Irregular Apocalypse, Melbourne Station, Tau-44, 17:31 Sirius Standard Time.
Rasim had a chuckle. "Long and epic speech hm? Well, that is only one part of it, but you are mostly correct. If 'Colonials' and the Guild became a single entity away from dumb struggles and even dumber decisions, perhaps we could have safer Taus. Dont expect everyone to go along this willingly though. Whoever tried this would face heavy resistance by parts of leaderships. However with the right people, at least a part of both could work together. Everything would start with security of Tau-44 however. If we dont have a hole to put our head, how do we concern ourselves for next steps after all?"
"Sounds reasonable, for sure, but after the Aland, a very few would agree for this. However, the Outcasts' attack gives us some space for maneuvers. Especially if we engage good old propaganda," Anton chuckled briefly. The propaganda was literally the only tool Coalition's government used to control the population. After years of careful brainwashing, a very few would remain unbowed, and even less would survive the consequences of society getting know about deviant thoughts in an individual's head. "However, don't get me wrong, I do not dislike your idea, but I remain pretty skeptical. You can try to vanish my skepticism by sharing a good plan with me. If you, for sure, have a plan?"
Irregular Apocalypse, Melbourne Station, Tau-44, 17:33 Sirius Standard Time.
"Well, not the Sirius' most detailed plan, but I have some rough ideas. I would mostly count on propaganda, time passed since Aland and the need to work together due to those damn sniffers. Guess they will not be completely useless and all harm for once. As you know, the Guild is rather decentralized and have distances. If we could focus on convincing Tau parts of IMG to our cause, we would also draw in more sensible side of Cra...Colonials I think. I am sure the Guild is not fond of House influence, certainly less so than the Republic. This is to our advantage, one of the cards we could play. We might need to go...extra independent however and that would require support of Colonial elements. It could be nice if we could influence one of the Atreides family members for example. Unless we wish to do this more brutally and choose some sides arouhd, I would like to not start full blown internal wars over this, especially while Outcasts are ramming at our doors. We should start with pumping propaganda about Tau-44's situation. Radio stations are good for this. I happen to know one. Ever heard 'Voice of the Colonial'? Got closed after CIS made a coup right after what happened at Aland. I am sure Boris would like to have a show somewhere again." Rasim then wondered what Boris did the whole time after his radio got closed.
Tarik entered the small bar and ordered his usual poison, a whiskey sour and glanced around the room taking a sip. He headed over to where the two uniformed officers were sitting, closely talking. The two looked up as he sat down and he nodded to them. “Rasim, good to see ya again. Captain Fomin, we’ve not met, but I know at least of you. That was some fancy flyin’ out there. I’m Tarik Torren, commander of the Deimos dreadnought Vengeance. We’ve been up here a few days brought in from the 9th reserve fleet. Rasim and I have flown together a while back and told me you guys would be drinkin’ and dreamin’ here today.” Fomin looked slightly hesitant and stared at him a moment so he smiled, took a sip and continued, “I can see Rasim’s already gotten into it. You’re not the first he’s pitched this to before. Its not a bad idea. A stronger, more united presence in the Taus would benefit just about everyone except those sniffers out there. With IMG’s economic ties and infrastructure and the population and might of the Republic, we could solidify a lasting peace here. Finally nail down Tau 44 firmly and establish safer corridors for all passing through.”
"The Vengeance? Taking into account the ramming-everything style of yours I thought a woman commands the ship. No offence." Anton chuckled briefly before proceeding, "Taking into account how many Slavic names I saw in the last few days, I have a feeling like I never left the Coalition."
"Might of the Republic, you say? Based on the ships Guild gave to you years ago? The only ship you've developed on your own is a Deimos-class, which is not so numerous in your fleets. So what are you talking about... Captain Torren?" short lenient smile. Many of the Colonials were not familiar with the full story and belief, their achievements belong only to them and nobody else. "You have the population, indeed. Didn't spend time into waste but increased your population from several million to hundreds of millions, did you? Perhaps it was really hard and exhausting."
"So choice words a bit more carefully, especially if you are targeting to deal with the rest of the local Guild." he has finished drinking.
Torren smiled at Fomin and took another sip, “Look, all I'm saying is the Guild is Crayters natural ally. Its oldest friend. There was certainly some ill-fated choices made between them that hasn't left the best taste in some mouths, but I believe most involved want a closer union than we've experienced of late. Even I was born of Guild parents here in the Taus. Though I never spent time working directly for IMG, I've flown escorts and trains in my past in aid to them and formed many friendships. And here on Borneo, the place that brings people together from all over the sector in harmony, it can go another step further. Help each other.”
Irregular Apocalypse, Melbourne Station, Tau-44, 17:35 Sirius Standard Time.
"Easy there Tarik, our friend is right at one point. In has always been a joint venture, so do not gloat about 'might of Republic' here. Especially not here. If anything it is Guild's ingenuity, resources and flexibility combined with military expertise and statecraft experience of our Republic. Without one, the other can not be as efficient." Rasim explained to Tarik. "So, let's not be rude to eachother and enter a contest who is the greatest Tau dweller while we think of unification. We would not want to repeat the petty squabbles some people did over time from day one." Rasim then looked at Anton. "How about we get propaganda going as a first step and try to seek out our crewmembers? Everyone should have the right to choose if they want to tag along or stay. One other problem. The 'mighty' Republic of ours may not take it very kindly that we technically would defect in case of our little unification rally. Any ideas?"
Torren finished his glass and sat back thoughtfully, “Indeed we need to tread carefully. I think that we use the current invasion as the heart and springboard of our next moves propaganda wise. IMG crews are up there right now stnading shoulder to shoulder with Crayter. We won't get another opportunity like this. The defense of Borneo can be the kindling we need. We push back the Outcasts together and accentuate our new-found patriotism, together. What you think Anton?”
"My crew mostly share my vision of the unification of the Guild and the Republic into one, bigger faction. The conditions we are thrown into working for benefits of our idea, of course, if we share the same vision." Anton slowed down his speech a bit and looked at Tarik. "The new faction I imagine is the commonwealth, where the commercial power of the Guild and the military experience of the Colonials merged with minimal politician influence. They can only debate and often drag people into purposeless wars for the sake of simping somebody bigger, just like modern Republic was involved in the conflict with Auxesia, only because their Bretonian lords ordered Republican government so. The moment we can use is fading away, because people of Borneo and local garrisons are getting exhausted of the siege. We must give them hope and unite them, and then - strike Maltese back and make them to withdraw from the system. I hope this is clear and you agree with me?"
Tarik enthusiastically drummed his fingers along the edge of the table and grinned, “Yes! I couldn't agree more Anton. Our vision is united I am sure. Now, with the wolves at our door we put a new phrase on the people lips. A new rallying cry, patriotic name, something that symbolizes our unifying dream that we can build from through our means, radio, holonet, "propaganda" or whatnot... Where the two great peoples merged can start now.... But what name shall we give them?”