*Claes open the comm with a smile, not saluting to keep things a little less formal than usual

"Signorina Espinosa, or.. Erika, if i may? *she asks lowering her head a little* It is good to hear from you. The ship testing is going... Slowly. *Claes stated chosing her words carefully* since we cant afford to break down out here in California, not with everything going to hell like it has been, im sure you've seen the communique we sent, San Diego border station is now just a burnt out shell but from the wreckages surrounding it it cost a heavy price to both sides, its a complete grave yard."

*She rubs her head a little*

"We have had several minor run ins with 5th LNS fleet vessels attempting to engage Fenice D'oro, the last one, a Liberty Assault Battle Cruiser, gave us quite a bit of trouble on our first encounter, Fenice took a lot of damage and we barely scratched it. after a return to the homeworld and Cartagena we were refitted with different weapon systems, he didn't fare so well on the next encounter, resulting in the destruction of his vessel!"*she reports getting a little excited for a moment*

"we are currently intercepting vessels to interrogate them regarding the operations of the freelancer group A/) otherwise at the moment, things are being taken as slowly as possible, with frequent returns to Malta for checks on performance and bug sweeping."

*She smiles*

"I know you want the schimatics of the ship, and you will get them, but not before the vessel is proven to work on cue all the time, every time. Please, have a little more patience, I will not let you down in this"

"Long live Malta."

*Claes frowns a little before having an unsure expression, she looks to the side and then back to the camera after a few seconds, visibly conflicted.*

"Signorina Esp.. *She says before pausing and taking a breath* Erika, *Claes smiles, glad Erika appeared to have come around a little after her offer during their tour of La Fenice D'oro, though internally she struggled with the idea of having friends again, trying to put the past behind her she moves on* Ive... Only ever had two people that I would have called friends, my highest ranking pilot Camilla Petrucci, and an old associate who used to look after me while I was growing up. They are both dead now... not to mention that first one might have been one sided. *Claes admitted with a sigh, closing her eyes for a moment after remembering them and the loss it brought back, opening her eyes she continued, a small smile appearing* I'd be glad to be able to do so again, Erika."

*Claes smiles a little brighter for a a minute*

"It is however difficult to really appreciate the offer what with the -shall we say- 'waves' being made in Maltese diplomatic circles as of late" *Claes mildly rubs her forehead for a few seconds* "you must be under a lot of pressure..." *she states simply in sympathy* "since our maneuovers are likely to take some time, you could perhaps come to stay with us if you are needing a distraction? I would of course be glad to receive you"

*Claes offers with a smile, lowering her head for a moment and closing the com*