To : The Free Brigands of Gallia, from the Unione Corse

[Lanakov]

From : José Nivalgo, membre and tribun of the Unione Corse.
Location : Bastia, quartier Marius.
Encryption strength : Casgiu merzu
Sujet : Ayez confiance.

Transmission begins.


Salut Mathieu,

I hope this message finds you well.
The matter has been discussed. Your offer has been heard and evaluated, and here's what we're proposing.

Considering that we are in the position of the petitioner, we have deemed it unfair to have you leave the safe premises of Marne only to satisfy our whims. I wouldn't mind asking that of a needy underling or a noble who got caught on camera sleeping with someone he shouldn't have... He grins.
But it's not something I'd feel comfortable asking of our honoured Brigand friends.

The Unione, as you know, has a way of going where it must without attracting undue attention. Therefore, I have decided, with the consent of my employers, to come to you instead. Alone, and... Only moderately armed. No more than usual, that is. You speak, rightly so, of trust : the Unione wishes to have you know that there has been no breach of trust between our organisations. This meeting is precisely, among other things, our way of showing so. Never forget that, no matter our differences, as long as you are with a Corsican, you stand with a friend.

I will make arrangements for my departure immediately. I haven't seen Champagne ever since the Crown leapt upon the Sirians : now seems to be a good time. I know of a place to stay on Marne. I've attached the address : please call for me when you're ready to meet, and we'll see each other in the place of your choice. Actually, if you'd like to have dinner... I'm sure my host will be more than happy to fix something for the two of us. Don't you dare deny me : Corsican hospitaly is a rare thing, bestowed only to the worthiest friends.

A prestu, Mathieu.
He gives off another of his shadowy, yet genuine smiles.

End of transmission.

ATTACHED :
This is the address of my second wife... And where I'll be staying. We got divorced seven years ago. We're still mad about and at each other, and regularly resolve our... issues face to face. Don't ask, and never mention it during the dinner. Or New Parisians. Or synth foods. Or politics. Or, please please please... Children.
Madame Angèle Poli (ex-Nivalgo)
44 rue du Maréchal Foch
52115 Saint-Dizier, Meuse
Planète Marne