Hacker:

I am Audaz Alarcón, Alpha Explorer of Malta Hyperspace Starfleet and, contrary to you, an unfortunate situation would be necessary for us to contact you; this is a good time for it.

First of all, when I received this communication, I had to speak with my Observadora Julia López to verify if this was a joke of some sort; unfortunately to my surprise this was a real comm from a real Lane Hacker. I was going to redirect it to her, so a diplomatic response could be ensured on the matter; but circumstances are such, that I have to make my position clear with my own words.

I am baffled at the necessity to form a special “agreement” to secure the use of weaponry that other Maltese have been implementing without extra steps. This type of bureaucracy reminds me of the same “corporate lapdogs” you usually fight with; and I am starting to wonder if you are returning to your own roots. On a personal level, I have no problems with Hackers using some of our tech, as it is basically a guarantee for Orange operations throughout Liberty; moreover, Maltese generosity has been such as there is already a variety of arsenal at your disposal, in our homeworld and allowed facilities. Of course, it would be absurd to assume that we have been behind each negotiation made between Outcasts and Hackers to correspond each favor; what I mean is that we are not closed to share if that helps the Orange Dream and, by extension, you.

Additional to this, the Asesinos are a special squad of Maltese that have fallen into disgrace for different motives and they have been given a second chance to prove that their skills outweigh their debaucheries. Their operations are restricted to certain areas and their provisions are limited to what they need. Having said that, if one Asesino obtained your weapons; I can only applaud his resourcefulness and initiative for acquiring different components that can help him on the raids ahead, and perhaps blame him for the lack of taste on such acquisition. Truth to be told, I do not care if the Asesino invested his last credits with a Hacker quartermaster on a completely authorized transaction or obtained them through a third party; it is better to see those weapons being used in the support of our goals, in the hands of a Maltese, than to see them gathering dust in a secluded station. To be honest, this seems an internal Hacker problem regarding inventory; I thought that logistical issues were trivial concerns to Hackers, as data gathering experts that should know how to organize exabytes of information. If several of your weapons go missing and your databases were not complete enough to validate their final destination; it speaks lowly from your part, not ours. All of this brings me to the next point and the reason that my response required to be a bit more extensive than usual.

Several weeks ago, I have made talks with the rest of Dons and we are not satisfied with the performance of Lane Hackers displayed in the recent quarters. Cardamine has not flowed enough from your side; as the other intermediaries have been more active than you during these times. Our organization has cooperated enthusiastically with the other groups, but Lane Hackers have been absent for a while. To make things worse, the last time I saw you as a group, you were fighting each other. So, in retrospective, I do not see how I can offer you a positive consideration; if Hackers have been so negligent with their doings and the Inner Circle shows clear signs of power fracture. Time passes, nothing happens and I receive this comm. What do you expect? An apology? Please.

So, the weapons themselves. Right. As I like to say in these situations: Cease this line of thought, because it will only involve unnecessary tergiversation and no progress to each side.

Do not waste our time.

Pequeños Hackers:

You misunderstand your position. This is not a conversation among equals. The only reason why I am talking to you, it is because of the so-called fraternity that Outcasts and Hackers have cemented for years. I find amusing that another Hacker had to respond on behalf of Franz Oberhauser in order to make an attempt to refute my points. Even more amusing is trying to give me a lecture about diplomacy; it is the most ridicule attempt to try to reach a slightly better understanding between each other.

You clearly have not done your homework properly. Our organization is more than just a bunch of Outcasts on an idealistic and pompous journey to whatever we think of. We are an association of Dons and families in which I am the maximum representative of it, at this moment. Do you really think that most Dons would accept a lesser mediator than an Outcast of the same category? Right now, you are basically trying to bite the ones who feed you: A group backed up by Maltese society, a synergistic cooperation VASTLY numerous and powerful than yours. Moreover, I do not appreciate the tone started and implemented by señor Oberhauser, and you are not doing better, Emissary Glass; as a misguided comm cannot be reaffirmed by empty words and history alone. If I want to speak in an “inflammatory” way, I will do it because I want to. If we want an agreement with Hackers, you would be notified for it. This is not a discussion to persuade you, this is a situation that you must comply or suffer the consequences for the negligence of your actions.

As I already mentioned to Oberhauser, your operations on the recent quarters have not been backed up, so as much as I would like to agree with you on my “baseless” assertions; you have not corroborated your own claims accordingly. Your work in the shadows means nothing if you cannot demonstrate it, with numbers and proof, to the top of the Orange chain; it is a sorry excuse to uphold idleness on fancy terms. Additional to the talks between Dons, a popular concern is rising among the brethren less interested on these matters; a worrisome outlook that could permanently endanger your reputation. At this moment, the Inner Circle is lacking on support. The wealthiest families and Maltese groups have said nothing positive on the recent weeks regarding the Lane Hackers; no interdiction or trade reports, nor new relevant data acquisition have appeared or revealed that would support your efforts. Some wonder if you are even in the Cardamine business anymore.

So, mentions about agreements come and go, no? But where are they? I have one for you. Choose one of these two possibilities:

1.

- 25,000 Units of Cardamine, from Planet Malta to Buffalo Base.

- 2 recommendations from the following Maltese organizations vouching the operations of the Inner Circle: 1 comm from Hispania Imperial and another one from Legión Maltesa, sent to Observadora Julia López. Suffice to say, they are not obligated to respond you and they must speak highly of you, so you will have to convince them that you are that trustworthy to their eyes. Also, they must forward your message regarding this particular topic; it must be as transparent as possible.

- Time limit: 2 Standard weeks from the moment this message has been sent.

2.

- 75,000 Units of Cardamine, from Planet Malta to Buffalo Base.

- Time limit: 4 Standard weeks from the moment this message has been sent.

Cardamine deliveries must be properly verified, time and visual confirmation of docking procedures and right inventory. Also, the Hackers willing to do the trips will have to be backed up by the Inner Circle; no newcomers, similar or as in the common jargon: No independent ones.

Fulfill one of these non-negotiable paths and Malta Hyperspace Starfleet will support the current Lane Hacker operations, and more fascinating arrangements can be made in the future. Failure to do so, and Maltese generosity will run out for the Hackers; I will make sure of that.

Let’s see if the Inner Circle is as valuable as it pretends to be.