The Don leaned forward in his chair, a stern look across his face. He took a quick gaze outside the windows which extended from the floor to the ceiling. Now, they showcased the celebratory lights outside, and the fruits of the efforts of the Maltese people. Harabero turned back. He smiled thinking about the Xeno issue.
I believe this is a longer issue then we have time for today. The Xeno's will be tolerated as long as they haul Cardamine for us. That is the end of the story, there is nothing more to it.
A more serious look came over him. Alejandro turned to De Marco and nodded.
As for Rheinland - as much as it may seem... short sighted... they are about on the bottom of the list for us. Why should we expand upon them when we have not yet Bretonia, or Gallia in our grasp yet, which are far more feasible? The road to Rheinland will be long, and will require the Sigmas to become more docile to our presence, before we can run long expeditions. We may find further information that may ease the journey there, but for now, we have little support in that region, as it is.
As for expanding into Rheinland, we can not openly source Cardamine to their people. Why? It will ruin their reputation with other houses, causing massive reprecussions for them. The risks would far outweigh the benefits for them. Why should they accept us over mass war with the other houses?
Resources will be supplied by Zoner intermediaries, though they seem opposed to us after the Freeport nine incident. Though we will have to expand our sources, it would be unwise to place the majority of our supplies in the hands of our eventual enemies. It would be as trusting the Xenos with making supply deliveries to Malta, for our warships. As well, for their expansion into the omicrons, we do not want to ally ourselves with them either for this reason - it makes the pathway to our homeland clear. As powerful as our defences are, we do not want to face the bulk of the Rheinland armada in a firefight, with them having knowledge of our land.
Harabero glanced around the room, then back at Chenzo, seeking his response.
Chenzo silently and emotionally scoffs over how completly dissagree’s on various points which were raised on Xeno’s..
It would seem the younger generation had little in terms of respect for those who had stood loyal without fault for generations. His opinion differed from that of some. Regardless, these were the people he needed to be able to rely on, and they on him. The reason he himself was in the room was Chenzo carried much more favour than his peer's would ever care to admit.
His respect for Harabero alone, he was as civil as possible. Eager to right untruths breathed.
"Allow me to make clear the air a little. I do not wish to stay in the past, only hold on to fool proof recipe's which have proven flawless over multiple generations. In short, if it's not broken; don't try and fix it.
What that means is we don't crap on our allies, we don't fund and fuel people who to this day are very, very hostile to us as a nation and we cannot control as they do not take Cardamine themselves. Any false long term inflation in their numbers is based purely off of any favouritism they have been miss handed which will quickly diminish as soon as this effort is invested back into our generational allies of the Hackers and the Rogues. IF they wish to deputise the Xeno's so be it, but not us. The Xeno's also pose zero advantage to us over the Rogues or Hackers.
These roots were well established before any of us were born, don't forget that.
Each and every Maltese by four generations or more prior to everyone in this room's lives starting were very wealthy from these pre set routes.
I'll say no more on the Xeno's for now, as requested.
He paused, as to allow the the presented information to sink in properly.
"Chances of any form of success within Rheinland are very, very slim to none. That said, allow me to highlight the best case hopes;
A much more stable supply of goods and materials vastly far in advance of what is currently capable
Less guns over all being pointed toward Outcasts, especially given the advancement of Rheinland into the Omicron's.
"The two points alone are odd, however the estimated 80% increase in potential goods input will allow the construction of a Alpha-wide defence grid impenetrable by any enemy and much more importantly, requiring very low numbers to operate. Once more, successfully achieved; any enemy's numbers won't count for toffee."
The don didn't want to share such a vision before the supplies were obtainable- without the influx- it's but a pipe dream. Maybe instead his peer's may have other options.
He slides a standard holographic meeting projection device into the middle of the table, it emits a precise light displaying the mapped area within Omicron Alpha above their heads, between the Omicron Theta's gravitational anomaly and Planet Carnea, containing multiple other anomalies known commonly to Outcasts.
"A smart mine field is to be constructed in three area's. This area within Alpha being the largest. The field is to surround the holes entirely funnelling any mass invasion force in one by one posing almost zero threat to those who are actually welcome.
The Minefield I'm preposing is to be entirely stationary and move with the gravitational field of the anomaly in orbit. The field can be closed at any end by means of each and every control point trusted having to reach a mutual state of input- For example one here in this headquarters, another on Ibiza, another on the Basilica, another on Comercio Fantasma, Another on Alba. In other words, un hackable.
