Cross raised his hand once again, asking about Deterrence's expectations, base of operations and leadership.
" That's a good question, captain. The Empire expects this battlegroup to conduct sorties and raids within Liberty space. These sorties have the goal of liberating resources towards the Empire, and perhaps the forced acquisition of new warships and important persons of interest. Halberd Battlegroup will have no set bases of operations, that relies on the choice of each captain. As for the leadership, there will be no centralized leadership, as long as the results are satisfactory. Deterrence's High Command will step in the coordinate the battlegroup if required, but I hope it doesn't comes to that. Captains should lead their crews as they see fit. "
Tavros nods and looks around for any other raised hands. He sees that captain Spire has his raised. He's enthusiastic about roaming the Omicrons and aid the Corsair fleet.
" As I told Cross, Halberd Battlegroup can be directed to assist Empire forces as needed, if required. "
Tavros hoes around the podium, sliding his hand across the wood furnishing. He asks for the next question, and captain Erwin stands up. He presents himself before giving a long speech about how himself and his crew can be useful to the Empire, along with the engineering troubles his ship is facing. He also speaks about smaller topics.
" I'm sure our human resources agents have already found appropriate job positions for your crew, captain Erwin. "
He reaches for the red folder, taking it off Erwin's hands, quickly reading through it and giving it back to him.
" These people will work well with us. I guarantee. They'll be given all the capabilities to do so... And, about your vessel, captain Erwin. Our engineers are ready to give you any support you might need. The sooner your ship is ready, the sooner you are useful to the Empire. We have several large shipyards working at full capacity. I've pulled strings for the vessels of every captain to be put on a higher priority for repairs and retrofitting. This came with a great cost. The Deterrence, and I, hope that my investment was correct about the captains. The amount of resources and influence spent on this whole operation is something unheard of. This operation can not be a failure, and results must be presented quickly. "
Tavros returns to the podium, with a next slide presented with a saying: "What will be the future of the Veracruz people?"
" The people of Veracruz has a great debt with the Empire. Feeding, housing, healing those people came with no cheap costs. The Empire always uses its resources to their fullest and to their best efficiency. Rescuing the people of Veracruz is the Deterrence's greatest and riskiest investment so far. The captains and representatives, must prove their qualities to the Empire. We have no unlimited resources, and feeding foreign men and women comes with a strenuous diplomatic cost. Many would argue that those resources could be best spent nurturing our own people, but I am committed to this operation. This investment would open great opportunities to the Empire in the medium and long terms, along with, of course, a new life for the people of Veracruz. "
He takes a short moment to recover his breath.
" Shall the captains and representatives be successful and bring the Empire the resources it needs, Themselves and the people of Veracruz, one day, might be accepted as Cretans, with full rights, equal to a Corsair. The rights of a foreign refugee are limited, and we can not test the patience of the Elders any further. Captains, great responsibility lay upon every of you. Your people depend on your success. The Deterrence must provide significant returns to the political class of Crete, and fast. "
Captain Cross was content to sit through this round of inquiry. Though his relaxed mood would be changed when his XO leaned into his ear.
"Sir, Emear reported in. He said two Corsair battleships and a Brotherhood bomber, just threated military action against the fleet in orbit. The DTR fleet got in their way causing them to back down. It would seem that DTR alone made this decision to host us." The XO whispered.
"That is troubling, lets hope the rest of the Corsairs wont start a civil war over this." Cross replied.
"Sir, you should also know that some among the crew are beginning to question whether or not the Corsairs are the right choice for us. Some still want to try our luck with the Order."
"I understand, but at the moment we need to repay our debt to DTR first before we event consider contacting the Order. If the Order is willing to take us in then I rather leave DTR on good terms. They never did reply to our first message." Cross went silent for a few moments as he thought about the paths lied out before him. "Make sure that the Montana is battle-ready I rather not be a sitting duck if the rest of the Corsairs try something."
After Tavros has finished his last sentence, Spire has raised hand again and stand up.
