When the doctor said he had, a few requests of his own, the colonel cast a glance at him. Back in the day, a hardline officer would have gone indignant at the mere notion that a person from Sirius would demand something of the Royal Navy. But times have changed, and so have the circumstances. And Maximilian wasn't an ordinary officer. That's why he restrained himself from any reaction, apart from the glance. Having listened to everything, Maximilian started typing again.
"The Gaians..." he finally found what he was looking for. "They have been a thorn in our side since the beginning. Believe it or not, doctor, we wouldn't have had an issue with them..." he then hit a button, and another report appared on the screen. "... if it weren't for their bombings and ambushes. Let alone them siding with Bretonian Armed Forces on multiple occasions, to the point that I would consider them a sub-division of the BAF. It was only natural that we retaliated then, and retaliate now against their raids."
Maximilian shook his head, wiping his face: "As a human being, I understand their motivation. Their entire House was at stake, and Gaia, the fabled planet-wide preserve was being colonized by the invaders. Exploited for its natural resources, treated just like any other planet. In their place, I probably would've done the same thing."
He then looked at the doctor: "And in their place, I wouldn't have stopped now. Especially now, since the Enclave has a steady influx of population. Our differences are probably irreconcilable at this point. Not because of us, but because their goals include keeping Gaia clear of any human involvement. That's obviously not an option now. Let alone the fact that the events at Leeds have made them even more furious at anyone Gallic."
The man took his seat again. "As much as I'd like to promise you that it's doable... I think you'll find it very hard to convince the Gaians to cease their raids. It would probably be as difficult as convincing the Enclave to give up on Bordeaux and its resources. And, if the Gaians find out that you're working with the Enclave..." Maximilian shrugged, giving it some thought: "... then they'd probably consider you a target either way. But if you think that negotiations can work, then be my guest. They certainly wouldn't listen to me."
He turned to the doctor again: "You mentioned you wanted to ask a few things. Assuming I've answered your question about Gaians, of course."
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Doc gave a nod. The Colonel was human and he respected that.
"I can appreciate you seeing things from the Gaian point of view," he replied. "Before the war, they fought tooth and nail to keep Bretonia from turning a paradise like Gaia into a smog haven like Leeds. They were caretakers of this planet. I do not know what minerals it has in it as my last report of it showed it not to have any but the plants and animals here are rare and many cases, dangerous. They understood this planet more than anyone."
He realized he was rambling and went back to his points. "I can help you here and am willing to but I will do so discreetly. We are not soldiers. We are medical people, humanitarians, researchers and scientists. What we gain in all of that is worth more to us than territory or prestige."
Then his face grew long. Leeds had bothered him, even angered him but he kept his composure through a straight face.
"Why Leeds?" he asked. "Billions slaughtered...women...children. I do not have any love of Bretonia but.......to turn a whole planet to glass.........As a humanitarian,I just want to know why."
Leeds. That topic had to come up eventually. The colonel knew it would remain a sore on the relations between Gallia and Bretonia for the decades to come, or even longer. He also knew what a well-known humanitarian like Doc Holliday would think about an atrocity like the Glassing of Leeds. After all, that very same doctor was about to risk his neck helping the refugees in a rogue state that was almost everyone's enemy. A seemingly-selfless person like John Henry Holliday wouldn't take kindly to the sensless slaughter that took place at the end of the war.
Maximilian figured that telling the truth — at least the Gallic side of it — was the best way. He gave the doctor a long studying look, thinking it over, and continued: "Multiple reasons. Despair, strategy, and lack of time." He sighed, looking at the monitor briefly: "Our homefront was falling apart. Without reinforcements and supplies from the Core Worlds, Bretonia and Liberty were about to push us back. Had they recaptured Leeds, they would've restored their industry. Maybe even invaded our home and prolonged the war."
Having finished his drink in one final go, the colonel continued, shaking his head: "What took place at Leeds was one of the contingencies of the Royal Navy. Destruction of Bretonian infrastructure to delay or avert the counter-offensive." He paused for a while, thinking briefly how to continue: "At that time, I was still in Gallia, evacuating some of the Royal Intelligence assets to prevent them from falling into the Council's hands. We just barely managed to send a warning to our subordinates on Leeds about what was to come."
He twiddled with the now-empty glass, deep in thoughts. What he said next wasn't directed at the doctor specifically. It seemed to be a confession to someone else. Or maybe a thought that Maximilian had been entertaining: "We are not the barbarians history would call us... Well, maybe we are, but... we weren't meant to be. If the command had more time... they would've just destroyed the production facilities, mining areas, and supply lines. They didn't have that luxury... so they did what they did."
