He smiled, ''The reason I ask is because there is a Gallic Battleship over by Belfast and I was wondering how it managed to sneak into that position. Birmingham is gone, so presumably it took that out on it's way to the Newcastle jump hole. I assume you have records of who uses that connection?''
- The Embrun? Yes, we took notice of its quite... Spectacular entrance. It was a surprise for us, I will admit. We did not expect the Royal Navy to be aware of the connection. Before the incident, the traffic was nothing out of the ordinary. Mostly our own patrols, a few Molly smugglers, or an overconfident Hunter.
''Do you think it's fair to say that the Embrun wouldn't have taken that route without good reason? The Leeds Jump Hole is not that far from the Newcastle one isn't it?''
- That is correct. - she took a sip of her water. - If by saying "that route" you mean deviating towards Newcastle, then the answer is quite obviously yes. There is a plethora of targets for Embrun to strike there, most notably Scarborough. Following the vessel's movement had us initially concerned, given it was headed straight towards Belfast. We did suspect they might be planning to cooperate with the Mollys, but... With the tragedy that followed... I am confused. I do not believe Gallia to be foolish enough to antagonise a possible ally, not during such a critical part of the war. I would suspect a different motive, but I cannot quite pinpoint it just yet.
''Belfast had enough firepower to hold off two Bretonian Fleets, how on earth did the Embrun get that close? I makes me wonder if there was something larger afoot. As for antagonizing allies, I have a sneaking suspicion that the French are to proud to ally themselves with those they consider lesser, and the molly's may very well fit that description. Who knows, all I am saying is that it seems highly suspect no matter which way you slice it.''
Feeling that there would be few answers regarding the Embrun to come, his thoughts returned to her original request. She was asking a great deal, in fact she was asking him to defy the Government, something he wan't totally opposed to especially when the bureaucratic system was involved, but it was a risk that might turn out to be beneficial in the long run. ''As for Nomads. Can you promise the safety of those who deal with the technology? I do not want to have another conversation with you in future only to discover bright blue eyes and a murderous personality.''
- It is not the first time we have dealt with alien technology, director, be it Nomad or Daam K'Vosh in origin. We have learned a great deal during the times of heightened infested activity, especially in Manchester and Newcastle. I can guarantee we know our way around these items. - she took another sip from her glass, then putting it down onto the table.
The director didn't know whether to be reassured or more alarmed. Still, by this point he had decided he would not be totally convinced by words alone. ''Very well. We shall do a small experiment, we will provide you with limited artifacts and, perhaps, over time, give you others of a more complex nature, although I need to express both my concern and disagreement in regards to researching anything remotely nomadic. Now, you mentioned something about a favour in return?''
- As I said before, that favour would be the data we manage to gather. I believe it is already a very generous proposition, especially given the research will be done at our own expense. If there is anything you are looking for beyond that, I'm afraid you will have to present a more generous offer.
''Not only your expense...or not totally at least, my neck is also on the line. Although you are right, it is to a much lesser degree. In any event, I believe the terms of this are to your liking? Was there anything else you wished to discuss?''
![[Image: K21Vaai.png]](https://i.imgur.com/K21Vaai.png)