"Gallia has often been divided on the very social level because of those who held power - hence, DeFrance family and their followers, or wanted power - hence, the Separatists Command during the First Gallic War or the Council Command during the Second, were in conflict and did not count the loss of common men. For those, the people of Gallia were just units on the chess desk, where's victory is the way to influence, power, wealth. Gallic society has to be integral, without being divided." Antonin has tried to explain the motto of the Security Bureau with single words, but he suspected that a non-Gaul, especially a libertarian, would barely understand the mean of social integrity. "I hope you understand what it means?"
"Yes, it's hard to achieve but it is not something impossible." Antonin's face turned serious. This woman could've become a good addition to the humble servants of the Gallic people if she would accept his offer. However, the man understood there is no place for a non-Gaul in the ranks of the Security Bureau. Not yet. "Achieving stability would be the first step, and, unfortunately, this one is already difficult: the Maquis, the Royalists, Brigands and other chaotic groups alike dangerous to the social stability and Gallic recovery after decades of civil war and side conflicts such as a recent war against the Empire. Yet, you may contribute if you wish."
"Information." was a brief answer from Antonin. Seeing that is needed to explain what he means, the man has sighed and proceed. "The Bureau may have ears and eyes in many places, but not everywhere. I will not hide: I know what kind of business your organization involved in. And this may benefit us both if your people manage to control unlawful commerce within Gallia to avoid the chaos that anarchy and permissiveness. It is impossible to wipe the lawless and black market, but it's possible to keep it under control. Remove what has to be removed, control what can be controlled. And your organization is a good candidate for such a task."
Emily's expression didn't flinch. The two remained silent, neither of them showed any change in expression.
The Capitaine pondered if Antonin was bluffing, though she knew how much an intelligence agency could know. It wasn't the fact that Antonin knew what worried her, it was the position she was now placed in. If the Corse and the GSB were to cooperate in such a way, it would well benefit both parties, though, it was not the benefits that Emily was thinking about, it was the trust. Could Emily trust Antonins subordinates?
By this time, Emily had broken her gaze with Antonin, and was now looking down upon the table before her, clearly having an inward argument with herself.
Her eyes glanced at Antonin, but her head never raised.
"Information we can provide." she stated, her tone became much more serious.
"Though note now, Director. I will not allow the Unione Corse to be bullied into an understanding with the GSB. If we are going to reach an agreement, I think it best to show our hands now. We can do what your asking, though what would you offer us? - Other than turning a blind eye to it?"
"Nox." without any hesitation answered Antonin. "I find its ironic: the thing Kingdom always been fighting may be our answer to Sirian attempt to unite against us and dictate their will upon Gallia."
Antonin chuckled briefly, sip a bit of wine and proceeded, looking right into Emily's eyes. A few grim sparks have appeared there, almost unnoticeable for a common man. "The Bureau may ignore your Nox business within Gallia as long as shipments going outside of our house. Moreover, we may even help you with reaching borders faster and fighting Outcasts' Cardamine on the Sirian market by simply disrupting their convoys in joint operations. Corse's profit will rise, Gallic society will be stable, under the careful control of the Bureau. I think it's fair, but does it sound interesting to you? Or you'd like to go deeper into my pocket?"
