Xeno Alliance Leadership and Hellfire Legion Leadership "talks". (AO)

[Tanker]

"Admiral, Please forgive me for not responding quickly. I had to sit here and think this all the way through. You see, This is a big change for the Xeno Alliance."

Jonathon takes a deep breath. He seems to have reached a conclusion of all the conflicting thoughts. Nods at Coral.

"This is what I propose Admiral, These are the conditions I deem nescessary for us to be able to form a lasting friendship. Not meaning to insult you Admiral, but an alliance will come in time. This is something we will have to grow into."

"Our conditions..

Free docking privileges on our stations, except for our bases in Tau-45

No attacking the Navy when they are actively protecting Liberty from an outside threat. Such as the Rheinland Military.

The possible transfer of technology such as weapons and ships smaller than the gunboat class.

Assistance with stopping the drug trade and contraband , such as slavery in Liberty.

Mutual assistance during each of our patrols if needed."

Jonathon sits back in his chair, takes a good drink of his drink. Hopes he has made the right choice. It has been a very very long time since the xenos in general have had friends. That tends to make you slightly skeptical about anyone.

"Admiral, I hope this meets with your satisfaction"

[wainwright]

Richard sipped his drink as he took stock of what was now on the table. This was it. This was the moment the Legion could finally move away from the ghosts of the past and take the first tentative steps in making Liberty a better place for everyone.

The Xenos were sceptical, that much was certain, and Jones had his hands full in getting the rank and file of the Xeno movement to accept what was being proposed here. Jones himself was obviously eager. So many years out in the cold, fighting the entirety of Sirius, had left its marks on this man. But he was still able to embrace the possibility of change. If anyone was going to bring the Xenos forward, this was the man to do it. Coral, so quiet now after her original nervous entrance, was seemingly somewhat stunned at the events unfolding before her. She was the kind that would need little encouragement to embrace the changes. Obviously fiercely loyal to Jones, it seemed likely that she would accept what was happening out of devotion to her leader.

Richard nodded slowly, pursing his lips slightly as he considered his response.

"Mr Jones, it would appear we stand at the brink of a momentous occasion. For so long have we all fought, against the odds, for what we have achieved. Here, now, we can direct our peoples along a new path. One that offers more than I think we can possibly comprehend. Your terms are indeed acceptable. In fact, our Lord Commander has just issued new standing orders concerning the interdiction of smugglers, drug traders and slavers."

Now came the tricky bit. Knowing the past history of the Xenos, and all they stood for, and against, he knew this could be a potential deal breaker. If the Legion was to stand for anything though, this compromise from the Xenos was necessary.

"There is one thing I would ask, however. While we understand your devotion to the masses of Liberty, and the need for Liberty citizens to be placed first in the eyes of the Government and corporations of Liberty, there is one request we must make of you. We know of your feelings, and actions towards traders not of Liberty origin. We, the Legion, also believe that Liberty citizens must be placed first. There is, however, the need for Liberty to still trade with her allies and neighbours, and we wish them to be able to do so. Resources are stretched within Liberty, and we must acknowledge the need to bring these in from outside of Liberty's borders. What I would request is that any non-Libertonian traders, that are being escorted by Legion ships, be allowed to continue about their business unmolested. Any non-Libertonian traders that we are not escorting, however, are obviously outside of this agreement. Liberty's well-being must come first, after all."

Trying to gauge how the Xenos were taking his proposal would be a mistake, so he ploughed on, for he had one ace yet to play.

"I understand this will require quite a shift in the mindset of most of your men and women, Jonathan." The use of the Xeno leader's first name was a risk, but at the same time he hoped it would reinforce the new friendship Richard knew would be required between their two groups. "I do, however, have one more thing to offer the Xenos, and the people of Liberty. I made reference earlier in our discussions that we need you to be our voice. Well, we have a message that needs to be carried to your people. The Legion, as I intimated, wishes to be seen as protectors of Liberty. We are very aware of the conditions many of Liberty's citizens have to cope with on a day to day basis. They have little hope, and little opportunity for creating a better life for themselves and their families. I need you to go to the people and tell them we have something for them, should they wish to reach out and grab the opportunity. We control a system on the borders of Liberty space, I am sure you are aware. What you are almost certainly unaware of is that within that system lies a planet. An inhabitable planet, if somewhat inhospitable given its unpredictable weather patterns. We wish to offer those who wish to make a new life on Guadalahara the opportunity to do so, with the full backing of all the Hellfire Legion has to offer. I truly hope that we can reach agreement here, and give ourselves the opportunity of a brighter future. Together."