Captain Tavros, as what we said earlier is already promised, lets get the ship repairs done so we can be of full service once more and help you achieve your goals. Once your ship is repaired you can fully count on us to protect your people.
With a smiley face, he said to Tavros:
You know, our crew is getting impatient for some target practicing and I have heard you have many. You are always welcome onboard, this Battlecruiser is equipped with one of the finest guns out there. You can test them yourself.
Miles stood silent, patiently waiting for the other captains to ask their questions. Not only that all his potential questions were answered, and by not asking any questions himself he managed not to raise any suspicions. An alternative destination in case the Corsair deal went south is a must. The current state of things surely isn't pink, but at least we're all in one piece.
Of course, the Corsairs have interests in our capital vessels and their vast firepower. Only the Richmond alone can wreck havoc with its frontal cannon. But, as of now, no alternatives present themselves. Better alive and at the order of the Corsairs than going down with Vespucci. And I have to admit, another opportunity to strike down the Liberty forces is hard to resist.
Realizing it's about time he says something, Miles rises from his chair, addressing captain Tavros: Silence can be seen as an answer, one that can be interpreted, so I will be short and clear. On behalf of myself and the entire crew of the Richmond, we find agreeable what we've heard so far, and we're delighted with the prospect of venturing into Liberty again. You can count on us to project your interests there.
Tavros hears the eagerness of the captains, smiling with satisfaction.
" And one more thing: If the members of the Battlegroup find other Insurgent ships that are astray, the captains are allowed to recruit them to Battlegroup Halberd. Direct them to Crete, and they will be assimilated into the Empire. If they bring valuable technology, ships or information, the captain who recruited might be eligible for a bonus, along with their crew as a whole. "
He looks around, nodding.
" Let me express my satisfaction with this meeting. I personally have great hope for this operation, let this not be a disappointment. "
Tavros takes a deep breath, and speaks with a firm tone.
" We're nearing the conclusion of this meeting. The final questions and suggestions will be answered now. After that, Battlegroup Halberd will be officially activated. Speak freely. "
"We have no further questions, by your leave I would like to begin discussing what was transpired here with my command staff. We will await further word from our hoists as to ship refits."
Tavros points towards the crowd, lifting his chin, inviting questions. But none came. He lets out a satisfied smile.
" It is, then... This session is finished. The captains, upon leaving the imperial palace and return to their vessels, will be given all the paperwork to begin officially. Corsair crewmembers and representatives will be transferred to the Insurgent ships as agreed. I expect close collaboration between the Corsairs and Insurgency. "
Tavros reaches for a tablet, signing the creation of the Alabarda Battlegroup.
" Today marks the beginning of a new era of Corsair diplomacy and resourcefulness! " - Tavros shouts with his fist clenched.
The Deterrence Corsairs present cheer and clap. The projector displays the flag of the Corsair empire, along with the national anthem, which is sung by the Corsairs present. After the anthem, the lights of the auditorium shine bright, reflecting off the golden decorations. The Corsair diplomats and politicians get up and start chatting with each other in their language, some begin leaving. Tavros takes his folder from the podium and reads it briefly before leaving the stage by the guarded side doors.
The captains are escorted back to their individual rooms where they stay for a couple hours while their shuttle is prepared. They set flight to their stations and base of operations soon after, where they meet again with their now Corsair/Insurgent mixed crew and retrofitted ships. The exterior hulls look the same, but inside the Liberty components were replaced by borderworlds and Corsair technology. The halls speak Greek, Spanish and English. A new challenge await the captains.
A great burden of responsibility fell on each captain. They have the huge challenge of being accepted by the Corsair society and politicians, while keeping themselvers and their crew alive. This fragile balance will seal their fate. Will they come off as foreign heroes and die fighting for a cause that aren't theirs, or be labelled as opportunists and traitors?
Whatever is the true debt, it has already been paid - But they don't know how.
INSURGE TO FEAR A new, yet old, life for insurgents