SCRA Recruitment Centre

[Kyte_]

Xu stood on, unmoved.

"Don't think for a moment you've earnt any trust or gained any credit in my line of questioning."

He looked at the recently discharged pistol, feeling it's warmth in his hands.

"Same question, this time - You answer it. Why is Katz's New Economic Policy an excellent tool in warfare?"

"Da, Comrade Commisar," Masha began, " Premier Katz has made it clear that the Coalition's primary objective is to 'stall the Gallic advance through guerrilla attacks on its front-line and reserve fleet.' Further he states: 'Our Revolution strikes at the roots of capitalism, the oppressive governments which keep their boots on the faces of every working man and woman in the universe. We are killers to a man, but we are not murderers. We are the common people, fighting for the common people.'"

"It is clear that, in this scenario, the Gallic trader would be an excellent opportunity to achieve two ends. The first would be to disrupt Gallic commercial expansionism by denying them profits of trade, thus striking at the root of capitalism, which is of course, trade. The second opportunity would be to send a message to both the Gallic government and her lackeys. I would order the vessel to purge her cargo and then order the Gallic to destroy her own cargo on the spot. I would secure photos of the event to include with my report. I would allow the trader to carry our message back to Gallia. If they did not comply, I would order the destruction of the vessel, Comrade Commisar."

Masha answered Xu in a respectful and attentive tone, noting his earlier statement. Masha was under no illusions as to her own part in this. Merit is earned and anyone can pull a trigger. She awaited his next directive.

---