Whoever this Jean Leclerc was, but as he commanded the flight path of his airliner en route to New Berlin, he suddenly discovered an incoming message on his personal ID. The sender's name seemed very ridiculous for a man born in a culturally prosperous House of Gallia. It was obvious, however, that this was not a spam attack from the Sirians he'd had the honor of meeting while landing in the snowy expanse of the Rheinland capital planet - New Berlin.
A stranger? Who is he? Some GNI agent interested in his activities in Rheinland? Maybe a hidden identity who's only pretending to be a fool, but actually wants to give him an important Unione assignment? No, wait a minute... That pirate they met in Zurich. That, uh, what's his name? The one who offered to make a deal! He also asked for Jean's personal id. Well, what if..?
Pressing a button, a man appeared on the screen, sitting in front of the camera, looking rather lethargic for a pirate. It was as if he had had to tighten his belt very tightly just to get through the hard times, and now he had a chance to scramble for. Anonymous looked quite good even for such a state, but still, it left a lot to be desired.
The room itself looked rather filthy for a man who had been given the honor of piloting a spaceship. Amidst the scattered belongings and clothes, the lonely case of beer and food looked too out of place. Their brightly colored packaging and other items that made them stand out against the gray background only proved what had been said about the Sirians back in the days of the Kingdom.
One thing that was of interest in the overall picture: the background of the room, facing directly onto the Cologne system. At least, that's what the first Gallic pioneers who set foot on this land would have said, daring to venture beyond the borders of their home.
Well, that was predictable. Making no effort to take up Jean's time, the stranger got straight to the point.
"You're Jean, right? Jean Leclerc. Long story short, I'm going through some tough times right now, so you're lucky I contacted you and agreed to work with you in the first place. Did you offer a payment of 100,000 credits for anyone who bothers you? On the condition that my involvement with you remain anonymous."
Even though he was a typical representative of Sirius Independent pirates, one could tell that he either had a good memory or had the sense to open the black box and listen to the tapes of the conversations. One more feature almost escaped: this guy, although he was tired looking himself, but his clothes were quite clean for a member of such a lower class. It was some sort of Bretonian jacket that would have instantly disgusted any self-respecting citizen of the Northwestern Sirius House.
"Look, here's what we're gonna do. I'm not a dog to answer your every call, so just tell me who you dislike the most, and I'll deal with them. And by the way, are you okay with me not working alone? Then you'll be paying not only me, but whoever I call to do the job.
In short, the way it would work is: I show up in space myself, I fly somewhere myself, I find people you don't like myself, I arrange for their merry slicing myself."
He leaned back in his chair, looking off to the side and thinking about something of his own. A short pause was interrupted by another part of his speech.
"Is there anything else I need to know before I get started? Let me know when you get online."
At that short phrase, he calmly reached over to the camera and turned it off. The video recording was interrupted, and Jean was left alone with his thoughts about this stranger. Wasn't that conversation in Zurich enough for him to know his place? This Sirian is an upstart and has no right to question his task, which is incredibly simple, and it is not for him to set conditions. On the other hand, if such force is properly applied, then... There is profit to be made from it.
Sender: Jean Leclerc Recipient: "Gas.Gas.GAAS" Subject: Laundry
Bonjour,
I believe it's quite evident that you've fallen on dark times, but you've made a step in the right direction by following up.
I'm happy to arrange a payment of 100,000 Gallic credits in exchange for getting rid of any opponents that might oppose our operations during this sensitive time. WIth tourism traffic booming, it is one of my goals to ensure that the Corse have the reputation of the most reliable, and stress-free options to pick from when it comes to tourism and security.
