**** Incoming Transmission ****
From: Johnathan Sanders, Independent Miners Guild
To: Gas Miners Guild
Subject: Rheinland's recent actions
Encryption: Severe
Greetings,
As you may or may not have heared, Rheinland has decided to start annexing parts of it's borders once again. What they failed to do in the Sigma systems, they are now attempting in the Omegas: To annex resources from people outside of their house, having squandered their own.
It has also come to our attention that Rheinland attempted to get involved in your own conflict around Kurile - something that highly surprised us. To my knowledge, Rheinland warships were not allowed in the Sigmas beyond Helgoland.
These actions by Rheinland signal a return to their expansionistic policies, and affect us both. Their partial annexation of Omega 7 caught us offguard, but we are unlikely to recognize it. One way or another, it is likely that a major conflict will erupt in the Walker nebula. And conflicts inside nebulas is something the GMG has a lot of experience with. My request is simple: We both will end up at the frontlines of Rheinlands expansionism, we both will need to resist it. We would stand stronger together in this matter. Consider the tools we'd wield: With their war with Liberty, the only trade arteries keeping their already fragile economy alive run through the Sigmas and the Omegas. If one would fail, it would hurt them. If both would fail, Rheinland would become isolated completely.
It is not the IMG's wish to have to resort to conflict. But given that our request to Rheinland for hammering out a new treaty for the Omega system, was an annexation announcement - what choice is left. The GMG is well versed in nebula combat, in both equipment and in tactics. There is a lot we could learn from you. I just hope Rheinland will come to it's senses before a second Helgoland needs to be built in the Omegas.
Regards,
- Johnathan Sanders
**** Transmission Closed ****
Wide awake in a world that sleeps, enduring thoughts, enduring scenes. The knowledge of what is yet to come.
From a time when all seems lost, from a dead man to a world, without restraint, unafraid and free.
Mostly retired Discovery member. May still visit from time to time.
I am Guild Master Ichimoto Nozaki, representing the Board of Executives in this transmission.
The threat your organization faces is reminiscent of the Eighty in more than just the style of warfare that would be conducted. I greatly suspect Kruger Minerals is responsible for the government's decision to annex Omega-7. I would have thought the Bundestag more wise than to listen to the advice of Kruger Minerals once again. This is the reason the Guild maintains the ban of Kruger vessels in Sigma-13, even with the Sigma Trade Pact in effect.
In under three decades, we have completely reversed our relationship with the Rheinland Military from full hostility to full cooperation. The GMG of 790 AS would no doubt have provided direct assistance to the IMG against Rheinland. In fact, we were still actively raiding the Frankfurt system, specifically Kruger's Mannheim station. The modern GMG faces hostilities with Kusari, which has strained our military and economic resources. Our trade convoys are unable to access Kusari and inherently, Liberty. Without the Sigma Trade Pact, the GMG would be unable to access Rheinland for trade, completely isolating us from everyone except the Omicroners. Our neutrality with Rheinland is essential in these dark times. Simultaneous hostilities with two houses would spell a quick end of the GMG.
While we are unable to provide anything along the lines of military assistance, it is possible that the ban on Kruger vessels in Sigma-13 could be used to leverage a diplomatic agreement with the Bundestag. The GMG would be willing to make sacrifices to help the IMG and Rheinland reach a peaceful resolution.