This is but an idea, an eventual goal a thousand steps down the line, with baby steps to set them off; The massive influx of supplies required.
As for interacting with Rheinland back firing? I'd never allow them anywhere physically close to Alpha. Any goods which come from them are checked for tracking devices and anything harmful prior to even setting off. Less guns, big guns not shooting at us isn't a bad thing. We aren't on about a disorganised rabble here.
Please also don't forget that we as we are, pose zero threat to them. We have no active cardamine operation in their space. They have no reason to desire hostility other than self defence."
Harabero glanced around at the other members present, searching to see if they had anything to say. With no response by the others, the don broke the silence.
I agree with the increased defense grid. There can never be enough weapons dedicated to defending our homeland, and a stable secure defense network at that. Given recent events, some of our current technology may need to be reupdated and reestablished. However, would a minefield be the best way to achieve this? While it would cut our enemies off from us, we would also have the reverse situation; it would also cut us off from the outside. If, for example, the Corsairs were to set a battleship squadron outside the exit to Omicron Theta, we would have a very difficult time to break through, on account of the slim passageways and brute force required to break a blockade in a constricted fighting ground, while it is proven our forces rely and excel on open space, with plenty of room to maneuver in.
Even still, the minefield you are proposing would be enormously expensive for the cost required, in return for the benefits given. I believe more defense platforms and perhaps checkpoints set around the jump holes would be more cost effective, easier to fund and maintain, and would run less risk of our dependence on several different factors to succeed. If given the means to do so, it would also be easier to advance it into a more sophisticated defense grid, as a jumping off point. We would be more flexible to facilitate several different options afterward, depending on what happens.
Rheinlanders in any form will not be allowed to enter Omicron Alpha. Period. Should they consider themselves willing to supply us in exchange for goods - which I personally find highly unlikely, though it would be a boon for us if they did - I believe the best option would be for an exchange to occur on neutral grounds, in the Omicron Theta system. Perhaps planet Pygar? We would be fools to invite potential adversaries into our living room. While you did say they would be checked, they could not be blindfolded, their pilots would still know of what we have. I would feel far safer for to keep them in the dark. I will not permit any of them to directly enter our territory.
One last thing - you stated that they have no ill intentions towards us other than self defense - I would argue against that. Their reputation with all other Sirian factions depends on their hostility towards us, not to mention that their militaries are against us for who we are in itself. They hate us because we are Maltese. They would kill us - and they have - for no other reason than conquest and prejudice.
The stars began to shine as the festivities faded and dispersed. Soon they would finish the meeting, and implement what they have discussed. However, Harabero wished to hear anything else that was to be said before they concluded the matter.
As the length of this meeting wore on, it began to weigh on her alertness, and a brief glance out the window at the fading celebrations confirmed her feeling. Nevertheless, once Don Harabero finished speaking, she voiced her definitive opinion on the topic discussed.
"I must agree with you, Don Harabero. Rheinland authorities will never be our allies, not until we have their elites in our grasp. I would not grant them insight into how we operate or how we acquire resources; it would only backfire on us. It would be far more prudent to deepen our ties with intermediaries willing to provide us with these resources, materials, and parts from Rheinland, specifically the local Junkers or the Bristol. I have personally opted for the Bristol several times in the past due to their willingness to guarantee the quality of materials and parts, although the Junkers are of course more flexible and less concerned about their reputation with local authorities."
"Weapon platforms and sensor arrays, which could be developed with the help of the Lane Hackers, seem to be more effectively utilized resources. I would also not underestimate the potential for reforms or training our defense forces for more dynamic defense and reconnaissance. I believe there is still room for improvement in interoperability among pilots across the cartels. Not all cartels communicate effectively with each other. Lastly, we could also increase investments in researching our planetary defenses and enhance its missile capabilities. New technologies have been invented since the appearance of the Earhart anomaly and its exotic materials, and we should not be left behind."
Chenzo listened intently, his peers were right on the cost of his ideas. The idea was grand but he was sure it was the way forward.
"Never once before have I ever heard of any concern over the credit value cost of anything from anyone Maltese, especially in such meetings as this.
Whilst this venture may indeed cost hundreds of billions, what is that tiny dent to our finances?"