You may see where I'm getting at with this. The so-called 'people I don't like' will be any ships that may try to impede our operations, while the boom is still growing. I'm sure no one will bat an eye at a pirate trying to reduce his competition when it comes to piracy, and you'll still have the ability to, well, 'grow your funds' in the interim. The target list will be any pirates with a hostile inclination towards the Corse: LWB, Red Hessians, other independent pirates and any others who would try to abduct or ask for money arrangements from Corse ships along the route to Rheinland. I will stress that I do not care about ships not interfering with this trade, and we have an understanding with the Brigands, who will not be opposing ours.
The means through which you accomplish this is not a concern to me. Either you threaten them off, bring friends to project force, or rip off the wings of their ships - all of these are fine options. I'll send payment for any documented instances as a bonus to your current work outside of our arrangement. Note that I will not increase the payment if you bring more friends, but I might add a bonus if I found it suitable or entertaining.
If this is suitable, then we'll likely have further deals in the future. If you let me know how many of our competitors you've pirated, I may toss in something additional as well. We'll want to keep our reputation up, and our competitors' down.
Flying over the planet Stuttgart, Jean once again received an incoming message. Same sender. The stranger seemed to have a disregard for his safety, although, on the other hand, he knew nothing about him. Who cares, though, as long as he works and does what is required of him?
Clicking on the incoming message, a video of a man in a helmet appeared in front of him, literally from the cockpit. The camera was positioned like in some space battle movies: Jean was literally looking up at his interlocutor from below. He could see nothing below his waist. There were different symbols on the pilot's helmet. If a criminalist from Gendarmerie had been standing with Jean, he would have said that the style of the drawings was reminiscent of the tattoo used to paint criminal bosses in Bretonia.
Some of these tattoos came straight from Liberty. In short, the stranger's helmet was a cultural canvas of the underworld of two once sworn (or still sworn) enemies of Gallia. Not wanting to delay his customer, like last time the stranger got straight to the point.
"Listen, Jean, about that liner I met in France. First of all, I got what I wanted. From both you and him. Second, I talked to him, and I got a couple of interesting leads and had a good idea how you could frame it so that you'd definitely be considered the most reliable liner captains for passengers. I'm on my way to the station now, after my battle with the MND agent. For some reason they've decided to come to Cologne, so be careful-"
The ship shook, it looked like something had gone wrong. The pilot looked back and realized that one of the engines had malfunctioned. Swearing, he pressed a few buttons and cut off the fuel supply to that nozzle, which actually prevented a fire, although it slowed his speed.
"Anyway, if you're interested in what I have to say, money up front. 100.000 credits now and 100.000 credits after I'll tell you what I am talking about, you won't regret it, I think."
Having started the conversation so abruptly and ending it just as abruptly, the pilot pressed something on his helmet on the right side and the transmission was interrupted. It looked like he had thought of something interesting. Is it worth the 200,000 credits? It's worth it. The guy's not a bad guy, though he's on the verge of losing his employer by such antics. But initiative is always rewarded, right?
Before take any action, it's work to think things through. Maybe he will tell something obvious, and then what to pay for?
Sender: Jean Leclerc Recipient: "Gas.Gas.GAAS" Subject: Laundry
Bonjour,
I hope you have managed to get your ship to a more... operable state since your last transmission. I am quite pre-occupied so you may have some delay between replies.
Very well. I will bite to hear this scheme of yours.
You will find 100,000 credits wired to your account, if not for nothing but to repair that ship of yours.
Wherever Jean was now, the thought of the length of time it took to respond might have been suspicious. The stranger had been silent for twenty-four hours, if not more. Had some simpleton pirate deceived him? Circumvented him to earn an extra 100,000 credits? That doesn't make any sense!
The doubts would multiply, but they were all dispelled the moment a new message arrived. When Jean opens it, he finds that the stranger looks more cheerful and lively than when they first met face to face. He is in a bar, a typical diner, of which there are plenty even on the beautiful Ile-de-France, where dishonest salesmen try to cheat ordinary Gallic workers who have come to drink and relax after a hard day's work.
