To: The Order Overwatch, Michal Golanski | From: The National Council of Malta

[Foxglove]

Esteemed Overwatch, Grand Admiral,

On behalf of the National Council, I extend the Nation's most sincere greeting. For a long while now, the Order and Malta have endured a rather strained relationship. The Crimson Cross, its cultural influence, as well as the rise of fanatics such as the Oracles have served to destabilize a relationship that has been criticial in securing humanity's non-subsumption under the yoke of the ruionous infected forces during the Nomad War. Today, due to the work of men of the Order working in conjuction with those with an eye to the truth, the Nomads are banished to the fringes of the Omicron systems, little more than a reminder of what could have happened — impotent.

The Cross is no more. For a long while now, the National Council has been waging a relentless war against religious idiocy surrounding the aliens that subvert us, even reaching the point where the Council has seen fit to remove the Oracles from Maltese society, identifying it as the cancerous growth it has become. It was not sustainable. We are working towards undoing the damage done to our society. We may very well continue fighting, though I assume we both can agree that both our resources would be spent better elsewhere. The only question remaining would then be whether you yourself are interested in returning to the table to negotiate and plan a future that pays adequate respect to the past.

Thank you for your time.

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[Omicron]

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⧫ Akabat
⧫ Omicron Mu
⧫ 05/09/824
⧫ FROM: The Order Overwatch
⧫ TO: National Council

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Truce?

It would help knowing name of the spokesperson I am talking with right now but given pleasantries used towards The Order, I will answer in kind. There is no reason to show hostility if there is something to be mutually gained.

The Order Overwatch General Assembly is certainly intrigued by your offer, and while every single one of us is suspicious and approaches with reasonable degree of caution dictated by years of warfare and mistrust, this is not something we can ignore or pass up. It is my personal belief that Oracles are a cancerous and arrogant element not only to Maltese society but entirety of Sirius. I can only guess that simmilar behaviour that they had exhibited towards us lead to forcing hand of the National Council.

Pressuming that National Council sees alien entities in the same light as we do, it is prudent on our behalf to ask why individuals such as Emma Loyola were permitted to operate freely at highermost echelon of current Maltese ruling class. The same Loyola that is traitor to Outcasts, accursed Core and few know who else. The same person consorting with enemies of Malta and other individuals of equally dubious morals and loyalty. I believe you may have reasonable explanation... or perhaps said schwarzcharacter already turned her back on you already? I would not be surprised at all.

You may continue, Maltese. You have full approval and attention of The Order Overwatch.

Grand Admiral Michal Golanski
Black Fleet, 1st Battlegroup "Wargods"

[Foxglove]

Grand Admiral, I must apologize.

It is a peculiarity of Maltese society, no doubt, but here, it is rude to ask for names. People work hard on earning their reputations, and their acquaintances are expected to know the accomplishments of the other's family at least. Not that I hold it against you that you do not know me, but I would ask that you do not hold it against this old man for taking something like this for granted. More than a hundred years whiling on Malta do alter ones perspective on things.

I am Benito Contari, current head of the Contari family and member of the current Council leading Malta, hence the name National Council. The people currently holding positions are myself, Cristina Martelli of the Martelli family, Ezio Aquila of the Aquila family and the venerable young Dominica Li Vecchi. With the removal of said individual Enma Loyola from the Council's ranks and the uncovering of the virulent undermining of our society, all but the latter voted in favour of contacting you.

You wish for an explanation for how it was even possible for an individual like Loyola to reach a position like she had, but I am afraid much of what I can provide — what anyone can provide in that regard — will not be satisfactory, for any of us. It is probably in the nature of the Nomads to want to control, and their ways are subtle. After the Cross lost catastrophic losses in their path towards a grand crusade in the name of the aliens, an assortment of less ill-tempered individuals were able to reign them in and eventually contain the virulence of their violent ideology. We suspect that most of the damage that occurred was enabled by them, as welcoming as they have been to the alien threat. I cannot stress enough the impact that the Cross had on the planet. I would like to assure you that the threat of infection within our ranks is gone with Loyola, but one can never be sure — they are too subtle, too clever, even with the protective measures in place around Council installations, scans and arbitary blood testing.