He looks around the room
"The idea of the "Smart Minefield" is one which moves to our command. Controlled from multiple safe-haven's within Omicron Alpha we can leave the field at "resting state" which would allow passage from the gravitational anomalies for lone Dreadnaughts to pass, but of course can then be closed or shifted to allow multiple through. Not only does this provide unquestionable defence, but should we ever have any unwanted guests we can seal them in and prevent them fleeing altogether.
Maltese have always been at the very tip forefront of technology, I see no reason besides the aforementioned physical resources to achieve this".
His gaze flowed around the room as he spoke, landing on De Marco before he continues
"An Excellent point well made, Senorita. I refer to the never letting the Rheinland authorities how we move goods and alike, however most recently the Zoners don't seem too keen on doing anything but be the Corsair puppet's, what's left of the Junkers is too disorganised and or scared of the Core who have hunted them for as long as they have existed. I do ask, what other ways do we have of securing goods?"
His gaze falls off De Marco, genuine sincerity in his voice
"Another option I've worked on to be in conjunction with the minefield is two oversized Ranseurs, Five times the size of the ones we field currently. Two to be produced. One guarding the exit to the Taus and one to guard the exits near Theta. Of course, at this size they would be able to stop any size of incoming fleet, but also would be system bound. Far, Far to large to use the Gravitational anomalies. Ironically would require only the usual crew of one Ranseur to fly, with grouped weapons systems."
He paused, sipped from a flask from within his jacket before continuing
"We have do do something pretty spectacular, we've been dealt the worst hand Malta has seen since our ancestors first landed. I'd like to kick everything mentioned into action, in addition to building multiple beacons which prevent enemy ship jumping systems working. For funds? I can personally contribute at least three quarters of the cost for this... The question is what can we do to achieve a fool proof system?"
For now, my decision is that Rheinland might be an opportunity to gain some extra resources or perhaps lend a ceasefire if they would be willing, but I would not want to bet or depend on them, in any case. If you can convince them to assist us somehow - great. I will leave that to you. However we will still be on the lookout for more organizations to haul for us.
Harabero was unconvinced on Rheinland. To him, all outsiders were untrustworthy, and must either be purified through Cardamine or brought to their knees before they can go before the Outcasts. Zoners were the slight exception he was willing to grant.
While you are right that credits in and of themselves are not the issue for us - after all our coffers are very large - what I am concerned of is the effectiveness of our payments. This will take long, long periods of time to create, with enormous amounts of credits to acquire the resources, yes, but also we would need to get the supplies from somewhere, as well. Our current intermediaries would mean that it would take a long time, and we cannot rely on any deal with Rheinland or any other house to go well. No known nation in Sirius - let alone the Maltese - we have known to be able to create a "smart minefield" which can move at will. While yes it is true that we can facilitate research to discover the tangibility and recreate the proposition you described, it again, would take large amounts of time amplified by the costs given, which I believe could be better spent on other systems.
Should you be able to give us some discovery or research that would make this possible? We would consider recreating this. In theory, it is a very good idea. However, until then we need something that we can tangibly use in the short term to boost our system defenses, while we may look at permanent solutions. Again, while it would be nice to have such a minefield, we need something that we can cost-effectively use until then.
It would take a long time to implement this, and resources and very large funds for something that was not yet attainable, only invested in the future. Harabero believed that Malta required something that would be able to keep their system secure, without draining their funds for a vision of grandeur.
For your other suggestion - what would be the benefit of this over weapon platforms? They seem to be similar in nature, while more heavy duty, though if our campaign in Omicron Theta has taught us anything, we do not rely on brute force.
As I mentioned before, I believe the best option for us would be to implement several weapon defense systems stationed around the exits to Omicron Alpha. Several at the exit to Omicron Theta, Tau 37, and Omicron Psi, and a few around Omicron Beta, as that is almost entirely controlled by our forces, and would be nigh impossible to field a large fleet through there. We may also be able to use alternative methods as well to boost these platforms. Perhaps we may field some cruisers to guard the exits, and act as wardens, which can block any small forces into the system, withdraw and regroup if the worst arrives, or have the flexibility to block incoming fleets as well. De Marco's suggestion of scanner arrays is also very intuitive as well. We would be able to spot our enemies oncoming before they even enter the system, and demolish them as they enter into a prepared ambush.