But then a stranger tastes a glass of premium wine, a bottle of which is on the right. Judging by the year - this wine has a very good ageing, and even the most picky taster will willingly agree to try this masterpiece of winemaking. There is an opinion that wine has a positive effect on human health by dispersing blood throughout the body. If you don't overdo it, of course. It seemed to be true, for, as had been said before, the stranger was much livelier than when he had first met Jean.
"Hello again Jean. Bargained the life of the captain of the OSC and his passengers in Zurich for a modest fee for fifty thousand credits and 3 kinds of different drinks, among which there was even a premium wine straight from the planet.. Nevers, yeah. Drinking something of quality is not the first time for me, but wine... Yeah, you guys know how to make things cool.
I'll forward you the details of how this liner collided with me and how it ended. You need to make trouble for the competition, don't you? Well, I'm creating them to the best of my ability."
With a relaxed look, he finished the wine from his glass and then poured another. After taking a couple of sips, the stranger set the glass to his left and leaned slightly toward the camera. He didn't really seem to want anyone to hear him.
"As for that idea, I haven't forgotten about it. Anyway, your direct competitors from Sirius have a type of cruise called “Triton Expeditions". The bottom line is that some daredevils pay money for the captain of a well-protected liner to drive himself into and out of danger. Some people are completely insane if they think this is a good idea. This, I gather, is common in Sirius, but not in Gallia. I'll also send black-box communications about that 'Tourism'.
And that's where you have room to maneuver. Let's assume that the people of Sirius have mastered the subject and they like it. But not the people of Gallia. To create an incident with a ship like this, where I raid it and you put out a duck about Orbital and Spa not doing their job... Well, you already don't trust anyone from Sirius, imagine the reaction of a man or woman who finds out that the captain not only doesn't try to save the tourists, but leads them into a death trap on his own.
You'll play on mistrust. And gain acceptance among your fellow citizens. Your competitors are fooled, your fellow citizens trust you more than them. All I need is to hear your approval, and I'll take care of the dirty part of this event. I have an acquaintance who I'll pay to get good footage of the meeting. What do you think about that? Let me know."
At those words, he took the glass in one hand and with the other reached for the button that cut off the video recording. Along with the video recording file, he sent two excerpts from the black box. It looked like it would be enough to familiarize yourself with both the context about "Triton Expeditions" and how he had robbed the liner in Zurich.
Quote:[21.04.2025 17:24:17] OS&C|Aestheta: Brooks: For the record, you've encountered one of our Triton Expeditions
[21.04.2025 17:24:32] Independent-1: What is that?
[21.04.2025 17:24:42] OS&C|Aestheta: Brooks: I wouldn't be quick to dismiss their combat skills.
[21.04.2025 17:24:52] Independent-1: He risked tourists.
[21.04.2025 17:25:14] Independent-1: Think about it first. I am not new to bombers too. And he won't knew if there more of us around.
[21.04.2025 17:25:16] OS&C|Aestheta: Brooks: Ah, this division specializes in Edge World tourism. For those kinds of tourists risk *is* the allure
[21.04.2025 17:25:36] OS&C|Aestheta: Brooks: Some even pay to be in danger or experience piracy first-hand
[21.04.2025 17:25:44] Independent-1: Same for Gallic and Rheinland ones inside of House space?
[21.04.2025 17:25:52] OS&C|Aestheta: Brooks: You would be surprised.
[21.04.2025 17:26:04] Independent-1: Pfft. Maschohists.
[21.04.2025 17:26:07] Independent-1: Hey, idea.
[21.04.2025 17:26:14] OS&C|Aestheta: Brooks: Exactly! But hey, it pays well
[21.04.2025 17:26:34] Independent-1: You want get more profits out of this and I want get more profits just for doing my job well.
[21.04.2025 17:26:54] OS&C|Aestheta: Brooks: Well, profits *and* positive publicity
[21.04.2025 17:27:08] OS&C|Aestheta: Brooks: We have a new destination in Gallia
[21.04.2025 17:27:14] Independent-1: Yeah, yeah, you'll get all of this. Just put that guy in Cologne again with his... Strange tourists.