To get back to the topic of Loyola, however, we found her body one day. Deceased. It was brought in for autopsy but we suspect the team handling the corpse was compromised and the body went missing soon after. All involved parties were contained and silenced. We still presume Loyola dead, though it might have been a ploy. Needless to say, something like this may never be allowed to happen again.

If there is anyone willing and capable to oppose the aliens, it is the Order. What the Council wants, ideally, would be a revival of the aliance that formed the backbone of the resistance during the Nomad War, though we realize this is ambitious and, in the light of events in the recent years, a long term goal at best. The most immediate concern therefore is rather twofold: The Council would like to propose a ceasefire and ultimately, to negotiate a lasting peace. Secondly, the Council would ask the Order's expertise in fighting and rooting out infected forces.

We stand much to gain from one another. Thank you for your time.

[Omicron]

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⧫ Akabat
⧫ Omicron Mu
⧫ 07/09/824
⧫ FROM: The Order Overwatch
⧫ TO: Benito Contari

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Truce?

One hundred years is certainly enough time for Maltese. However I had never set foot upon your homeworld and certainly this weird phenomena of perpetual unrest and civil war triggered by fall of Ghosts is not something that happens as often... and as brutally. I know however of the Contari family, one of the actual players in the game to fill the void that previous government left unfulfilled. It seems ideal of co-operation prevailed.

Before we can talk properly, there is one important prerequisite edict to be made. The Order Overwatch will announce fleet-wide cessation of hostilities with Nación del Malta across entirety of Sirius Sector within two standard Sirian hours. The Order Black Fleet will begin cascade new orders down chain of command to cancel all offensive operations and maintain pre-selected defensive positions across the front in Omicron Beta. I expect opposition from closet saboteurs and Nomad's own fifth column desperately wanting to destroy cease fire, therefore our northern fleet will stand its ground. Executing cease fire in practice ought to be responsibility of both sides, therefore I ask to keep a hotline open to prevent reignition of war.

It is my own hope that it is the last we hear about Loyola, but The Enemy is manipulative sort. I know well history of 'Outcasts' and The Order. After all one of our colonels had been most estimeed guest of yours at Cali, Tau 23 star system. Mistakes were made as Malta was overrun by bastards abiding alien scourge while my precedessors tied themselves to the Corsairs whose Elders cared little for our mission. Conflict was inevitable but you know this part of history very well.

Grand Admiral Michal Golanski
Black Fleet, 1st Battlegroup "Wargods"

[Foxglove]

As of now, all movement within the systems in the Omicron region has been largely arrested. Omicron Beta forces have withdrawn towards the northern half of the system, with Ruiz as the centering line. We have had reports of missing patrols that until now remain unaccounted for. Be on guard for any remaining Outcast identifications you come across on the souther half of Omicron Beta, because they are not responding to our calls.

Following the declaration, there had been surprisingly little damage done. We were on the lookout for sabotage within our commanding structure, potential acts of terrorism carried out against Council installations on Malta, Santa Verna, Valetta, Catania and Ruiz, but so far, there has been no such thing, besides the usual when implementing countermeasures, it seems.

Given your superior knowledge when it comes to these situations, I would like to ask your opinion on how to proceed. As it stands, we would like to give the situation a period of three days to develop, giving us the opportunity to see how and if there is going to be an incident within our ranks. Still, the situation as it stands is little more than a pause and I believe we both know that there will be steps necessary in order to proceed further. Eventually, we will need to approach one another, and the Council would like to ask your opinion on how this communion should occur.

[Omicron]

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⧫ Akabat
⧫ Omicron Mu
⧫ 14/09/824
⧫ FROM: The Order Overwatch
⧫ TO: Benito Contari

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Truce?

Suitable freighter had been prepared with commonly neutral IFF, compatible with Maltese and Order docking protocols. Piloted by a volunteer from among our ranks, cargo which contains particular set of devices you will require has been dispatched from our side of the DMZ towards Ruiz. Said devices are handheld analyzer meant to determine status of possibly infected within timespan of aproximate 10 to 15 seconds. They are capable of collecting adequate blood samples from tested individual and had been tested to cover for eventuality of false-positives due to lifelong cardamine-induced changes within Maltese body. Positive signal will indicate infectee with 100% accuracy but it is of no use towards those who follow them willingly and refused the parasite.