He stopped talking then, and studied the two sat at the table with him. That they hadn't yet walked out was a good sign, he hoped.

---

All the old knives, that have rusted in my back, I shall drive deep into yours.

Betrayed

[Penpen]

Coral was bored. Mostly staring at the table, the guards hands and the cigar smoke making it's way through the room, she suddenly was listening pretty well.
"So, Admiral. Not shooting at those, being escorted by your ships? I wonder how many would that be? If it doesn't happen on a regular base, we're fine with that condition. As long as it's not contraband, of course.
How does this one sound. The traders, enjoying the safety of being guarded by your ships, will donate 25credits per cargo unit for the local soup kitchens? That way, we would be willing to close both eyes if these ships would cross our path." Looking straight into the Admirals eyes, trying to catch any emotion of his cold looking eyes, she then continued,"We can spread the word. BUT... Libertonians wandering off to your Guadala... thingy is not an option. More foreigners would work for Libertonian corporations. So, by the time we would have purged the corrupt government from Planet Manhattan, Liberty would've been run by Kusari and Bretonians."

Coral wasn't sure if the boss was about to shout at her but she couldn't herself stop right now. She stood up and started wandering around the table.
"What we CAN do, is making announcements at our soup kitchens on Houston and Pittsburgh. Those, who were forgotten would not mind to work for a better Liberty. It's actually better then starvation. The question would be, how to transport these people. I don't know. Further details we had to talk about."


She then leaned close to the admirals ears and while stopping the guard to pull his gun out of his holster she whispered, "Do yourself a favor and try to pronounce his name right. It's Jonathon, not Jonathan. He doesn't.. like that."


While walking back to her place she grabbed a cigarette out of her back pocket.
"Boss, as it seems we would have something to drink for tonight. Would you mind me, going down and ordering some.. drinks?"

---

[wainwright]

Before Coral could exit the room, Richard called after her.

"Miss Patrick. I like your idea of donations to the soup kitchens on Houston and Pittsburg. I think I can safely say that such donations will be encouraged, though maybe not demanded. As far as random Libertonians wandering off to Guadalahara goes, I think you misunderstand my proposition. I refer specifically to those who have no other recourse but to make use of the kitchens you are so keen to see financed. This invitation is specifically open to those who have no hope left. We want to rekindle that hope, empower them to turn their lives around. As far as transportation goes, the Legion would be able to arrange suitable transport, at pre-arranged times. It will be a risky trip. The Liberty Navy will try to hunt us down if they get wind of what we plan to do. They have no qualms about collateral damage, as I'm sure you know. But the rewards for those brave enough to take up this challenge will be beyond measure."

A smile twitched the corner of his mouth as she turned towards the door.

"Enjoy the cigarette, Miss Patrick."

Left alone with the Xeno leader, Richard turned his attention fully to the man sitting opposite him.

"Sir, do we have an accord?"

---

All the old knives, that have rusted in my back, I shall drive deep into yours.

Betrayed

[Tanker]

Jonathon chuckled as Coral left for a smoke. She wasn't one able to sit around when things needed done. This is why she has risen up through the ranks..

"Richard," Jonathon liking how that sounded, continued on. "I can honestly say I didn't think this day would come. One where more than the Xenos would fight for the people of Liberty. I know some of our ideals are not the same as yours. As well as some of yours are not to our liking."

Jonathon stands up and holds out his hand..

"Sir, I do believe we have an accord. I am sure it will need tweaking from time to time. But, this is something I know we can accomplish together."

[wainwright]

Richard smiled broadly as he rose from his chair.

"Jonathon, today we have made history. Today, Liberty finds herself on a better path. The unbelievers will scoff, and do what they can to derail us, but what we have achieved here will profoundly change what is to come. I look forward to working closely with you for a long time to come."

He grasped the proffered hand firmly. The deal was done. Reaching into a pocket he withdrew two handmade cigars and handed one to Jonathon. Even here, so far in space and time from where they had come, some traditions from the old home remained.

"I think, perhaps, we should go and join Coral for a smoke."

---

All the old knives, that have rusted in my back, I shall drive deep into yours.

Betrayed