[21.04.2025 17:27:32] Independent-1: I think they'll send you good feedback when I'll put all of them in a risk.
[21.04.2025 17:27:39] Independent-1: BUT not for free.
[21.04.2025 17:28:25] Independent-1: What is that? Hey, I seen your signature, come here!
[21.04.2025 17:28:27] Independent-1: Come out.
[21.04.2025 17:28:33] N52B30: You are violating Rheinland law and will be terminated immidiatly
[21.04.2025 17:28:37] Independent-1: Pfft. [21.04.2025 17:28:37] OS&C|Aestheta: Brooks: I see. Just please be sure not to leave -too many- dents in his hull. Those passengers pay for the experience-
[21.04.2025 17:28:39] Independent-1: Shut the fuck up. [21.04.2025 17:28:49] OS&C|Aestheta: Brooks: -not the injuries.
[21.04.2025 17:28:56] Independent-1: Damn it, got MND guy on my back. Have your day mate. *Terminating communications*
Quote:[24.04.2025 15:41:36] Hauptbahnhof: The ultimate destination for this manifest is Sulawesi in Tau-44, a scenic system I think.
[24.04.2025 15:41:42] Independent-1: Hi there.
[24.04.2025 15:41:47] OS&C|WSL-La-Reunion: RO: a lovely one indeed
[24.04.2025 15:41:47] Independent-1: How it's going?
[24.04.2025 15:41:58] OS&C|WSL-La-Reunion: RO: captain, you're required on deck
[24.04.2025 15:41:59] Independent-1: Hey bro, do not make me unpolite.
[24.04.2025 15:42:04] Independent-1: Stay and do not move.
[24.04.2025 15:42:07] Hauptbahnhof: Greetings pirate
[24.04.2025 15:42:13] Independent-1: I think you won't gonna try it.
[24.04.2025 15:42:22] Independent-1: Same to you liner cap.
[24.04.2025 15:42:37] Hauptbahnhof: Bad English as normal. How can I help?
[24.04.2025 15:42:43] OS&C|WSL-La-Reunion: Cpt: oh, greetings. Who do we have the pleasure to be conversing to?
[24.04.2025 15:42:52] Independent-1: Myself.
[24.04.2025 15:43:07] Independent-1: Okay, so... I'll start as did it many times before.
[24.04.2025 15:43:10] Independent-1: Do you guys like a deals?
[24.04.2025 15:43:31] OS&C|WSL-La-Reunion: Cpt: quite classic. Looks like Odysseus answer to Polifemus
[24.04.2025 15:43:39] OS&C|WSL-La-Reunion: Cpt: we love deals, no-one
[24.04.2025 15:43:42] Hauptbahnhof: *laughs*
[24.04.2025 15:44:07] Hauptbahnhof: Would you like Dauman Side Arms or would you prefer credits?
[24.04.2025 15:44:13] Independent-1: Credits sure.
[24.04.2025 15:44:23] Hauptbahnhof: No problem.
[24.04.2025 15:44:26] Independent-1: I doesn't have any transport nearby to get something profitable.
[24.04.2025 15:44:29] Independent-1: From these arms I mean.
[24.04.2025 15:44:45] Independent-1: So, there's easy deal.
[24.04.2025 15:44:59] Independent-1: Imperial shipping - 100.000 credits. OS&C liner - 100.000 credits. [24.04.2025 15:45:02] [2025-04-24] 15:45:02 You have received 100.000 credits from Hauptbahnhof
[24.04.2025 15:45:12] Hauptbahnhof: Done.
[24.04.2025 15:45:14] Independent-1: If you guys gonna test my patience - I'll test my torpedoes.
[24.04.2025 15:45:16] Independent-1: Yeah, you can go.
