To: Xeno Alliance leadership

[Reeves]

☠ Incoming transmission.
☠ Signal source: Free Republic relay, Liberty
☠ Opening video feed...

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Sender: Alliance Commander "Cobra"
Recipient: Sarita Ybañes
Subject: The past.

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We needed the batteries for something else.

And naturally I made no move to stop the technician from stripping the unit since your connection went dark. In the time that you've been silent, you'll be delighted to know the LPI has been quick to enslave your potential product for their own ends. I'm capable of many things, but I can't compete with the LPI's ruthless efficiency in jailing convenient bystanders en masse.

On a positive note however, an agreement was reached in your absence. The Kepler Accords. I've attached it to this communication as a small and secure data packet, abide by its terms and we can go from there, Miss Ybañes.

Attached Data: The Kepler Accords, 829

AGREEMENT: THE KEPLER ACCORDS
Maltese Representative: Fiorella A. de Marco
Xenos Representative: Damien Morreti

• 1. Introduction
  The Kepler Accords is a preliminary trade agreement dealing with the Cardamine trade and other related matters between the interested families and clans of Malta, represented by Fiorella Arianna de Marco, and the Xenos Alliance cell from the LFR, represented by Commander Damien Morreti.
  
  The agreement was verbally concluded on 11th of May, 829 A.S., and confirmed in writing on 16th of May, 829 A.S.
  
  
• 2. Contents of the Agreement
  • 2.1. Mutual Non-Aggression
    Both Parties shall cease offensive actions against each other and shall open fire against each other only in self-defence.
    
    
  • 2.2. Trade Route
    The trade route itself will run through California and Ontario to Ouray base in Colorado, where the cargo will be unloaded and resold to the Xenos for the final distribution.
    
    
  • 2.3. Base Access
    The Xenos bases, with the exception of Fontana Freeport, will remain inaccessible to Maltese ships at this early stage of the trade. Maltese freighters and their escorts directly involved in trade with Cardamine will have the necessary access to Ouray base in Colorado.
    
    
  • 2.4. Cardamine Exclusivity
    The Xenos pledge to be directly involved only in the distribution of Cardamine and not to serve as intermediaries for Malta's enemies, especially the Corsairs. This condition does not prohibit the Xenos from selling contraband obtained from destroyed or hijacked ships as this is not direct distribution, but a sale of the captured loot to fuel their further activities.
    
    
  • 2.5. Dealing with Rivals
    The Xenos pledge to disrupt the business activities of Malta's rivals, especially the Corsairs, and to suppress physical and economic influence in Liberty. The Xenos pledge to compete with their rivals so as not to disrupt the overall distribution and consumption of Cardamine.
    
  
  
• 3. Future of the Agreement
  The Kepler Accords is currently only a preliminary agreement establishing the first economic ties between Malta and the Xenos, and may be superseded or supplemented by other agreements regulating relations as the importance of mutual trade grows and relations become more cordial.
  
  
• 4. Termination of the Agreement
  The Kepler Accords may be cancelled by either or both parties and will terminate within seven days of notification.
  
  
• 5. Signatures
  
  Fiorella Arianna de Marco, Maltese representative
  
  Commander Damien Morreti, Xenos representative
  
  
  

"Liberty or death."
-"Cobra"

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☠ Transmission signal lost.

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