The Crimson Cross Internal Communications Channel

[Sciamach]

_______________________________

[+]=======
_______________________________

To: Crimson Cross Operations
From: Erika Espinosa

Hola Command

As expected, the El.Camino, like the Syracuse has the wear-and-tear of a century old ship.. So after a few days at Valetta for some touch-up repairs to the plating, she was moved to Cali, for the final stages.

While the repairs were being finished, I took my Bayonet down into house space, breifly passing some Junkers Congress along the way. This path eventually led me into Leeds, where I encountered a good number of Commonwealth vessels on their way to Baffin. I assumed the guise of an escort pilot and gathered what information I could on their vessels. The only thing of note, however is their lack of armament.. It dosent matter what part of space you're in... at least one gun is advised, yet the group forgoes this almost entirely, presumably as a more diplomatic move, but I still fail to see the benefit... Then again, this is coming from the one who sleeps with at least two Archon blasters within arms reach... but I digress.

After a time with the group, I receive the message from Cali that I've been waiting for since we found the El.Camino; "The El.Camino has finished her repairs, and is now ready for service." I immediately broke off and made my way for Cali.

One short landing-sequence later, and after grabbing my gear out of my room on Cali, the El.Camino detached from Cali's docking arm, ready for her first mission in over 100 years.

While I'm never against the use of a show of force, I decided against my first idea ( a test of Java's defense capabilities) in favor of one that would likely be of more use. The Commonwealth were heading for what they referred to as a "Zoner Conference" ( a phrase that struck me as odd, given the designation of their gunboat-class craft) in Baffin.

Two jumps later, and we had somehow beaten the Commonwealth flotilla to the Orbital Skyhook. I exchanged some brief comms chatter a number of the many vessels surrounding the base, as well as some of the control-tower's crew before a number of Colonial vessels arrived.. thankfully waved off and distracted by the arrival of the Commonwealth flotilla, whom we then escorted to the Skyhook's defense perimeter.

We approached cautiously, and amidst the massive charade of vessels, were two familiar forms... one, being that of the Ingenuus, and the other, another Persephone, bearing the TAZ designation. (This may not be of relevance.. but I swear I could faintly hear the Song of the Spirits aboard the two vessels..) We briefly exchanged words, and asked for access to one of the few free docking locations to moor.

The fleet of vessels parked outside of Shasta.

While we did just finish repairs, we weren't entirely fully stocked for supplies and Cali didn't have an abundance for us to take with us, so, I am here presently at the terminal, waiting for my requisition orders for food and water to be filled... they're blocking access to the rest of the station so we can't find out about this "conference."


In conclusion, I advise further contact with the following:

• TAZ: These Temporary Autonomous Zoners seem to present an interesting opportunity for us.. I advise further cooperation, even if they do not follow the Truth of the Spirits... I will continue to keep an eye on them in the coming months.
  
  
• Commonwealth: Furthermore, the Commonwealth could be used as a possible platform for smuggling Cardamine into Gallia... I have a few contacts in the house that could likely find dealers on many of their planets and stations, and I imagine Olmos does as well. We shall have to see.
  

With regards,

--Inquisitor Erika Espinosa

---

[ sci·am·ach ]
/sīˈamək/

A simple, angry man casually working his way through life on a personal quest to acquire copious amounts of street cred.