[24.04.2025 15:45:17] OS&C|WSL-La-Reunion: Cpt: I think this sum will require some time, no.one
[24.04.2025 15:45:18] Independent-1: Deal is a deal.
[24.04.2025 15:45:38] Hauptbahnhof: Enjoy your evening.
[24.04.2025 15:45:47] OS&C|WSL-La-Reunion: Cpt: I'll have to ask Curacao to wire in the funds and blah blah, gibberish bureucracy
[24.04.2025 15:45:51] Independent-1: You're dying-slow captain.
[24.04.2025 15:46:05] OS&C|WSL-La-Reunion: Cpt: how about halw of that sum and something from our canteen?
[24.04.2025 15:46:17] Independent-1: *thinking*
[24.04.2025 15:46:27] OS&C|WSL-La-Reunion: RO: you can scan it, just ask away
[24.04.2025 15:46:33] Independent-1: I did it before.
[24.04.2025 15:46:44] Independent-1: Hm, I do not even know...
[24.04.2025 15:46:51] Independent-1: Okay, okay, let it be...
[24.04.2025 15:47:00] OS&C|WSL-La-Reunion: RO: May I offer you suggestions?
[24.04.2025 15:47:25] OS&C|WSL-La-Reunion: RO: what do you prefer? Drinkin' something straight or mixed?
[24.04.2025 15:47:29] Independent-1: 50.000 credits, right, and... Cigars, 10 Wine, 10 Rum and... Rheinbier.
[24.04.2025 15:47:51] OS&C|WSL-La-Reunion: Cpt: fine indeed.
[24.04.2025 15:47:57] Independent-1: Good to know. [24.04.2025 15:48:02] [2025-04-24] 15:48:01 You have received 50.000 credits from OS&C|WSL-La-Reunion
[24.04.2025 15:48:57] OS&C|WSL-La-Reunion: Cpt: here we are, no-one
[24.04.2025 15:49:04] Independent-1: I think, it's a deal now.
[24.04.2025 15:49:07] Independent-1: Well, deal is a dela.
[24.04.2025 15:49:10] [OOC] Independent-1: deal is a deal*
[24.04.2025 15:49:13] Independent-1: Have your day cap.
[24.04.2025 15:49:20] OS&C|WSL-La-Reunion: Cpt: the best selection of OS&C delicatessen
[24.04.2025 15:49:25] Independent-1: I never seen you, who are you by the way?
[24.04.2025 15:49:26] OS&C|WSL-La-Reunion: Cpt: godspeed, no-one
[24.04.2025 15:49:40] OS&C|WSL-La-Reunion: Cpt: I'm franky shocked by this statement
[24.04.2025 15:49:49] OS&C|WSL-La-Reunion: Cpt: Orbital Spa&Cruise
[24.04.2025 15:50:00] Independent-1: I am shocked I appeared somehow in Zurich and finding full cargo of cigars and drinks.
[24.04.2025 15:50:14] Independent-1: Sirius is a strange place, you know.
Sender: Jean Leclerc Recipient: "Gas.Gas.GAAS" Subject: Laundry
Bonjour,
It is good to see you're enjoying the lifestyle of someone from Gallia. I'm sure it's much better than whatever you are used to, non?
To get to the meat of the matter, as I am a bit pressed for time. I've read your information, and that does indeed pose a good opportunity for PR. What an odd practice, 'daredevil' holidaymaking. I suppose it makes sense when the typical Sirian city is so glum.
I appreciate your enthusiasm, and I'll pay a significant amount should you pull off the footage without making any reference to the Union. Make sure your camera-man is one that is not visibly associated to you - a passer-by, let us say.
You have my green light. I will send the rest of the 100,000 credits as agreed. Once we get the footage, depending on the contents, I am willing to compensate in the millions.
![[+]](/forums/images/collapse_collapsed.png "[+]")
Black box material - Triton Expeditions