The Don turns to De Marco.
Training and cooperation must be held between the cartels of Malta, on their own decision. While we can assist them and do what we can for our own personnel, that must be their decision to be made. Between all those here, however, it would do well for us to encourage this in our own circles, and for those under our command.
He returns to addressing the whole board.
In any case - as De Marco pointed out - New research is a must. To move forward for this, should we be able to create advanced systems, we must move forward to new frontiers in research and discovery as well. We will do our best to begin further investing toward new advances. Should any of you make any new discoveries, naturally we should communicate this as well, as this we could use to further our defensive capabilities, and increase our options.
I also believe it to be essential for our forces to be more vigilant on who we allow into our home system as well. Logistical transports of hostile organizations as well as scouts and enemy fightercraft have been spotted more frequently, and this must come to an end. The Starfleet will begin to move to start countering these more strictly, and I encourage you to do the same as well.
It was time to begin wrapping things up.
Is there any finalities to address, before we conclude?
Fiorella de Marco gestured languidly towards Don Harabero with a graceful wave of her hand, her smile polite yet measured.
"Everything that needed to be conveyed from my side has already been articulated. I have nothing further to add without merely repeating myself. I believe the decision now rests firmly with you, Don Harabero, to define our objectives for the upcoming years."
With these words, she fell silent and cast a sweeping glance over her colleagues in the conference room.
The first topic discussed was of our Cardamine routes. Our mission will be two-fold: to increase the security and ease of accessing and hauling Cardamine, and to increase the volatility and danger of the other commodities. Increased piracy and interception of other commodities such as Artifacts, Gold, and Iridium will make Cardamine seem easier to haul in comparison. We may also assist Cardamine haulers more as well against lawful forces to ensure this. We must keep an eye out for any openings to expand to the other houses. However, I do not see any currently, which means we must remain vigilant, and always be open for new possibilities.
The second topic we discussed was of the Core. I believe the consensus was to engage them when they enter our territory, but leave them to their own demise to the Corsairs. They have not been terribly aggressive to our forces, so this will be easy to do.
The third topic we discussed was of Rheinland. This, I will once again leave to you, Senor Chenzo. This will have to be a long term project, and right now we cannot afford to expend large amounts of time and energy to search within there with our own forces, so we will leave this in your hands. Do keep us updated on your progress.
The fourth and final topic we discussed was of Maltese security. I believe the best guide for us at the moment will be to take small steps first, before we enlarge our vision. Firstly, we shall increase our own patrols and security around the system - our forces freed up with the resolution of the Freeport 9 - Atka campaign - and heighten the security this way, and to strike fear into any who cross into Omicron Alpha, sparing none who do not pertain to our vision. Secondly, we hope to be able to install more weapon platforms around the exits to the system. Perhaps we may also be able to use some Storta class destroyers which are not in use elsewhere, or were going into retirement, as mobile weapons platforms to further bolster our defense system, providing a perimeter which would be easy to implement at first while also easy to expand upon. Thirdly, we may continue our research and advance our scientific developments to search for new technologies to use for our defense, but also elsewhere. Our forces will scout into the uncharted realms more than before.
I believe this to be all.
The Don looked around resolutely at the whole board in front of him.
Of course, this will require dedication from all of you to achieve this. I will do my best to implement these in the sectors under my influence, but under all of us together shall the Orange Dream prevail.
Thank you all for coming.
Alejandro Harabero nodded and crossed his arms behind his back, as the other members of the board departed down the elevator, and the room began to clear. He turned to face and gaze out of the room length window, the sun on Malta beginning to set on the orange horizon. Yes, there was a lot to do. But in the end...
Chenzo waited for everyone else to leave, leaving just Harabero and himself.
"I mean no disrespect senor, of course. But do you really think a few weapons platforms is going to stop such embarrassing onslaughts from our foes?
Imagine of the Corsairs were to strike; the the goal being to enter Malta's atmosphere? It's by a bloody miracle that the Colonials and Miners haven't two braincells between them or we'd be extinct.
I may be seen as stark raving mad and from another time, but merit is held surly in the war machine Malta used to boast in the times before the Hyperspace Fleet.
You know all too well I mean no insult to you or those under your command- I'd not entertain conversation or any form of campaign with you if that was the case
I'm here, pleading before you for heavier action to secure long term defence"
