Don Hernan Escudero
Guildmaster Nathan Archos; CC: Eliza Valdez; Jack D. Hammmond
Cooperation

Estimados Señores y Señorita,
I am Hernan Luis Escudero Grijalva, patriarch of Escudero familia and Don of Cadiz Cartel de Comercio de la Cardamina. I am pleased to make acquaintance with the esteemed representatives of the Core. I hope this negotiations will be fruitful for all of the parties convened.

It is indeed fascinating that this negotiations have been started only now, given that the Maltese and the Core had rarely engaged each other in the past, as well as had shared numerous mutual enemies. The Cartel welcomes the initiative of Señorita Valdez to establish cooperation between our factions to further the goals of us both and to achieve a new level of cooperation and prosperity. We look optimistically at the prospects and are ready to satisfy the listed proposals:

• Cadiz Cartel de Comercio de la Cardamina (hereinafter "Cuatroce") is ready to supply Cardamine to the Core selected facilities on a periodic basis. To carry out the procurement, we need to know the exact amount, periodicity of deliveries, and the pay to make the contract formal and legally effective. I believe, our counterparts in APM, or any other Core representative vested in appropriate powers, can easily arrange that.
  
• "Detainees" as we call slaves, can also be arranged to be delivered to selected Core facilities under same conditions as listed above for Cardamine. You can also specify the place of origin and other details for individuals or groups of people. We have a stable influx of Libertonian detainees as of now, obtained mostly by Liberty unlawfuls, and we can arrange their delivery to your centres. It should be noted, however, that since Malta is also in the need of detainees, we reserve the right to keep those detainees deemed importnat for Malta and its organisations unless negotiated otherwise.
  

As for your generous offer, "Cuatroce" will be interested foremost in Iridium and Azurite trade and would:

• request the right for trade vessels and their escorts the right of passage to Omicron Delta for that purpose;
  
• seek the right of employment of Core mining vessels on ad hoc payment basis for the purpose of mining the aforementioned goods;
  
• request the protection by the Core law while in its territories, especially in terms of protection versus possible piracy and/or alien threat.
  

Availing the opportunity, we would also like to discuss further possible cooperation:

• import of APM Advanced Hardware to Malta;
  
• paid mediation in procurement of Libertonian trade ships;
  
• discussing further steps to deteriorate Corsairs artifact trade. We can begin with supplying you with Xeno Relics for further distribution.
  

The trade, however, is always aligned with politics. We all understand that both parties expect a sort of "backstab" from each other due to generally suspicious nature of domestic political entities. Hence, we suggest to begin further negotiations on political matters to harmonise diplomatic course of the Core and Malta in following directions:

• Gallia. We are not sure of Core's position towards Gallia but we heard rumours of Core assisting Bretonia with Alland shipyard. Gallia being grave enemy of Malta, we kindly request clarification of Core's position towards Gallia and Gallic-Bretonian war. We suggest developing a common stance towards Gallia that is a threat to all entities in Sirius to foster cooperation between our factins.
  
• Imperium Omicronis. From public Core broadcasting we know of how Core positions itself as the primary lawful entity in the Omicrons while claiming the territories. Since we are starting to discuss further cooperation between our parties, we would like to ascertain position of the Core towards the claims on such Omicron systems as Alpha, Beta, Tau. We all realise that with the current scale of Core's forces and population it is rather a propaganda move to claim those territories. Hence, we kindly offer you to renounce the claims over Omicron Alpha, Beta, and Tau as a token of goodwill. Malta, as you know, does not make any claims on Core's territories would certainly refrain from doing so should the cooperation be achieved. Should we find understanding in this matter, we can continue with defining the spheres of influence and, perhaps, even discuss joint strike against Order forces in such systems as Omicron Sigma to claim the systems for either of the parties. We would also eagerly support any claims of the Core in the Omegas.
  

I apologise for lengthy message since I want to lay down most of the negotiation points at once to speed up the process. It is understandable should we discuss the provisions one by one. At any rate, please allow me to assure you of our utmost respect and genuinely benevolent intentions with all the points listed. We hope you find them rational and acceptable.

We are looking forward to your reply.

Respetuosamente,
Don Hernan Luis Escudero Grijalva

Don Hernan Escudero
Maestro de la Guilda de Core Nathan Archos,
Cooperation

Estimado Maestro de la Guilda Archos,

We are pleased and excited about this new page of relations between Malta and the Core. "Cuatroce" corporation will do its best to contribute its part to the lasting peace and prosperity of our nations.

We welcome your offers of help with mining operations, as well as assistance with the procurement of Libertonian transports. If need arises, our logistics division officers will contact the Core regarding the ships. It is also reassuring to hear of the protection that the Core is ready to provide in Omicron Delta with regard to mining operations. We are certain of the capabilities of your pilots and shall not worry about our traders sent into the system.

The first deliveries of Cardamine to Durban shall begin shortly as soon as the visa request is approved. As for APM Advanced Hardware - we do understand the hesitation of yours. Perhaps if our cooperation proves fruitful for the both parties, you will reconsider our proposal.

Your offer on the division of spheres of influence in the Omicrons looks wise and reasonable, Maestro de la Guilda. While the idea comes from me as the representative of Maltese aristocracy, it is not me who is behind the decision making. Hence, I will promptly relay your offer to our ruling authority, el Consejo Nacional. and either of the Maltese parties will inform you on the decision. I believe, estimada Señorita Valdez will find this information most useful as well.

Please allow me to reassure you, Señor Athos, of our esteem and consideration. We are looking forward to cooperating with you.

Respetuosamente,
Don Hernan Luis Escudero Grijalva

Don Hernan Escudero
Maestro de la Guilda de Core Nathan Archos,
Cooperation

Estimado Maestro de la Guilda Archos,

I and glad and thankful for setting the process with permission in motion. We realise the difficulties this bureaucracy entails and will await with anticipation a general permission for our vessels to dock Core bases.

As for Akabat - the decision is grave and is to be discussed with the other Dons and la Legion. My personal view, however, is that since we are agreeing on dividing Omicrons (your idea on recognising you as the primary lawful force in the Omicrons is remembered and praised, but needs to be accorded by the National Council), Omicron Mu is bettet to belong either to the Core of to Malta. We have not conducted experiments on seeding Cardamine on Akabat, for obvious reasons. If the planet is not suitable for growing Cardamine, we would even accept giving it to the Core. I believe, it would make more sense for the Core to step in the region why Malta should get Omicron Sigma as a doorway to Sigmas and expand to Sigma region. That will keep our borders in tact and preserve further sphere of expansion for both of us. This, however, is only my personal opinion and you should ask the Legion and the Council who are more empowered in these matters. If Akabat supports Cardamine growth - then, perhaps, we can consider other agreement, similarly beneficial to the Core.

Respetuosamente,
Don Hernan Luis Escudero Grijalva