To: Astrid de Vue (a fine name, that)|Commonwealth Commerce Dept|Encryption: ********

[Enkidu]

*Takes a seat in a rather overtly upholstered armchair and grizzles at the camera*

"...Ah monsieur." *slides supinely into French* "...A little metaphorical bird, well, ahem, other source, informed me that you were in possession of a certain tact concerning those impertinent little legalities that we're almost always forced to circumnavigate in order to undertake standard Commonwealth business practice, if you follow me. And that presents challenges; notably the baneful crux of Zoner Neutrality. Neutral to who exactly? The innumerable acts of our peers have reduced that originally servile hallmark into an increasingly unreliable asset until it's only vaguely short of a curse. Need an example, well, I think we're both well aware of the answer here friend..."

*shrugs*

"...But if you don't, well, the answer is both simplistic and short: Gallia; the royal house. To nearly all the systems under the dominion of the crown, and almost every station excepting that of the Gallic Junkers, we are outlawed, our ships to be fired upon, our forms to be arrested and detained. Why? Due to royal decree: Zoners are to be tolerated on the uncivilised side of the minefields, but not on the other. You perceive our problem well enough."

"...As a fellow compatriot of mine you'll appreciate (hopefully) that the situation is intolerable, to the point of being completely absurd. What of all the Gallic hardware the Commonwealth utilises? What of the Gallic citizens, including ourselves? We may not be staunch Royalists Sir, but this loathsome distrust that they cast upon us is nothing short of ludicrous."

*Produces a bottle of ChateauDeFrance from beneath the mahogany countertop, and pours himself a glass, staring at the liquid as it circlates.*

"...So Astrid, this is where you make your grand entrance if you feel proportionate to it. According to convention I would have rather routed it through Autoine, but as aforementioned you possess a certain skillset which may (and will), prove pertinent here."

*sighs*

"...The benign aspect here is; Charles's illustrious Royal Navy aren't the only influential Gallic personages operating in the Tau Zone; there is also EFL and GMS, and they too pull a particular weight with the crown. What I'd adore you to do Astrid is to attempt dialogue with any representatives of the Gallic cooperation's you encounter, and converse with them; strike up conversation. Prise them for shipping contracts, enquire if they have any stations or other facilities within the area which require supply or export contracts; essentially, any arrangement that will prove benign for both the Commonwealth and the parties concerned. Get as close to them as you can, and Astrid, if we can appear useful enough, then perhaps a particular royal personage will reconsider his judgmentalism towards our kind, hmm?"

"Notify myself, Robert, or indeed anyone else as to whatever resources you need. If you have any queries, consult them here."

*A parting grin*

"merci. May your quest prove fruitful."

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THE SYNDIC LEAGUES
(A co-operative of Rheinland's Shipping Unions, retired from a life of piracy.)

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[Johnathan Nox Carter]

Good afternoon, monsieur Nadeau.

It's a pleasure to speak to you once more, especially since our last encounter was... unfortunately interrupted by, what i assume it was, extreme ion activity. *He allows a slight smile to appear, after which he regains his usual emotionless face.*

Of course, all the points you've presented are more than clear and especially true. For that reason i'm inclined once again to feel that joining this exquisite association was my best decision as of yet.

*He takes down his glasses and continues.* Now, in regard to the matters at hand, your proposal is, aside from acceptable, very intriguing. To be perfectly honest, i didn't think i would have to deal with the Royal corporations so soon, but i suppose it could be a start; not to mention this might allow me to regain my honour, n'est pas?

Well - then again, skipping any more pleasantries and unneeded chatter, i assume i'll get started as soon as possible. As for any necessities, i doubt there will be any. I have all i need in my head already. *He grins for a moment.*

You have my best regards!
Signed, Astrid de Vue.

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