With that, the colonel leaned backwards in his seat; elbows on the arm rests, hands put together, and fingers crossed. There was more military strategy involved than what he has just shared with his guest. But those were smaller details that seemed rather irrelevant. So there he remained, seated and waiting for a question or comment from the doctor.
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Doc just stared at him. He expected such an answer but it didn't make it any more palatable. His dislike of Bretonia was well known but even he had boundaries. No matter the time the Gallics didn't have, no matter the circumstance, he would never accept the glazing of Leeds. Too many died there....too many that had nothing to do with the war besides being born into it. His stare made him appear more vile than he actually was. He didn't need to respond to it. His look spoke much. He just turned and started collecting his rage.
"I am not a soldier. I was once an officer of the law. I have signed more death certificates alone than any organization in Sirius or even Gallia and quite frankly, I am tired of watching people tear each other apart over pride and honor. More than once I defied an order that I questioned to the point where I turned in my badge. I cannot save everyone but I will save all that I can." He wasn't sure what point he was making but perhaps it was him venting. "I want to work with your people...with all people....and not that they care but the DeFrance family has much to answer for."
He turned back around. "You, Colonel, are an honest man and I respect that. You did your duty as an officer and continue to do so. I also see a human being under that uniform. You, Sir, are the kind of man I can build a professional relationship with......if you are willing. We both have trust to earn."
He took a sip of his water, not sure of what to expect next.
It didn't take a Colonel of the Royal Intelligence to be able to read into Holliday's thoughs on the matter. Maximilian knew that any decent human being's reaction would've probably been the same. He even expected an insult at some point. The doctor, however, demonstrated surprising restraint, even turning away briefly while venting his emotions.
Despite believing firmly in his cause (or maybe because of it), Sain-Just agreed with the doctor's position, at least partly. He even nodded at the mention of the DeFrances having a lot to answer for, although it would be unseen. When the doctor turned back and gave his conclusion, Maximilian nodded more distinctly. His mind was made up.
"Tres bien, Doctor," the colonel stood up. "I guess we have an arrangement then: while you help the Enclave population on Bordeaux discreetly, I ensure that there're no incidents and do my best to keep the more... zealous members of the Enclave off your back." Maximilian extended his hand for a handshake. "There is a lot that can be done here."
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Doc nodded. It seemed like a fair arrangement. There would be at least one group in the area that would be at least friendly toward him.
"Colonel, just know this. It is YOU that I come to this arrangement with so it will be YOU that I answer to," he explained. "I do not know to whom this will be mentioned to but that is not my area of expertise."
He accepted his handshake. "With your permission, I have a small team that I will keep here to begin setting up. I will arrive later with my own transport to bring them what they need and provide you the name of someone who will be a contact for you."
He then put a strange smile on his face, "And please, if they tell you not to go into a certain area of where the planetary fawna is, listen to them. There is some very nasty stuff that will make a meal of you out there."
"I am not hard to find, Colonel," he added. "If I need any permits, let me know and I will apply for them."
Maximilian nodded: "Merci, I'll be careful. There's no permit system as of yet, that's something we're working on. In the coming days, I'll issue a general order to Enclave personnel to leave you alone or escort your vessels to one of our facilities while you're in Aquitaine, Brittany or Roussillon. Your team can stay here, of course; I'll leave some of my men with them to provide protection, from wildlife and overzealous individuals alike. They can also show your people around and help figure out a good place to base off."
The colonel gestured to the security guard who had been present in the room during the entire negotiation: "Please see to it that Doctor Holliday's men have all that they need, and that they travel safely." Maximilian then turned to the doctor again. "If that would be all, doctor, then we can begin. You know how to reach me." He made a gesture, and the guard stepped by the door, ready to open it for the doctor.
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He then realized he hadn't been speaking the Colonel's language. He often did this to show respect and ease tensions even if he spoke an older dialect of Gallic. His next few statements were in Gallic.
"Merci, Bocoup. I will have a small team of medical workers and researchers. They do carry sidearm but for personal protection only. Please, do not be afraid to ask them for something."
"And you know how to reach me as well, Colonel."
With that, he stepped through the door and went to his ship. Nicole was waiting for him.
"How did it go?" she asked him.
"Quite well," he answered her smiling. "Let us help the crews who are staying get there things together."
After an hour or so of getting their equipment together and getting them set up, he had a brief meeting with them all.
"You are guest here and I expect you all to respect them when we all work together. Represent Med Force Enterprises with honor and I will check in on you all when I can with supplies and technical group. If you need me or have a problem, call me."
He shook the hand of each person, thanked them for their service and boarded his ship, giving his host a salute before closing the door. Within a few minutes, the ship lifted off and left for Aquitane space.
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