To: Mansel Alcantra, Contari Lance | Sem'ya Sabitova

[Squad]

Voivode Sabitov,

I believe I speak for the entire Contari Famiglia when I say such a plan is a bit daring, but we need some daring moves in these times. I will canvas the Famiglia to see who might be interested in this endeavor, and I believe several of our more experienced fighter and bomber pilots might volunteer. A change of scenery once in a while is good for the soul, so they say.

Of our capital resources, we would likely keep the Bisanzio closer to Malta, but the Napoli could be made ready. Our fleet also boasts several destroyers and gunboats, but in the interest of having an appropriate reserve, perhaps we should determine what assets the other families of Malta would be willing to provide. Some may bury their heads in the sand, others may commit the entirety of their forces, but in either case, as you say, it is a choice. Should we be lacking, the Lance will certainly provide what it can.

I will also commit the Esperanza to the endeavor. She is a Bretonian-made fortress, and many of her defensive armaments can be "re-deployed," so to speak, depending on the needs of the fleet. I will have her cargo holds refitted to preserve cardamine, food, water, medical supplies, and ordinance for as long as possible. Being cut off from our supply lines to Malta is a real possibility, and I'll be damned if I let our forces lack what they need.

The Lance remains hopeful that what you propose can indeed help curb the Gallic plague, but regardless of the outcome, we must do what we can for the survival of all we hold dear. Sound the call to the other families; see what they can and choose to volunteer, and I will let the Bretonian Armed Forces know what they have coming their way.

Para la gloria de la Nación

Mansel Alcantra-Contari

---