I don’t believe I’ve had the opportunity to talk to Auxesia yet. To briefly introduce myself, my name is Michella Calliente. I represent the interests of Deterrence, and by extension, the Corsair Imperio. I’m contacting you with a rather unique proposal. Given our general hostility, I would understand if it is met with a certain dose of skepticism. However, the current theater of war in Theta has changed everything and the balance of power hangs by a thread.
I will be brief - the current alliance between Zoners, Outcasts, and Core is presenting a unique challenge. But we have strong suspicions that this is just a front. The bounty hunters and Core started this fire with the assassination that happened at Freeport 9. Our intelligence suggests that Core is simply puppeteering the other factions in order to weaken them in their conflict with our Imperio. Given the current rise in tensions and significant increase in warfare, our forces are stretched to capacity. Therefore, I would like to understand if you are capable of obtaining some evidence about the true motives that govern Core and their actual plan in Theta. I believe given your unique history with them, you are the most likely organization to uncover any useful information. If Core and the Bounty Hunter Guild are looking to double-cross the Outcasts and the Zoners - we would like to know it. I am sure they would like to exploit the current situation to their own gain.
The next logical question would be why would you help us? The answer to that is simple. Given your goals in Kappa, your current relations, and your prior history - it would be in your interest that a quick resolution of the battle is brought about. The outcome of which preferably does not result in Core achieving an overwhelming victory after both the Corsairs and Outcasts have exhausted their forces.
Unless, of course you believe yourselves ready to keep Core at bay alone. I promise confidentiality when handling the information and ensuring that any sources are kept secured in the long run.
I would similarly appreciate your own discretion. Looking forward to hear your thoughts.
Given my history nine years ago as the Core Guildmaster that helped scheme the establishment of the Technocracy, I will be answering on the behalf of the Directorate. Your queries are very curious, and I would like to consider myself more pragmatic these days. I will be brief and to the point, time is a luxury that most do not have.
Before I press on, I would like to ask you a question. If we in theory permit your forces to survive, how would we be certain that you would not be the next ones to strike Gammu in order to seize it for power, profit - much like how the Core are attempting to gut it apart?
We know much of betrayal, how the Omicrons are a game of blades, who's to say you aren't going to repeat what the Order did at the days of our formation? To pretend to work with us against the Core, only to ultimately attempt to annihilate us? It is what they had done. Our trust of outsiders is already limited as is.
Much less so with your people's tradition of destroying scientific sites we'd like to preserve for knowledge in quick persuit for seeking new tools for conquest. To prove yourselves, a notion of commitment must be given. A sacrifice given. If you wish for our assistance, you must provide something ofexotic value. Technological knowledge, scientific input, or an artifact to augment our much growing knowledgebanks. Credits will not suffice as persuasion, monetary value does not indulge us.
I’m afraid you would just have to take my word. I am not going to lie to you or give you some holier-than-thou response, our reputation precedes us. Corsair ingenuity and engineering skill is only surpassed by our numbers and ferocity. But we are predictable partners, we have no time for schemes. It’s important to understand that one must sometimes work with their rivals. I respect your quest for knowledge out here where survival is the name of the game. But in order for you to pursue that path, you would need to be free to do so. Considering the rising tensions in Theta and the Core-Outcast-Zoner alliance, you have every bit of interest in helping preserve the balance in the region. Right now, that means working with us. Not the first time that has happened. Probably not the last either. And so far we’ve proven that as far as Deterrence’s word is concerned, ours is golden.
But onto the task at hand - I appreciate your negotiation attempt. I will be more than willing to compensate you accordingly for your time, don’t worry. However, I need to be sure that I am not wasting my time and more importantly our resources. We are in a state of open war as you know. And we need results, that's not my ego talking, just the cold facts. Therefore, I would like to have some sort of proof that you are capable of achieving the task I require. Once that’s done, I will send two frigates full of Xeno Relics to a location of your choosing. You can then share the full data. Depending on how good it is, I will provide additional compensation and send two more shipments.
I am open to discuss the price, in the end, it’s the content that matters. Find something good and I’ll be more than happy to adjust our end of the deal accordingly. Finally, don’t forget that seeing Core weakened is in your own interest as well. Anything on top is a bonus. I am sure that we can come to a reasonable agreement that benefits both parties.