To: Blood Dragon Leadership // CC: BD| Shogun

In all my years along the fringes of civilization, scouring the edges of humanity's influence among the stars and beyond, I have borne witness to countless conflicts; numerous wars. Each with their own misguided youths killing each other for bearing a different painted stripe affixed to their uniforms or vessels.

I've watched friends turn on each other for the simplest of reasons, for the most basic of causes. The reason one fights is just as, if not more important than the fight itself or the end result of said conflict.

To quote a rhetoric I'm fairly certain we've all heard: "Causes come and go"

Yet, as I peer into the void and observe the scurrying of those within Sirius, I see a cause that inspires such burning passion within it's followers that it refuses to burn out; refuses to falter in the face of insurmountable odds, even for a moment. From my remote sanctuary aboard Valetta, I see the Dragons, alive and well within the cesspit of idiocy that is Kusari, blazing a path of glory and honor simply carving out their own existence.

I see you, and your peoples locked in conflict with many of the very same evils that I myself have sought to drive a sword through.

So I am left to wonder:

Be we friend, or foe?

Malta's children and the Shogunate have not always been the best of friends, I understand this. But I tell you: our allies and goals are too closely intertwined, we can no longer afford to ignore each other. I see before us, the promise of an alliance maybe powerful enough to bring the Imperials to their knees, one that -if solidified- could leave the Dragons stronger than ever, with the most dedicated fleet in all of Sirius.

I trust you all will ponder my question wisely. Consider if you will alongside my question, the presence (or now, lack thereof) of Musashino.
Like I said about the Imperials: "brought to their knees"

Think about it, I'll leave you to ponder the possibilities.

You use a name the Sirians attempt to shame us with in spite as mere recompense for the slights of a peoples ignorant to our true state... a pity. Put simply: Outcasts from the rest of Humanity you may believe us, but take a moment and think: when the Orange Dream has spread it's enlightening power to all of Humanity; who will be the true Outcasts?

That unplesant-ness aside, there are a number of... issues here that need be addressed. I merely asked for a diplomatic query and suddenly I have most of a contract before me-- No wonder your response was so delayed (not taking into account my own delay in this missive but I digress.)

To elaborate; I was expecting more truth be told. Isolation out in the cold black of the void can leave one feeling.. "lonely", even in the presence of others. I would have thought your peoples to be more open to the ideas of a possible neutrality agreement in your current state, but apparently I've been made a fool of.

Your people's diplomacy capabilities seem askew; you seem to believe that this was an attempt to bow to a new power when in reality, we seek only to lay down arms in an unnecessary fight. I will not willfully lay down all rights of my peoples in the hopes of being released at a future point.

To summarize, my grievances with your "agreement" are these:

1: The Cross does not control the wills of the Maltese fleet and will not be held accountable for the actions of ships not held under Cross command. Furthermore; I will not submit the actions of my own fleet for "approval" to a third party. Our actions are sound and should an alliance be struck, will only ever act in defense of said alliance. If you cannot trust us of this, then it may indeed be you with the issue rather than us.

2: I can promise nothing of those who fail to steer clear. Our goals are for cargo, not lives here. Having a child is a blessing on Malta; a rarity to be celebrated at every possible juncture. To experience this is to value human life to a greater capacity than one such as your average Sirian. Are we too far gone from the rest of humanity because of this? Maybe, but I do not hold all the answers.

3: We have no interest in barren rock fields; your security zones are safe. The Ambassador is an un-manned comm-relay drone that simply acts to boost signals and maintain contact off of the Trade Accelerator Network. A necessity to one such as us that do not need the Accelerators to maneuver our way around.

4: Cardamine distribution throughout Kusari is the will of the Chrysanthemums. Your grievance with the Orange Dream must be settled with them. I would caution you to not press the issue with me however.

5: I can promise nothing.

6: Again, I can promise nothing of the vile wretches. Their foul deeds are their own, but we will defend ourselves from their blight, should it come to that.

We contacted you to ally and lay down arms, not submit to new rule. Think carefully of your response; a lot hinges on it's tone. I look forward to discovering whether or not the Dragons can see to reason.

Espinosa has been instructed to cease this little diplomatic endeavor of hers. Her time is better spent elsewhere.

Your peoples difficulties to a Non-Agression Pact have been noted. Your chance to spare yourselves in the coming fire of the Crusades has passed.

We're done here.

Was that a threat Cardinal? Your arrogance blinds you.

Your worthless threats are but futile to us. The Dragons have well proven themselves on anything thrown at them and a bunch of religious outcasts are not going to fair any different. Yet we don't take lightly to your threats and arrogance.

So, in accordance to that any Cross ( |+| ) tagged vessel, representative or vessel under their command, will be considered as hostile and if found in Kusari space, the Sigmas, or any system directly bordering Kusari, will be shot without exception.