He stifled a laugh, and given the formality of things and the subject in play it was quite the rude thing to do. Almost uncharacteristic, as if a veil parted. "Spoken like a true hypocrite." His amusement made way for a calculating coldness.
"You don't just want to delay Liberty's efforts. You want us to delay it long enough until you are in a position to act." This time he smiled but it was devoid of any warmth or friendliness. "I assume all the risk and liability given that it's my people maintaining the blockade over Sudbury. You on the other hand want to only assume a material expense before no doubt recouping on investment. By which point, and if your little plan succeeds, everyone else in Ontario will be too diminished to really prevent." That smile of his extended upwards and out further, revealing genuine amusement that peaked with the reveal of flawless teeth.
But then his eyes narrowed and that brief spell of pleasantness went with it, not that it was intended to be such a thing at all. "Talk terms and give me concrete incentives to work with. You'd be a fool to believe that I would entertain any other scenario other than certainty that our sacrifices today will ensure victory in the longterm."
And just like that it was the Director's turn again.
Cobra's refreshing bluntness brought the beginnings of a genuine smile to Siegfried's lips - one quickly quashed in favor of the practiced urbane half-grin.
"I think we both know that I have neither the reach to take nor the manpower to keep Sudbury alone for any appreciable length of time. Even if, as you say, we sat back and waited for all parties involved to be ground down through attrition, it is only a matter of some trivial timescale before Liberty digs deep into its bottomless pockets to begin it all again - this time, with far less opposition. Keeping them at bay is likely the best we'll get - and only if we do not waste time and resources by holding back.
I will not deny that we also want what Sudbury holds - but what little access there is to be had exists only while it is contested, and even for that, we will need cooperation."
Kai took another moment for a sip of his drink.
"Material supplies, arms, ships, and scientific advisors are already a given - enough to keep your guns, ships, and people fed, and to help establish a joint research venture to process any artifacts we may uncover - but those are means to our ends. What would you want out of this? I'm sure you would not have agreed to meet unless there was something we could provide that you already had in mind."
This time he was quiet, if only for a few seconds. "No advisors, at least not on our doorstep. Too much potential for sabotage and I don't have the patience to babysit your eggheaded associates. Embed them on Freeport 53 and we'll coordinate that way. Supplies and ships can be delivered through appropriate fronts, and for the latter I want the full CTE aerospace catalogue with spares." This sounded non-negotiable and likely was for a variety of reasons both political and otherwise.
There was just one more consideration left that he hadn't addressed. "What I want is for that construction ship sitting near the gate to go up in flames. Liberty has deep pockets and even deeper reserves of manpower, but the corporations lack the spine to repeatedly stare down certain death. And right now that den of cattle is the only thing truly sustaining this operation. If it's destroyed then our entrenched positions in the system become unassailable for the LSF taskforce. They'd be cut off and at our mercy."
His enunciation of that last word implied that there was going to be nothing of the sort.
"If it is acceptable, we can begin shipping supplies, ships, and a minimal contingent of support staff to deploy on the nearby Freeport. The ships will need to be assembled on site, by the support staff if necessary, as packing volume will be at quite a premium. As I understand it, you have a sizable non-combattant population in Ontario that may benefit from humanitarian relief as well - if you can give me a manifest of what is needed, we can see what our logistical support wing can do."
Siegfried imperceptibly froze for an instant as his retinal implant displayed the most current reports on Ontario:
'INT CONFIDENCE SIXTY-PER-CENT: DSE-LSF JOINT REPAIR EFFORTS UNDERWAY - BUSTARD CLASS CARRIER ROBERT PEARY AND INDETERMINATE SEC PATROL IN PROXIMITY OF DMG JG'
"Regarding the LSF repair task force you mentioned, we will need additional intel to assess what can be done - but as it is a condition of your agreement to cooperation, I will see to it that it will be done."
His tone and disposition changed at what seemed like an instant, adopting a cold cordiality to reflect the underlying intent. This was made most obvious by the sudden outreach of a hand to seal these terms with formality. "Fine. You have a deal for now, Director."
He shifted and sat back in his seat more comfortably after this exchange, looking in Caliban's direction for.. direction.
Caliban was fidgeting with the glass of well refined whiskey as the two de-facto leaders of their respective groups came to an agreement. Not entirely deaf to what was discussed and aware that the stage lights were now on him, Caliban stood up with both hands resting against the wooden table. He replied with a stoic attitude and determination to see this uncommon alliance through as the equalizer to keep either side from overstepping set boundaries.
"[The Buro will honor their part of their deal as per agreement, as will The Alliance allow for scientific operations to start.]" - he looked at Damien as summed up what has been said for the past hour in one swift sentence, before turning to the Direktor. - "[If you don't mind, Direktor: I will oversee The Buro's activities within Ontario and coordinate with Damien to make sure everything goes smoothly. Scientific breakthroughs, deliveries, the potential of joint operations and so on.]"
Partial silence overtook the table at which these three individuals were seated. There was little left to say after Caliban left has set his own terms for this operation. A mediator between factions that are at odds with one another - to play as insurance in case either tried overstep and attempt to prevent such. He knew Damien's ruthlessness and dislike of House authority, and was more than familiar with The Buro's resolve to get things done at no short expense of human life. Neither would stop the merc from hoping that a positive conclusion would come out of all this. One where all sides win and neither gives in to their paranoia.
"[I believe this should be it. Unless there are no objections of course.]"
"Test the sharpness of your sword against another. And when that is not enough, unsheathe your cunning as the hidden dagger that ends the fight."
The Director gave a curt nod in assent.
"That is agreeable to us."
Siegfried turned to Caliban.
"We can't have you overseeing operations in a museum piece. I'll have a more suitable forward operational command center for you."