The community of those Nomad agents had coined themselves a term 'spectres' to identify themselves with. Those operatives are to various degree dehumanized towards struggle of our species. They are co-operating with alien scourge either to fulfill their own ambitions or generally are found appreciating Nomad civilzation over our own. No matter ther motvations, they tend to be indoctrinated with time to ensure unvavering loyalty. Few managed to escape this life, even fewer decided to co-operate with The Order. There is no other way than to apply standard counter-intelligence measures as you would with other spies. Assuming Loyola was not infected, she would be typical case of such operative.

There exist cults of various degree of affilation. Unlike what you could expect of typical sect, Nomad cults gather highly influential or simply wealthy individuals centered around infected 'medium' or active artifacts. Grey masses of Sirius are of no importance: Adding extra numbers only raises detection chance. Regular citizens need considerable assets or useful set of skills to outweight negatives of adding extra weight towards critical mass of conspiracy. Ussualy loyalty to Nomad cause is not enforced or even expected: more often than not such "gentleman clubs" have aspirations of their own considered pararel to aliens. You could say they dance with fire. Church of Sirius falls into this cathegory.

The old home of the Razgriz always resided near Nomad space. 101st always had found borderline heretical inspiration in everything alien, most of it attributted to late Doctor Jameson who was likely their last leader to hold Malta in iron-tight grip. In your place I would secure that place first, made easy by fact of limited entry points, creating natural chokepoints. That Sanctuary may still hold some secrets and archives concerning Nomad activity in Maltese space that albeit possibly outdated, may provide some clues, names and locations.

Expect The Order to send preliminary list of points that should be addressed in the future peace deal. While this may take precious time, I will relinquish and accelerate anti-Nomad aid and operations that might spread over to deeper Hispanic space with your approval indepednent from larger treaty. All future missions will be based from Omicron Beta, targetted against common threats like Nomads or Core. We will speak again soon.

Grand Admiral Michal Golanski
Black Fleet, 1st Battlegroup "Wargods"

[Omicron]

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⧫ Akabat
⧫ Omicron Mu
⧫ 26/09/824
⧫ FROM: The Order Overwatch
⧫ TO: Benito Contari

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Truce?

We are offering preliminary terms of Malta-Order peace treaty, for review by your government as detailed below. We will be awaiting whether you have anything to be added or negotiated by your side before we will make steps into making this official. Further assistance against Nomad threat will be provided thourough negotiations regardless of its progress.

⧫ The Order and lawful entities of Malta will enter into lasting peace, cancelling any hostilities between both groups, applicable to entire Sirius and Gallic sector. Both entities will ensure two-way amnesty for treaty-abiding elements.

⧫ The Order requires that our organization is removed as hostile agent from official documents of Maltese governments, public or otherwise for example Maltese Council Constitution. The Order built equipment and ships held by properly identifiable operatives of The Order be legalized in eyes of the law. Furthermore, trade restrictions on Kemwer munitions by witholded as product built and distributed by The Order and its logistic corps. The Order Overwatch will mirror and adapt changes on our side as well. Cardamine is deregulated to be carried and used in medically confirmed cases of severe dependency freely. Posession for distribution among colonies and installations of The Order Protectorate will be however forbidden.

⧫ Government of Malta will delegalize Nomad cults and remove its status as state religion from its own official documents. National Council will pursue and prosecute sects according to their own Maltese law.

⧫ The Order will cede any territorial claims of ownership of Omicron Beta as part of The Order Protectorate and cease any policing actions within the system in question. The Maltese Government will ensure freedom of movement for The Order operatives across this system, for purposes of accessing Sigma 19 and Omicron Xi. O.C.V. Amenta and its escorts will remain behind the armistice line unless properly authorized by Maltese Naval officials.

Grand Admiral Michal Golanski
Black Fleet, 1st Battlegroup "Wargods"

[Foxglove]

Grand Admiral.

We are grateful for the technical support provided by the Overwatch. The scanning devices have proven reliable and Council forces have successfully implemented the limited number available into the organisational structures of our police force. Allow me to note that I am actually surprised by how few people were actually able to be apprehended. Until now, Council compounds on Malta, Ruiz and Galicia were swept and the afflicted taken into custody. We find this approach to be the most wholesome, as the potential for violence is dimished if the afflicted are not put into a state where they fear for their wellbeing. Forgive our lenience, but a life lost is always a tragedy on Malta and we would rather keep the danger to our personnel as low as possible. Attached you will find statistics pertaining to the general level of infection found within Ruiz, which is the only place where we currently have enough data to compile such.

