates and route the convoy round them.

3) Outside convoys, we can complete shipping tasks official Bowex ships would be at great risk to complete. We have access to bases and materials sources corporate assets don't. We've also charted a number of back routes around Kusari and Rheinland. Wonder if you knew there's a way to get Rheinland's precious military hardware to the Taus without ever travelling through house space but for a bit of Munich?

These are the three major ways I think we could assist. If you need more capacity than just us, I've got a good friend with similar sympathies to my own. He flies the pilgrim liner The_Kono, another formidable trade vessel.

Finally, my foreman Rodger Buchannan has been very seriously considering the proposal to move to Bowex full time. Seems he knows some mates on another ship and figures he can get a crew together who'd be willing to sign up. While I am fairly sure he'll move over eventually, we just don't have the capital to start Rodger off with a decent ship. Once the money comes in, I'm sure you'll see an application come through.

Please let me know what you think of contracting out to us, and if you have more ideas of how we can help. You are understandably busy, so don't feel there is any great rush. I will continue to be available for convoy duty wherever possible.

Best Regards,

Caius MacAthol and the entire crew of The Kristol

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[Scott MacFarlane]

Incoming Transmission SCS819 650993D
Encryption Level: ExSec Delta 11
CommID: MacFarlane: NL:DH 8764501
Message Target: Mr. Caius MacAthol of The Kristol
CC: Bowex Board of Directors, Bowex Services
Message Source: Terminal 14, Scar Station, Newcastle
Subject: Contract offer and services.


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Mr. MacAthol,

I am rather happy to be hearing from you so soon. I certainly understand your desire to remain your own boss. I was an independent for quite some time before I decided to settle down.

The Board and I have discussed your counter-offer, and I am happy to say that everyone is quite enthusiastic about it. The Board has accepted your offer and the Director of Operations is busy writing up a full independent contract for you and the captain of the Kono.

In addition, you may inform Mr. Buchannan that he may apply at anytime. Bowex will happily subsidize his first vessel. A Percheron is being prepared by Services for him and his crew as I send this.

We'€™ll discuss assignments in greater detail as soon as your contacts have been prepared and approved by Legal.

Oh, and that little thing we were talking about last night? It'€™s been moved to the day after at 2000 SMT.

--MacFarlane


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[Diomedes]

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To: Mr. Scott MacFarlane
Subject: Re:Contract Offer
Origin: New London


Mr. MacFarlane,

Thank you very much for your quick reply. I look forward to seeing the contract completed and I've passed the word along to the captain of the Kono. He's been station-bound on business and overhaul for some time, but should be back to it soon.

I passed the word along to Rodger as well. He seemed delighted with the news and was thankful for the offer of a Percheron. He mentioned however that the people he's collecting have plans to get a larger ship once some investments come through.

I've noted the new time, unfortunately I doubt I'll be able to make it along.

-Caius


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