Pertaining to the terms you sent us, as a sign of good will, the Council has by way of interim order decreed the change of reputation towards the Order to be neutral. Furthermore, another interim order has been issued to preliminarily repeal the laws governing religion until such a time in which the Council may convene to decide a way to protect the legitimate interests of Catholicism in our society.

The Council, however, would like to request more time to discuss the issue raised in point two. While a legalization of Kemwer Munitions in an of itself is not the problem, the Overwatch's opposition to the Cardamine trade definitely is. Grand Admiral, I hope I have made the impression of a down-to-earth man to you, so I hope you will appreciate the input of a man who has lived more than a hundred years on Malta's soil: We cannot cease the Cardamine trade.

Please refer to chart two in the attached data. It shows the main export goods of our society, and a single glance will tell you why the cessation of the Cardamine trade is not only unfeasible, but also dangerous to the mere stability of our society. Not only ours, however, but those of foreign powers as well. There are dependent people in Liberty, Kusari, which are our main markets. The Golden Chrysanthemum come to mind as well.

I wonder, however, why is the Overwatch interested in the cessation of the Cardamine trade into the houses? If I am not mistaken, the Overwatch is treated as a terrorist organisation within all five Houses. I certainly wouldn't assume a relationship between the Overwatch and the Houses that is in any way reciprocal, so why extend the breath to act in their, alleged, favour?

You will hear from the Council within the next six days. We hope for a compromise.

Attachments

Maltese Exports

Ruiz Infection

[Omicron]

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⧫ Akabat
⧫ Omicron Mu
⧫ 27/09/824
⧫ FROM: The Order Overwatch
⧫ TO: Benito Contari

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Truce?

To clarify the miscommunication, the posession with intent to distribute is found illegal in regards to installations and colonies under governance of The Order's own chain of command. To specify, under terms proposed it is limited in scope to star systems of Mu, Epsilon, Sigma, Minor and certain pockets of Delta as specified by our own Code. The Order will not interfere with cardamine shipments outside of our own jurisdiction nor will it harass those who simply require it as basics of continued existence. However, we will not condone further spread of dependance among our own ranks.

The Order Overwatch, as an organization only intends to keep the Five Houses free of potentially dangerous alien artifacts as would responsible father keep dangerous objects away from children too young to grasp gravity of the situation. It is not done as 'favor' to any of their governments but from concerns of Sirian destabilization. 800 A.S. Nomad War unearthed so much of our basic tribal instincts. This is one of the reasons we are branded "terrorists" despite not carrying out terror campaigns or having no political goals to achieve.

The data provided show levels of infestation at dangerous level, eight percent of subverted inhabitants could've inflicted serious damage though sabotage or insurgency. Our intelligence estimates population of Ruiz at total of 300 and hopes that this trend is applicable only to space-borne installations. Every single one of these individuals is a potential combatant, civilians not being a concept written into Nomad's social structure.

Grand Admiral Michal Golanski
Black Fleet, 1st Battlegroup "Wargods"

[Foxglove]

Grand Admiral,

We apologize for the confusion. We suspect a defect in a translation protocol, since some on the Council do not speak English, therefore we had it translated to Maltese.

With that issue out of the way, the Council sees no problem in accepting the terms outlined above, with minor changes. Firstly, the Council would request that any Order personnel carrying ammunition designated as Kemwer abstain from approaching Outcast installations closer than ten clicks. We have no information on the materiel and would therefore not want any chemical agents that might react adversely with locally sustained ecosystems. The usage of Order technology by valid Order and Overwatch identifications shall be permitted. However, entities using that technology without proper Order or Overwatch identification will be captured or terminated as we need to assume that this technology has, in fact, been obtained illegally and remaining technology will be returned to the Overwatch.

However, there will be areas that remain off-limits for Overwatch and Order personnel unless authorized prior by the Council. Those areas include the graveyard in the Siniestre Cloud the wreck of the Sleeper Ship Hispania and the system of Omicron Phi. The Battleship Amenta may remain within the system of Omicron Beta if the Overwatch deems this move necessary. However, we would request the Overwatch and Order peronnel from abstaining to steer capital ships within the system of Omicron Alpha without prior authorization by the Council.

If this is acceptable, then I believe we have cause to raise the glasses.